I’ve long been a fan of Byron, ever since my first visit over 13 years’ ago. I love the way you feel like you’ve been transported to a completely different country the moment you set foot in the town. I try and go back at least once a year and this year is no exception. When I was invited to Elements of Byron Bay for a two-day stay, I jumped at the chance.
Getting there
Getting to Elements of Byron is really easy. Whether choosing to drive or fly, you can guarantee that stresses will be left at the door as you’re transported to a piece of heaven at the exclusive resort. I swear I felt like I could be in Fiji or Bali.
We decided to drive up from Sydney, which wasn’t as painful as you might expect. The drive is 8-9 hours depending on if you take a scenic route, or put your pedal to the metal. With a banging playlist, great company and a scenic stop of for a lovely lunch (We stopped off at Seal Rocks), you can’t go wrong.
I’d recommend setting off early doors (we left Manly at 7:30am), so that you can arrive at Elements just in time for check in at 3pm.
If you’re someone who prefers to travel in style, and doesn’t mind the whole experience of getting to the airport, check-in process and waiting around in the airport, then flying might just be up your alley! You can get a number of flights per day from Sydney with Jetstar, Rex, Qantas and Virgin and the flight time is just under an hour.
One thing I will note is that by the time you’ve got the the airport two hours before departure, got the flight and made your way from Ballina or Brisbane airport to Elements, the travel time isn’t vastly different to self driving. Booking flights in advance is greatly recommended and taking cabin baggage only can greatly reduce the travel time.
Arriving in Paradise
Upon arriving at Elements of Byron Bay, you are greeted by the friendly staff and transported away from the hustle and bustle instantly, even the car journey (no matter how much fun it is), is a distant memory.
You’re greeted by a view of the resort pool and the fire pit, which is lit on Friday evenings from 3-8pm, perfect timing for our arrival.
Heading to the room
We were provided with the keys to our home for the weekend, which was a Dunal Villa, a luxury one-bedroom villa. It is a short stroll from the beach with a King bed with ensuite, private bathhouse and indoor living area with gas fireplace.
https://elementsofbyron.com.au/villa/dunal-villa/ Dunal Villa One-bedroom villas, just a short stroll from the beach. King bed with ensuite, private bathhouse and indoor living area with gas fireplace.
Dunal Villa private bathhouse
A perfect sanctuary, within a short stroll to the beach, it truly felt like home for our short (yet idyllic) stay. I treated myself to a Bath prior to departure on Sunday, which was needed and provided an hour or complete relaxation, the best way to end to visit to Elements.
Pools for all patrons
Safe to say there are choices for all guests at Elements of Byron Bay. The Central Lagoon Pool is temperature controlled year-round. The sprawling main pool is massive and complete with toddler section and hot tub. The attentive staff on hand to take your drinks and food orders on-demand.
For those who are taking a break with a significant other, or the kids are being left at home there’s also an adult only pool. The swim up bar provides an air of luxury which is gratefully received. The cocktails are so tasty and the food (which is Eastern European influence) hit the spot every time.
The Adult only pool complete with swim up bar
Noting the food stops service at 5pm, so get in before the sun starts to set to take advantage of child free fun.
Eating at Elements
After a swim at the adult only pool, and a quick freshen up at the villa it was time for food. After a nine hour drive we were ravenous, so very excited to see what was on the menu.
The restaurant is called Azure Bar and Grill, World-class chefs celebrating local produce. Served in one of Byron Bay’s best restaurants. It’s not only the hotel guests who can dine in, it’s also open to the public every day for Lunch and Dinner.
The wine list is extensive and the dinner menu leaves you spoiled for choice. Whether you’ve got a tickle in your taste buds for a traditional wood fired pizza, or local catch of the day, it’s got you covered. I couldn’t resist the steak, which was outstanding!
https://elementsofbyron.com.au/food-drink/
The breakfast is also served at Azure in the morning for guests, which comes as part of a package, or incremental cost depending on which package you’ve paid for.
The breakfast is made to order and the choices cater to all tastes. I’m a sucker for a big breakfast when I’m on my holidays, and it sure didn’t disappoint.
Chilling at the spa
No trip to Elements is complete (in my humble opinion) without a trip to Osprey Spa for some indulgence and much needed me-time. I decided to go for the the ultimate personalised spa experience. Here you can blend your favourite spa treatments to create your perfect spa package. I was transported to another world as I focused on unwinding and rejuvenating with 2-3 hours of complete bliss.
https://elementsofbyron.com.au/spa/
The staff an incredibly professional. I had a foot treatment prior to a full body massage followed by a facial and head and neck massage, heaven! I couldn’t recommend the treatments more highly. You deserve it. I literally floated out of the treatment room.
Other activities at Elements
In the morning the resort provides sunrise yoga on the beach for all guests. In my opinion, it is a must. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, the instructor caters to all levels of competency. Situated on the deck overlooking the beach it is tranquil, invigorating and truly sets you up for the day. The view isn’t half bad either!
Sunrise Yoga by the Sea
It is perhaps without any surprise that I will 100% be going back to Elements. Each time you go, there’s so much to do that each trip would look completely different. We didn’t need to venture out of the resort for our two day trip, the perfect sanctuary to escape and unwind.
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