Hotel review: Swell Hotel Byron Bay

This stylish, bohemian stay is the ideal crash pad for exploring Byron Bay. If you can tear yourself away.

Part of a swell of elevated accommodation options to open in Byron Bay in recent years, Swell Hotel is a boutique, adults-only bolthole just steps from the beach and the buzz of this perennially popular holiday town.

But while it is close to the action, this artfully renovated motel manages to feel a world away; the result is a laid-back oasis of 1970s style that marries a Californian sensibility with Byron coastal cool. All wrapped up in a swathe of tropical gardens and with a focus on wellness befitting of its location.

It clicks into gear on arrival: there’s no reception desk per se but guests are greeted warmly and – having been checked in by the bar – furnished with a welcome cocktail. A decadent bronze velvet sofa invites lounging before you’ve even stepped foot in one of the 16 rooms.

Location

a retro caravan at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — A retro caravan set in Swell Hotel’s lush tropical garden. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

At the corner of Butler and Lawson streets, Swell Hotel is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main drag of Jonson Street and a five-minute walk from Main Beach. It is ideally placed for those who want Byron’s best bits – from its surf, shops to restaurants – right on their doorstep.

Style and character

the lobby interior of Swell Hotel Byron Bay — The 70s-inspired adults-only retreat is awash in earthy shades. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

All crushed velvet meets sandy tones, Swell Hotel channels the golden glow of the 1970s and Californian coastal chic through a contemporary Byron lens.

It was reimagined by Byron-based interior designer Nyree Mackenzie and incorporates unique custom furnishings, such as fossilised coral lighting in collaboration with social enterprise Marovo Island Traders.

a look inside Swell Hotel Byron Bay — The Bohemian-style interior is custom-designed with hand-carved wooden side tables. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

Artworks by local artists such as Francesca Owen and Georges Antoni, and curated coffee table books (think Slim Aarons’ poolside shots and Rizzoli’s Kate Moss tome) add further character. A rich layering of textures, patterns and materials is simmered down in a muted palette of natural tones. The result is a laid-back luxury that feels considered and comfortable.

It’s bohemian Byron cool, without trying too hard or coming on too strong. It’s a sweet spot that extends to the atmosphere of the hotel, which is welcoming and makes you feel part of the club.

Facilities

a woman walking by the pool at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Take a dip in the ozone magnesium pool. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

The grounds of the hotel have been cultivated into a tropical garden dotted with nooks for reading, sitting and chilling under the dappled shade of a pink umbrella. It houses a retro caravan that doubles as a kitchen and a tipi where I join a yoga class with fellow guests on Sunday morning.

The garden also sets the stage for relaxed Sunday Sessions and long table lunches; check website for listings.

the infrared sauna and ice bath at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Indulge in a complimentary session in the infrared sauna and ice bath. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

Swell Hotel’s wellness zone is tucked into a corner of the property and – when in Byron – it’s here that I try contrast therapy for the first time. Guests are offered one complimentary 45-minute session each, where they can hop between the infrared sauna and cold plunge. Chill out afterwards by the hotel’s magnesium mineral pool and order a cocktail from the pool menu – because what is wellness without a healthy dose of hedonism?

The hotel also offers full-body massage and LED Light Therapy in its Treatment Room and the complimentary use of retro 88 surfboards for those looking to catch some waves.

Rooms

a coffee-toned room at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — The clay-toned rooms exude laid-back sophistication. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

There are 16 rooms in total, each decorated in a rich earthy palette with plush furnishings and colour schemes that vary from green and stone to dusty pink and coffee tones. Choose between garden-view rooms; poolside rooms; the more private hideaway rooms; and a two-bedroom suite that comes complete with its own living room, private entrance and garden terrace.

a sleek bathroom at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Each room is fitted with luxe amenities. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

The bones of an old motel have been cleverly reworked to create surprisingly spacious interiors. Expect a king-size bed with a statement headboard, a small dining alcove and lounge area, LED television with Chromecast, a sleek bathroom with soft Terry cotton robes by OAS and Rohr Remedy amenities.

the Garden View Room at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Settle into the serene Garden View Room. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

Our serene sage green Garden View Room has a bi-fold window that I slide open to access the semi-private garden space outside. There’s a capsule coffee machine with Allpress Espresso pods and a minibar that includes locally sourced drinks and snacks like house cocktail mixers and Byron-made Loco Love chocolate.

Food and drink

a welcome cocktail at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Sip on a signature cocktail upon arrival. (Image: Jessie Prince)

A welcome cocktail sets the tone on arrival. There’s a compact breakfast and snack menu available, which you can order at the bar and enjoy in the leafy garden, communal lounge or back in your room. Ingredients are seasonal and sourced from the Byron Farmers Market and local organic suppliers.

Breakfast might include paleo granola, chia pudding, avocado toast, spelt banana bread or sourdough crumpets. An afternoon menu features items such as Bay Smokehouse fish rillettes, vegan dips and an antipasto plate of cured meats, cheeses and olives.

food and wine by the pool at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Order wine and snacks from the poolside bar. (Image: Jessie Prince)

Allpress Espresso coffee is on order too, as well as a selection of health-conscious drinks including ceremonial matcha, adaptogenic hot chocolates and tonics to combat inflammation or boost hydration.

The food menu is deliberately pared back to leave space in your itinerary (and stomach) to explore the wealth of restaurants and bars on the doorstep.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Swell Hotel is not wheelchair accessible.

Family-friendly?

This is an adults-only stay, with a minimum age requirement of 21.

Details

Best for: Couples or friends looking for a chilled Byron crash pad that still places them close to the action.

Address: 11 Butler Street, Byron Bay

Room rate: Rates start from $400 per night in winter and $450 in summer

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

This luxe Byron Bay gem has sunset yoga, retro decor and beach access