Review: Elements of Byron Resort & Spa, Byron Bay

We spent a weekend in Byron Bay, NSW, in the middle of winter but we weren’t disappointed.

Setting up at the Elements of Byron Resort & Spa, from the moment we drove down the drive towards the impressive main building – the Pavilion – we definitely felt like we were on a summer holiday.

The retreat, which is only 18 months old, has been lauded for its design, eco values and luxury appeal.

That’s something we definitely noticed straight away as we headed to our own private villa, surrounded by the natural bushland that’s been preserved across a large part of the 50-acre property.

Make sure to follow the map carefully though, so you don’t pull up at someone else’s cabin, or end up on the exercise lawn by accident.

Apart from the natural bushland, wetland and lakes, the other crucial part of a ‘beach holiday’ is – you guessed it – the beach!

Luckily Elements is located on the magnificent Belongil Beach, with a stunning view of the lighthouse and Cape Byron from the resorts’ own private beach club.

Just a 10-minute drive from the town centre, it’s like in the thick of it, without actually being in the thick of it.

You can take your time, suck in that big breath of fresh air and maybe even run into a local bush turkey on the paths around the resort like we did.

Now, when it comes to the cabins themselves and the facilities – that’s certainly where the luxury part of the equation comes into play.

As well as the private beach access, facilities also include a day spa (but make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment), an up-market restaurant, nature trails and a fire pit.

But the grand centrepiece is Element’s 40-metre infinity lagoon pool.

Yes, even in the middle of winter this area is hard to miss and even harder to stay away from. There is a spa to relax in, but even the pool’s temperature was comfortable.

The best part was definitely the adults-only area – featuring huge hanging lounges that let you drift to sleep literally floating above the water. Although the water below was freezing at this time of year!

We did eventually make it to our private villa – and by private we mean there was at least 25m between us and the nearest neighbouring cabin. Lucky number 24.

All up the resort has 94 eco-friendly studios and villas ranging from the entry-level Botanica studios to two-bedroom cabins. You can choose from a forest, dune or wetland location – we were near the lagoon, which was beautiful.

RELATED: Inside the first ever five-star hotel in Cuba
RELATED: Forget hotels! You can holiday in these castles

Now they may look modest from the outside but don’t be fooled. These villas are part laid-back Aussie beach hideaway and part swanky international hotel.

We were blown away by the beautiful interior; the hardwood floors, artwork, lighting, the smart televisions. Oh and the bathtub, housed in it’s own semi-outdoor room, was amazing!

Room service was available but we decided to check out the Graze at Elements restaurant housed in the Pavilion. It was only a short stroll from our villa and umbrellas were provided, which was lucky because by this stage the rain had set in.

Whether it’s seafood, steak or a wood fired pizza you’re after; the restaurant had it all at a reasonable price for the chef-quality meals you were served. The dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There was no better place to end the night – once it stopped raining – than around the fire pit along the edge of the infinity pool. Curl up on the huge lounges, soak up the warmth and enjoy the peace and quiet on Fire Pit Fridays.

Wantmore celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.