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Occupying a 45-acre pocket of subtropical coastal rainforest on the southern edge of Byron Bay, Crystalbrook Byron feels a lot like a high-end Balinese beach resort – a very holiday-mode, everything-on-tap destination with an admirably progressive sustainable ethos.
Formerly The Byron at Byron, the property used to attract an older clientele, but under the Crystalbrook brand it’s found a cooler, more community-focused rhythm. Unlike a lot of larger, resort-style stays, it’s got a tangible sense of soul – it’s something that’s hard to define, but it’s alive in the air and in the friendly, casually luxe atmosphere. Guests wander around the wooden boardwalks linking the resort barefoot and laughing, with pool towels slung over their shoulders, and with a huge pool, tennis courts, spa and a very good restaurant on site, plus almost-direct beach access (Tallow Beach is a few metres from the edge of the property), it’s the kind of place you really don’t need to leave.
What are the rooms like at Crystalbrook Byron?
Dotted around the property – hiding at the end of tree-shrouded boardwalks – you’ll find 92 suites. Ours was C75 – one of the light-flooded rainforest suites, home to a large bedroom and bathroom, a kitchen/sitting room and a glass-walled relaxation pod between the treetops. The decor is a little dated, but the rooms are super comfy and kitted out with everything you need to make this your base for a good few days (yep, even washing machines).
Is there a restaurant at Crystalbrook Byron?
Adjacent to the hotel’s breezy lobby, you’ll find Forest: an open-air restaurant serving a gorgeous (but relatively expensive) seasonal menu that spotlights local ingredients. There’s also a poolside bar offering a more laid-back menu, and everything we ate during our stay was really delicious: good, wholesome food that’s clearly been sourced and cooked with care.
What is the service like at Crystalbrook Byron?
The hotel’s General Manager, Scott Ratcliffe, spent nine years at Qualia – arguably Australia’s best high-end resort – and the hotel pedigree has filtered through to the staff. Service feels warm and not overly polished, which fits with the friendly, unpretentious atmosphere.
Is there a pool at Crystalbrook Byron?
The 25-metre mineral-enriched infinity pool – shrouded by palm trees just beyond the main lobby – is the jewel in the hotel’s crown.
Is there a gym at Crystalbrook Byron?
Adjacent to the pool, you’ll find a relatively small but well-equipped gym – it’s nothing to write home about, but it has everything you need if working out is high on your holiday hit list. The boardwalks linking your room to the main communal areas will keep you moving, and there are bikes available to borrow for free if you want to explore on two wheels.
Is there a spa at Crystalbrook Byron?
There certainly is, and it’s a heavenly little oasis of calm operated by a team of serene, intuitive therapists who seem to derive genuine joy from making people feel better.
What’s the area like around Crystalbrook Byron?
A lot of people would book a stay at the hotel for the location alone – hiding in a lush pocket of rainforest on the outskirts of the most famous beach town in NSW (you’ll find our full guide to the Byron area here). Town itself is a seven-minute drive (the hotel provides free shuttle buses several times a day), which I think is an advantage – there’s a buzz in the centre of town that’s fun to dip into, but staying on the outskirts allows you to properly switch off. Beach-wise, Crystalbrook is steps from the shore of Tallow Beach, a gorgeous 6.5-kilometre stretch of sand that’s arguably one of Byron’s best-kept secrets. The neighbourhood of Suffolk Park is also on the hotel’s doorstep, and during our stay, we met a handful of locals who use Crystalbrook as an extension of their backyard (locals’ memberships include access to the pool, yoga classes, discounts on food and drinks and more). I wonder if it’s the presence of the locals that made the vibe at Crystalbrook so soulful – in a way, the sprawling verandah and pool area really did just feel like the (enormous) garden of a very wealthy friend. It’s worth noting that the locals didn’t overrun the place or make it too busy, but added a sense of community and place that can be hard to achieve in big properties geared towards tourists.
Why should you book a stay at Crystalbrook Byron?
For an easy, super laid-back Byron getaway with everything you need on tap, and a rainforest setting that’s guaranteed to make you feel like you’re officially on hols.
Address: 77/97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481
Price per night: From $320 per night
Closest transport link: Ballina Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.
Book now: Over here.
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