Resort Review: Crystalbrook Byron

Byron Bay is regarded as a premier wellness destination for good reason. The entire region inherently promotes the benefits of positive living, from nutritious meals to healing treatments. I checked into the Crystalbrook Byron and immediately exhaled, my rainforest suite was exactly that, a beautiful room in a natural forest setting complete with birdsong echoing amid a canopy of dense native trees.

Yep, this place sounded like a relaxation app in real life. I planned to unpack and step out for poolside canapes but instead laid down to test the bed. Turns out I slept until sunset.

Forest bathing is a thing and I had inadvertently experienced it upon arriving. I woke from my slumber, not recharged but certainly relaxed. I passed a cute little echidna on route to Forest restaurant. Dinner under the stars was a delight, a farm-to-plate style dish followed by cheese and a little wine.

The next morning, I slept in and missed the yoga session but was right on time for my spa appointment at Eleme. The high-tech infrared sauna there balanced my chakras with a colour coding mechanism – true story and then the expert fingertips of my Japanese spa therapist transported me to a magical place of surrender and rest. 100% would recommend.

A Luxury Retreat in Byron Bay

Checking into the recently refreshed Rainforest Luxe Suite confirmed what my instincts had already nudged me into believing – I really needed this soothing, wellness retreat, away from the hustle of Byron streets but close enough to head out and explore my surrounds if need be. The ultra private space features a king bed nestled before a dreamy rainforest vista and are just a short stroll to a white sand beach.

Seeking more space for a crew of your best gal pal mates or planning on taking the family on a Byron Bay getaway? In that case, I’d choose the Treetops Luxe Suite hotel room. It’s perfect for small groups and this two-bedroom haven features two separate living areas, two bathrooms and two thoughtfully designed kitchenettes. NB: interconnecting rooms are available on request.

Crystalbrook Byron – activities & facilities

I surprised myself by not spending every waking moment getting pampered into a relaxing trance at Eleme spa and decided to up the action stakes (ever so slowly) with a game of golf (over the road and just the 9 holes for me) at the Byron Bay Golf Club – which is a great space to pull up a pew, enjoy a cold brew and admire the grand view from the clubhouse deck. FYI – this venue has great live music acts from time to time too.

In other resort activity news, I joined in a few rainforest morning yoga sessions, went nuts on the breakfast menu with a lavish omlette & a cold pressed juice before jumping in the car and heading for a surf in the corner of Tallow’s Beach (which is only 5 mins up the road) .

No car? No problem. There’s a regular resort run courtesy bus to town on a return loop. How about some casual eats within walking distance? It’s a hop, skip and a jump to Suffolk Park for a divine curry at Yellow Flower (this place is a local insitution) or the hit up the Suffolk Bakery for a beaut beach picnic spread.

Crystalbrook Byron Dining

Forest is a delightful spot to shimmy on in come evening – I adore their fresh menu, the ambient setting and the extensive wine list (which, I ahem, thouroughly researched).

Passionately local, over 80% of Forest’s ingredients come from within a three-hour drive of the resort. The environment also sits close to heart, with the restaurant using only sustainably sourced seafood and free-range proteins. Plus, they are doing their bit to grow, consume and compost with their on-site herb gardens, four beehives and seven Subpods®.

Sustainable Initiatives

In this day and age of dubious ‘green washing’ tactics within the tourism industry, it’s fantastic to see that Crystalbrook Byron embodies and more importantly, actions sustainable tourism practices.

The resort embraces the principles of sustainable development including inclusivity, integrity, transparency, and accountability. It has features appointed EarthCheck Coordinators who drive their Responsible Luxury actions.