Byron Bay is a favourite holiday destination for many Australians. Byron At Byron is one of the best resorts in the area and most certainly one of the few family friendly ones.

 

The resort occupies 40 hectares of beautiful rainforest with a few suite complexes with wonderful names like Waterlily and Rivergum spread around the resort. Each building has no more than 10 suites and feels very private. Most rooms look out onto a rainforest or a creek.

 

Accommodation

 

Byron At Byron has only 90 rooms – all very similar in size and style. The only difference is proximity to the beach, a spa bath (or absence of it) in the suite and slightly different finishes. The resort was built 10 years ago but it hardly shows its age. The suites are designed in a very neutral style with tiled floors, beech furniture, white plantation shutters and bright bathrooms.

 

All rooms have a small living room with an L-shaped sofa (or sofa bed in some rooms), large flat screen TV and a kitchenette. Kitchenette has everything you might need for a night in – cooking utensils, plates and cutlery, little stove, microwave and even a washing machine. I guess having such a well-equipped suite gives customers a choice to dine out or eat in. Very handy for couples travelling with young children.

 

In my opinion the suites are designed for couples, not families, but resort has an option for interconnecting suites, which would be ideal for those who come to Byron on a family holiday. There are only two of those available, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

 

Facilities

 

Byron At Byron has the best of both worlds – the rainforest and the beach. For nature lovers there are board walks throughout the resort where you can spot wildlife or settle in for a meditation.

 

For more active guests there is a tennis court (with private coaching available), gym, bicycles and of course a long beautiful beach, perfect for a sunset walk or a morning jog. The beach is not patrolled but the water looks very inviting. You might not be able to resist jumping in on a sunny day.

 

The heart of the resort is the glistening blue pool and a chic terrace facing it. The pool is heated to 28C, so even during chilly winter months it is popular with dedicated swimmers and younger guests. We love the stylish deck chairs and Balinese cabanas on the lawn surrounding the pool – it is a magical place to hang out in summer.

 

Another feature we loved is a complimentary yoga held on most days at 8am on the terrace. I joined one class and found it very relaxing and easy going; a good class for all levels.

 

The Spa

 

Byron At Byron has a lovely spa that uses natural iKOU spa poducts and is inspired by nature therapists who take healing seriously. Massage seems to be the most popular therapy and it is performed in a heated massage room with relaxing music and candle light. My therapist was wonderful and steam room and a spa were a perfect complement to the treatment.

For couples looking to experience an indulgent treatment together there is a couples room and a variety of packages that would relax even the most stressed executive.

 

Dining

 

Breakfast is served in the main dining room between 7.00-10.45am. Guests can choose to be seated either on a terrace or inside. The breakfast features a lot of lovely fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, sourdough bread and a selection of cold cuts and cheeses. There is a selection of standard hotel hot dishes too but we found a freshly prepared omelette to be a better choice.

 

Dinner is a very special affair at Byron At Byron. The chef himself, Gavin Hughes, visits farmers markets once a week and picks the best local ingredients to incorporate into the week’s menu. We had a pleasure of tasting a few of the chef’s special dishes and they were outstanding. The dishes that took our breath away were grilled prawns, freshest salmon and scallop sashimi, Balinese style barramundi curry and poached stone fruit.

 

The atmosphere at dinner is really lovely too. Book a seat on a terrace and enjoy the sounds of rainforest, gentle candle light and beautiful food in a romantic setting. Families tend to dine inside, so the terrace seems to be reserved for romantic couples.

 

We also loved Penfold wine tasting, something Byron At Byron is trying out at the moment. You can try some of their vintage shiraz and cab savs between $2.50 to $25 per 25 ml or you for serious red wine lovers can splash out on a glass of 2010 Grange at $120.00.

 

The Lux Traveller Loves

 

The rainforest setting of the resort

Beautiful beach at the doorstep

Main pool and terrace – great gathering place for guests during the day

Romantic dinner setting and magic food

 

Splitting Hairs

 

Suites are designed for couples, not families. If you are used to travelling in style, book early to reserve one of the two interconnecting suites at the resort.

 

 

All In All

 

The Byron At Byron is a great option for couples looking to holiday in Byron Bay. The resort is well priced and offers comfortable accommodation and fantastic facilities. The beauty of Byron At Byron Resort is that you can spend the whole day here– go for a walk, have a game of tennis, relax in the spa, spend an afternoon by the pool and finish off with a romantic dinner. There are not many places in Byron that can boast such wonderful facilities.