30 January 2025
9 mins Read
Now you’ve picked Byron Bay as your destination and mentally packed your itinerary full of the best things to do in Byron, the only question that remains is, where to stay?
Whether it’s a special occasion or just an excuse to amp up the TLC, these romantic accommodation options will leave you in the mood for love.
Bed down at this serene haven. (Image: Property Shot Photography)
Best for: Sustainable seclusion
The Byron accommodation offering got a whole lot more beautiful when it welcomed Blackbird – an environmentally sustainable, luxury assortment of self-contained pavilions and facilities. What started as the brainchild of James and Stella Hudson quickly blossomed into a secluded oasis, framed by acres of the famous green rainforest and hinterland. The couple spend the day rustling up breakfasts and pizza on-demand, offering local recommendations, sorting in-room massages or on-site yoga.
Wake to spectacular views of Cape Byron and the Pacific Ocean, and spend the day in your own little world – or if you fancy, 30 minutes away in the buzzing town centre.
Expect total bliss at this boutique hotel. (Image: The Atlantic)
Best for: Sun-drenched stays
For those who have been to Byron before, many of these accommodations require very little introduction. The Atlantic is one of them.
This ultra-trendy boutique hotel puts the bay at your fingertips, with four unique cottages all lovingly restored with meticulous attention to detail.
Soak up the sun on the lawn, read under a palm tree and enjoy balmy evenings by the fire – romance comes naturally at this coastal home away from home.
A three-bedroom retreat perched on the treetop with rainforest views. (Image: Shambhala)
Best for: Barefoot beachfront escapes
Hidden in the exclusive enclave of Belongil Beach is Byron’s best-kept accommodation secret. The four unique cottages of Shambhala are set within the rainforest, yet remain one of the few properties positioned right on the sand.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by magnificent temple doors and statues, leading to both the accommodation and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living spaces, all with absolute beachfront access.
The suites are spacious and feature a freestanding bath. (Image: The Bower)
Best for: Reigniting passion
Say hello to Australian beach style, reinvented.
Similar to the famous Halcyon House in Cabarita, The Bower reimagines the iconic surf motel, combining the barefoot ambience of Byron Bay with contemporary luxury. And we do mean luxury…
Standing on almost half a hectare, this New York-inspired property offers accommodation in an array of formats; including barns, cottages, hotel rooms and suites. There’s also an award-winning circular swimming pool, framed by low-hanging palm trees and that famous Byron foliage. A stay here will reignite your faith in romance – if not with each other, then with the design decisions of this incredible property.
Spend your days relaxing poolside.
Best for: Relaxing poolside, all day
Glistening pool, utter relaxation and some of the best serenity Australia has to offer, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to head to Elements of Byron. Six years in the making, the property opened in 2016 after a $100 million beachfront build. Now, it’s heralded for its design, eco-values and luxury appeal.
Spend your days surrounded by bures, settees and hanging lounges by the lagoon pool. It’s the jewel in Elements’ crown. And when you’re all baked out, book a session at the popular Osprey Spa – in advance if possible.
Each suite boasts understated coastal elegance. (Image: Madeleine Johnson/Sean Fennessy)
Best for: Celebration luxe
Housed on the most coveted real estate in Byron Bay, Raes on Wategos is a boutique retreat that embodies the very definition of opulence.
This perfectly quiet pocket of Byron Bay, with its sparkling turquoise waters and pretty beach houses tucked into the hills, is more beautiful than words can explain. From the moment you arrive at this white 1960s villa on the edge of the idyllic Wategos Beach, you can tell you are somewhere special. Accommodation options include a villa, two penthouses and four luxury suites, enjoyed after a night of modern Australian at the Raes Dining Room, and sunset drinks at the Cellar Bar.
Best for: Beach-adjacent romance
Bed and breakfasts are the backbones of any romantic escape – aren’t they?
Our pick is the Byron Cove Beach House, the ultimate place to indulge, luxuriate and cocoon. Retreat to one of four studio-styled rooms, all fitted with luxurious furnishings, large beds and an ensuite. Then, finish your stay with an extensive selection of delicious breakfast options. Situated right next to the bustling town centre, it’s only a minute’s walk through the nature track and over the sand dunes to Belongil Beach. Perfection.
Cape Byron Retreat offers a soothing respite. (Image: Supplied)
Best for: Hideaway vibes
Sit back, relax and enjoy the hinterland serenity at this adults-only retreat.
The beauty of Cape Byron is both its scale and locale. At three acres, the tranquil heaven offers expansive views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), and all the fresh air your heart could desire. It feels a world away, and yet it’s only 7 minutes’ drive from the heart of town (and its beaches). Select from one of eight rooms, ranging from deluxe king villas to cottage studios and spa rooms – just to turn up the dial on the romance. Some rooms also have kitchenette options, which is an added bonus for those who splurged on accommodation.
No matter which room you choose, Cape Byron Retreat will deliver.
Relax on a cosy sun lounge by the pool. (Image: Beach Suites)
Best for: Partners with pets
Overlooking the iconic Main Beach, Beach Suites offers the best in upscale stylish boutique studios and large, airy apartments. If you want somewhere to park and call home both short and long-term, indulge in a setting that is individually catered with all the modern conveniences. There are flat-screen TVs, free wireless Internet, Foxtel, intercom access and secure undercover parking in an unrivalled, central location. They are also the only pet-friendly luxury option in the area, which is perfect for couples who travel with companions.
Retreat into architectural villas with lush garden views. (Image: Jess Kearney)
Best for: Luxe with a side of wellness
Nestled in the hinterland behind Byron, The Brooklet is a beautifully curated luxury escape to revive all romance. There are one- two- and three-bedroom architectural villas set on lush and undulating gardens, but you’ll only need one bedroom for intimate interludes, where you can either cosy up by your indoor fireplace or lounge by the property’s 25-metre pool. You can also enjoy some wellness as a couple with the hot tub, ice bath and sauna or book in for a massage in the stylish treatment room.
Bespoke suites exude coastal charm. (Image: Bask & Stow)
Best for: Tropical vibes
Five king-size bespoke suites all white-washed and infused with Byron style are set just a short stroll from dazzling Clarkes Beach. Here you can let the salt dry on your skin as you return to your soothingly styled, air-conditioned digs or refresh in the beckoning plunge pool. Elegant and thoughtfully curated, Bask & Stow will restore your lovers’ glow.
Bask in unparalleled comfort at 99 Acres. (Image: Supplied)
Best for: Courtship in the countryside
This ridge-top retreat in Bangalow spoils guests with sweeping 360-degree hinterland vistas. There’s a five-room guesthouse or four stand-alone villas, each with its own deck, to settle into for some couples’ downtime. Take the eight-minute wander into town, revive in the 99 Acres pool or just watch the sun disappear in a pantomime of golden hues from your deck.
Best for: Asking the big question
Right on the NSW and Queensland border, about one hour from Byron, this tranquil rainforest sanctuary is the perfect place to cocoon away with your better half. Whether you opt to snuggle up in a creek-side spa cabin soundtracked by melodic water, a canopy or glass terrace bungalow, or one of the luxury lodges with private plunge pools, you’ll be in a lushly hemmed heaven where the pressures of the outside world can’t intrude. Head to the bar lounge and wine cellar for a cosy drink before enjoying dinner delivered to your room. And when romance really is the only requirement, you can take the matrimonial plunge in style with one of three proposal packages to choose from.
Best for: Love on a shoestring
Love doesn’t always require a huge investment. Lock in for nature-edged romance with glamping in a stylish belle tent at Byron’s Ingenia Holiday Park. There are no half-deflated blow-up mattresses and soggy canvas here, but rather a plush, king-size bed, air-conditioning and private deck. Festooned with fairy lights and nestled amid the 28-acre beachfront park, it’s ideal for budget liaisons.
Rooms feature an elegant combo of velvet and timber furnishings.
Best for: Retro vibes and relaxation
Swell Hotel is all sumptuous 70s-style interiors that foster connection and relaxation. While it’s located in the middle of town, this adults-only stay has 16 uniquely designed suites which means you won’t be fighting for pool space or yearning for peace and quiet. This is a wellness-drive retreat, so expect a state-of-the-art cedar sauna, magnesium mineral swimming pool healthy elixirs served poolside), infrared sauna and an ice bath.
Originally written by Eliza Sholly with updates by Lara Picone
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