Opened in 2016, Elements of Byron is a 5-star resort proudly cultivated on Bundjalung Country, home of the Arakwal people. Just a 10-minute drive from Byron Bay, this jewel in Byron’s rainbow crystal crown spans 50 acres of pristine beachfront rainforest, offering a harmonious blend of nature, luxury, and sustainability. Karryon’s Matt Leedham checks in for a magical father-son staycation with his 10-year-old adventure seeker.
People come to Byron Bay for all kinds of reasons, but whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a deeper connection with nature or, indeed, your spirit animal, the magic of this place surrounds you from the minute you arrive.
Elements of Byron offers something for everyone: a place to gather, celebrate and contemplate, a family-friendly experience, a lover’s retreat into nature and wonder, and a sense of connection that goes far beyond an ordinary hotel stay.
For my 10-year-old son and I, it’s a treasured opportunity to disconnect from the rest of our family and screens for two nights and experience some memory-etching adventures together on a first-ever staycation. It’s our time, and we’re excited.
Arrival and check-in
Arriving on a Friday afternoon, we’re greeted by the chilled-out atmosphere that Elements is known for. The sun sets over the lagoon pool as Firepit Friday gets going, with mesmerising flames flickering away and a local musician setting the scene. The check-in process is friendly and efficient, instantly immersing us in the resort’s relaxed, retreat-like vibe. Even though we’ve only driven twenty minutes from the other side of Byron Bay, where we live, the shift in energy and move to ‘resort time’ is noticeable immediately.
Sustainability and regeneration are at the heart of Elements. The 24-hectare resort sits within an ecological hotspot that features four distinct ecosystems: rainforest, dunal, wetland, and eucalypt forests. Only 10% of the property is developed, with the rest serving as a reserve for 19 endangered species.
The room
Nestled across the property and enveloped by wetlands, tea tree creeks, lakes, and native fauna, the resort features 203 standalone villas, each designed to immerse guests in nature. Our vast 111 square metre two-bedroom Deluxe villa allows us to feel deeply connected to the natural surroundings while enjoying all the stylishly modern comforts and plenty of privacy. The convenience of driving right up and parking outside adds to the laid-back experience.
The eco-inspired aesthetic outside flows into the interiors, which feature reclaimed timber, high ceilings, and a simple colour palette. Each villa is equipped with everything needed for a contemporary self-contained retreat, including a full kitchen, a private bathhouse with a huge tub to soak in, dreamy beds and even a belly stove to build a cozy fire safely.
I especially love the local produce touches that infuse the space with Byron Bay’s unique charm—think Brookies Byron Dry Gin, Husk Bam Bam Spiced Rum, Loco Love chocolates, and Bay Tea Co. products.
The villas themselves are also designed to minimise energy and water consumption, and the resort (invisibly) recycles and composts all its organic waste.
Once the sun sets, the resort transforms into a magical wonderland of fairy lights. Walking along the snaking network of pathways, surrounded by the sounds of nature, is a treat at any time of day. The illustrated signs scattered throughout the property explain the native flora and fauna and are also a lovely touch to educate as you go.
Facilities and experiences
Elements features an impressive array of facilities catering to every type of traveller. The main drawcard is the spectacular 850,000-litre heated infinity lagoon pool, fringed by tropical gardens, cabanas, hanging chairs, and on-demand food and beverages delivered to your lap, just a QR scan away from Breeze Poolside Bar & Eats.
My son and I particularly enjoy the oversized heated jacuzzi by the main lagoon pool. We spend hours soaking, chatting, and swimming together under the sun and the stars. We drink a lot of pink lemonade and have many belly laughs. It’s heaven.
For grown-ups craving some responsibility-free downtime, there’s the adults-only Summer Salt pool with a swim-up bar and more of a tropical beach bar vibe. Though I didn’t visit this time for obvious reasons, I hear the poolside mezze platters and Negronis are excellent.
The outdoor parkour playground, tennis court, and giant outdoor chess set provide plenty of competitive fun for all ages. My son beats me in a best-of-three-timed race on the parkour course, but I make up for it later with a beach fun run win (just). We’ll sleep well tonight.
As Byron’s only beachfront resort, a leisurely 30-minute stroll along Belongil Beach gets you right into the heart of Byron Bay. For those seeking to stay where they are and relax by the waves away from the action of Byron, Botanica Beach Lounge offers plush day beds with uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean and, at this time of year (August), humpback whales migrating south with their newborn.
Another notable feature is the world’s first solar-powered train, which shuttles guests on an immaculately restored 1949-era heritage train 10-minute journey between the resort and Byron Bay throughout the day. Bikes are also available for those wanting a more active way to explore the area.
Naturally, wellness is at the heart of the resort, with Osprey Spa offering holistic treatments designed to rejuvenate body and mind. Free first-light beachfront yoga, a 24-hour indoor gym and outdoor fitness equipment, and easy walking trails add to the resort’s focus on health and well-being. There’s no spa time for us, but instead, we enjoy some more organically generated wellness in the form of a couple of nature trail walks together, marvelling at the beauty, birdsong and quiet around us.
Dining options
Azure Bar & Grill celebrates the region’s outstanding produce with a rotating seasonal harvest of native ingredients, adding a unique twist. Whether it’s a casual breakfast on the terrace or a more formal dinner, the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes dining here a pleasure.
The menu is extensive and caters to all dietary needs and appetites, with a sizeable kids’ menu that my son especially appreciates. In fact, he ranks the wood-fired pizza among the best he’s ever had—a big claim considering we recently ate our way through Italy.
For those who prefer to stay in to graze, the in-room dining service offers a diverse menu of goodies, including kid-friendly options, delivered to your door in eco-friendly packaging via golf buggy.
Native foraging experience
One of the highlights of our stay is an unofficial native foraging tour with Veronika, the resort’s Food and Beverage Manager, where we get a sneak peek at their newly launched Native Menu. This experience introduces us to Australia’s native flora and fauna first-hand and showcases how Elements’ on-site bush tucker bounty is being curated and integrated into the resort’s culinary offerings.
During the walkabout, we learn about Davidson plums, native juniper, and warrigal greens, all harvested on the property, and the exact ingredients used in the resort’s kitchens. Veronika also demonstrates how paperbark from the trees on the property is used to smoke beetroot, giving dishes a rich, earthy flavour, which I find fascinating.
As our walk continues, we also discover zesty finger limes, saltbush, river mint, lemon myrtle, and native ginger—just a few more of the native ingredients featured in Elements’ cocktails and dishes. Regeneration continues to be a core value here, with $5 from every Ocean Breeze and By the Sea cocktail also going to Seabin, a local ocean-cleaning initiative.
The best part? Afterwards, we get to enjoy a delicious two-course lunch at Azure Bar and Grill, curated by award-winning Executive Chef Ebony Baker. The lunch uses the same ingredients as the resort’s new Native Menu rainforest-to-table dining experience.
The first course features Tempura zucchini flowers with Smoked cashew and almond cream, basil, lemon, caponata, and grilled zucchini with bunya nut and macadamia nut praline. For the main event, it’s native blackened snapper with Warrigal green lemon butter sauce, Ballina pipis, native blackened spice mix, potato fondant, and lime cheek and is absolutely delicious.
There’s also a unique Birds of Isle Rum and Tonic to try from nearby Murwillumbah. It’s made with native Australian bunya nuts that are foraged, opened by hand, roasted, and then fire-charred.
Despite enjoying the foraging tour, all of this gourmet foodie talk is a bit too fancy for my 10-year-old son. Thanks to the kid’s menu, he opts instead for a cheeseburger and fries, which, at first bite, he declares, “is so good!” Everybody is happy.
The verdict
Elements of Byron combines the best, dare I say it, ‘elements’ of Byron Bay—its natural beauty, commitment to sustainability, and a genuine sense of community. From stunning coastal landscapes to luxurious eco-conscious villas, it’s a place where you can reconnect with nature, your loved ones, or yourself while enjoying all the comforts of modern hospitality.
It’s worth mentioning, though, that this is a different type of luxury from what some may expect from a traditional 5-star property. This is not the place for gaudy interiors, butlers or lovers of gold taps. For me, the luxury difference and proposition come from the regenerative and stylish considerations that have gone into designing Elements, the privacy and peace it offers, and the transformational opportunities and natural connection it presents.
For my son and I, this stay is more than just a getaway—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with the world around us and each other. We leave refreshed, inspired, and deeply appreciative of the magic that is Elements of Byron.
Already, my son insists that he and I will be coming back—and for the record, not with his big brother.
The Details
Location: Elements of Byron
144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay, NSW 2481, Australia
Villa #: 198
Check-in: 3pm / Check-out: 11am
Starting room rate: Rates for a Deluxe two-bedroom villa start from AUD$1425 per night.
Elements Native Menu: A Wildly Sophisticated Dining Experience is now available at the Azure Bar and Grill for all in-house guests from September 11 to November 30, 2024. It includes an immersive foraging tour led by esteemed naturalist and Elements Grounds & Activities Manager Alistair Oakma.
Matt Leedham stayed as a guest of the hotel.
