Although just a stone’s throw from the main township of Byron Bay, Elements of Byron feels like an all-encompassing world of its own. Set on the coveted foreshore of Belongil Beach, Elements of Byron is laid out over 50 acres, spanning 203 one- and two-bedroom villas bordered by estuaries, rainforests, and of course, the beach.
While the diverse landscape surrounding Elements of Byron is undoubtedly one of the five-star resort’s primary drawcards, the other one is its wide breadth of amenities. The main building houses a cafe and restaurant which looks out at the expansive central lagoon pool and fire pit, while a spa, adults only pool, tennis court, and gym are dotted throughout the resort. Oh, and there are also over 2km of eco trails to explore.
Despite its expansive nature, thoughtful design layout precludes Elements of Byron from feeling too large. Cabins are arranged in a vaguely circular fashion and are linked by driveways that recall those found in the Australian caravan parks of yesteryear, bestowing the resort with a faintly nostalgic tone. To that end, each cabin comes with its own dedicated car space, making it easy to tote your luggage in and out.
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Working in harmony with the surrounding nature rather than attempting to dominate it, each eco-friendly standalone cabin melts into the landscape thanks to cladding in earthy tones that echoes the environment around it. Surrounded by foliage and situated next to the rainforest trail, our self-contained one-bedroom villa proved an oasis of calm. Interiors are relatively understated, defined by whitewashed walls and blonde wood which take a backseat and allow the nature around the cabin to take centre stage, aided by floor-to-ceiling windows which frame the lush greenery beyond and an enclosed deck with a gas fireplace that epitomises indoor-outdoor living.
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While the interior decor is nothing to phone home about, the comfort factor cannot be overstated. The colossal king-size bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve slept on, while the plush pillows provided such a good night’s sleep that I found myself stripping the pillowcase off the next morning to sus out the brand—as a particularly finicky sleeper when it comes to pillows, this is no small compliment.
However, one does not come to Elements of Byron to linger in the room (or villa, as the case is here). Beyond the sliding doors, a veritable mecca of luxurious facilities awaits. The aforementioned driveways deftly link each facet of the resort together, with handy maps at every turn making it easy to navigate the vast space.
Now, it should be mentioned here that visiting places laden with expectations should be accompanied by a certain wariness. And with Elements of Byron having received rave reviews over its eight year tenure, the resort is inextricably tied to expectations. Like many travellers, resort and hotel reviews are instrumental—although not the sole factor—in guiding my decision on where to stay. With that in mind, I’ve read dozens of reviews touting Elements of Byron as the be all and end all of wellness and relaxation in Byron, with some travellers before me going so far as to cite the resort as a place for transformative mind and body experiences. So, while I’d ideally like to walk into every destination unshackled by the burden of expectations, sometimes it’s inevitable.
With our stay coinciding with the winter school holidays, expecting a complete oasis was a bit of a stretch. While the lagoon pool initially lured us in thanks to its impressive size, eminently Instagrammable rattan lounge pods cantilevered over the water, and endless rows of sun loungers, the high-pitched caws and splashes courtesy of primary school-aged children wasn’t quite the desired vibe. With that in mind, we swiftly made our way towards the adults only pool.
Ah, much better. The rectilinear pool is surrounded by sun loungers and generously sized cabanas which are positively asking to be sunk into. It’s worth mentioning here that all the pools at Elements of Byron are temperature controlled—a necessity when visiting during the winter months—with the adults only pool featuring a swim up bar. Taking cues from our fellow—thankfully moderately pitched—guests, we set up camp with a book and enjoyed the sunny Byron weather.
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Over the past eight years, Elements of Byron has garnered a reputation for being the spot for locals and holidayers in the know. However, its boastful reputation is one of its few pitfalls, with the barefoot luxury resort facing one of the key issues that accompanies popularity: people. While the surrounding environment has retained its untamed beauty and the resort’s facilities remain unblemished, sometimes the crowd can leave a little to want for (sandy toddlers cannonballing into the jacuzzi while lackadaisical parents scroll their phones undeterred springs to mind…).
That said, the vastness of the resort acts as an antidote to such interpersonal woes. Elements of Byron shines in its ability to curate spaces for socialisation and respite in equal measure. In addition to the adults only pool, the latter can also be found in the eco trails that border the resort, as well as in one’s own room. The aforementioned enclosed deck in particular seamlessly blends the comfort of the indoors with the restorative benefits of green space, with the space looking out onto the forestry. There’s also the freestanding bathtub which allows you to wind down after a taxing day by the pool by listening to the sounds of nature while taking a long hot soak.
Meanwhile, those who don’t mind getting their shoes a little muddy would do well to take the wetlands trail, a breathtaking route surrounded by tall yellowed grass and pale trees as far as the eye can see. If wetlands aren’t to your taste, there are also rainforest, dunal, and woodland trails to explore, each showing off the region’s diverse ecosystem.
With its enviable coastal location, it would be remiss not to pay a visit to the beach. During winter, only the truly brave dare take a dip in the ocean, but much pleasure can be derived in kicking back on one of the recliners at the beach club, ideally with a drink in hand, and watching the waves crash on the shore.
While Elements of Byron mightn’t be the supreme pinnacle of wellness and relaxation that bloggers and journalists tout, there are indeed several avenues to find serenity. With its secluded yet accessible location, panoptic approach, and generously sized self-contained villas, as well as its adroit marriage of green and blue spaces with man-made luxuries, the barefoot luxury resort remains a stalwart for providing a choose-your-own-adventure style holiday with something for every taste.
The lowdown: Elements of Byron, Byron Bay
The hook; why stay at Elements of Byron?
Making use of its beachside location and the surrounding greenery in equal measure, Elements of Byron deftly intertwines blue and green spaces to create a sanctuary from the nearby township as well as a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The expansive barefoot luxury retreat caters to multivarious tastes, with options for families and childfree travellers alike.
Tell us more
Located on the foreshore of Belongil Beach, Elements of Byron is spread across 50 acres of grasslands, natural waterways, and forest. The resort encapsulates laidback luxury, with a mecca of facilities and hospitality offerings on site.
Assimilating to the landscape rather than attempting to overpower it, both public and private spaces take their cues from nature. The main pavilion—which houses the resort’s main restaurant, the Azure Bar & Grill, and looks out to the central lagoon pool—looks to the curvilinear forms of sand dunes; bathed in soothing sandy tones with not a sharp angle in sight. Meanwhile, cabins utilise neutral, earthy tones that blend into the foliage and lagoon around it, while understated interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows allow the greenery beyond to shine.
How to get to Elements of Byron
Elements of Byron is located 2.5km north of the Byron Bay township. The resort is a 30 minute drive from Ballina airport via the Pacific Highway (M1) or a 45 minute drive from Coolangatta airport via the Pacific Highway (M1). Both airports also offer shuttle services in addition to Ubers and taxis.
Rooms and suites
The resort is home to a total of 203 rooms, 99 of these being two-bedroom, two-bathroom villas. There are also a few wheelchair accessible studios, with the rest being one-bedroom villas. Bathed in neutral tones, the luxury villas are spacious and well-appointed, with ample room to spread out and relax.
While inoffensive, the interior design could benefit from the addition of a little more personality, perhaps by the way of some local flavour. Artwork by Byron-based artists and swapping the somewhat harsh dark grey L-shaped lounge for one with a more organic shape would work to soften the interiors and make them more memorable.
Premium one- and two-bedroom villas are equipped with full kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, a private bathhouse, and enclosed deck with gas fireplace, and an open-plan living area. The L-shaped living area faces a wall-mounted TV and leads out to the enclosed deck, which is fitted with screens to keep insects out while letting fresh air in.
The kitchens are equipped with a stove, dishwasher, convection microwave, mini fridge, Nespresso coffee machine, and a generous assortment of teas, as well as a well-stocked mini bar for those wishing to imbibe.
Bathroom products?
Bathroom products are by Australian brand Appelles. Expect to find shampoo, conditioner, and hand and body wash in the shower area, and hand and body wash and body moisturiser by the bathroom sink.
Comfort factor
Elements of Byron is home to some of the most plush beds and pillows, with the supreme comfort factor ensuring a good night’s sleep. The spaciousness of each villa means you never feel cramped or crowded in with your fellow travellers. Each villa has several areas to take respite; the deep soaking tub, enclosed deck, and living area being but a few.
Food and drink
Housed in the main pavilion, Azure Bar & Grill is the primary hospitality offering at Elements of Byron. It’s open for breakfast (buffet and a la carte available), lunch and dinner, with the option to sit in the formal indoor dining area or enjoy your meal al fresco amongst the palm trees and lush greenery. Both pool areas also have a dedicated bar; the Summer Salt Bar services the adults only pool with swim-up cocktails and finger food served in the cabanas, while the Breeze Cafe at the central lagoon pool offers drinks, snacks, share plates, and smoothies. Of an evening, drinks are also served at the fire pit tucked in front of the central lagoon pool.
Down at the beach, the Botanica Beach Club serves cocktails and light snacks out of a retro camper van.
Spa and facilities
Elements of Byron is known for its world class facilities, and the resort doesn’t disappoint here. In addition to the central lagoon pool, adults only pool, and direct beach access, there’s also complimentary sunrise yoga every morning and the option to book a horse ride with Zephyr Horses.
The on-site Osprey Day Spa, exclusively available to guests, offers a comprehensive menu of treatments—including facials, exfoliation, and massages—within a soothing environment.
Those wishing to exercise can do so at the gym or by booking the tennis court (equipment provided). While the eco trails aren’t technically a facility, they’re well worth a mention, with a walk through the rainforest or wetlands going a long way towards calming the mind. Complimentary guided nature walks (with dedicated options for children) are available.
The service
The self-contained nature of the villas mean service is relatively unobtrusive, displayed more through the prep work and details than overt attention. However when required, staff are friendly, helpful, and attentive.
Sustainability initiatives
Sustainability is an integral part of Elements of Byron. Passive solar design and water sensitive urban design are incorporated into the architecture, allowing for energy and water consumption to be minimised. Each villa is also equipped with an Energy Management System to monitor individual energy use.
Anything else?
The verdant foliage that wraps the entirety of Elements of Byron wasn’t always there; thoughtful landscape design has seen the introduction of over 65,000 native trees and plants, with the foliage continuing to be carefully cultivated and maintained. To this end, Elements of Byron is an exemplar of how built environments can give back to the ecosystem.
AR Verdict
Elements of Byron shines in its ability to provide something for everyone. Though it’s not the be all and end all of wellness on the east coast, there’s ample pleasure to be had for every type and style of traveller; from couples wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and families wanting to enjoy the school holidays in style, to friends or solo travellers seeking to reconnect with nature.
Elements of Byron is open for bookings, with prices starting at $650AUD/night.
Address: 144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
Words by T. Angel
Feature image courtesy of Jeff Julia
