Tucked away on 45 acres of magical subtropical rainforest, Crystalbrook Byron is the luxury rainforest escape you’ve dreamt about. Boasting private rainforest suites that are practically hidden among the treetops, you’ll feel a world away from your troubles as you soak in their ultra-deep bathtubs, sip a wine on your verandah overlooking the lush surroundings or meander through the seemingly endless rainforest trails.
While it’s less than ten minutes drive to the heart of Byron Bay, you’ll feel worlds away and we certainly wouldn’t blame you for not wanting to leave your slice of paradise. And with a jaw-dropping onsite restaurant, world-class spa, sauna, infinity pool and beach access, why would you? Let’s dive into what your stay at Crystalbrook Byron might just look like—and why we think it needs to be on your travel bucket list.
The Rainforest Suites
Image Credit: Crystalbrook Byron | Supplied
Nature and luxury meld seamlessly at Crystalbrook’s 92 rainforest suites nestled among the treetop canopy. As Crystalbrook describes it, ‘...the spectacle around you comes courtesy of your other host: nature. And we’re proud to be the co-star’. You can choose from six different types of rainforest suites, but they all boast enclosed verandahs showcasing lush rainforest views, rain showers, kitchenettes, spacious living rooms and most have a freestanding deep soak bathtub. Bliss.
Each suite is designed as a mini home away from home… only much better. Every detail of the capacious suites has been meticulously designed to ensure nature is the star at Crystalbrook Byron and we love that this ethos is reflected in Crystalbrook's commitment to responsible luxury sustainability. Everything is locally sourced, recycled or upcycled where possible, you won’t find any plastic bottles here and the bathroom amenities are zero-waste. Oh, and all of the suites are less than a ten-minute stroll right to the secluded Tallow Beach.
Forest Restaurant
Image Credit: Crystalbrook Byron | Supplied
Many might think of a hotel restaurant as an afterthought to the accommodation, but this couldn’t be further from the truth at Forest, Crystalbrook Byron’s signature fine dining restaurant. Set overlooking tropical rainforest, nature is all around Forest and this is reflected on the plate, with over 80% of ingredients sourced within a three-hour drive and all ingredients sustainably sourced. You’ll even see hive-to-plate honey from Crystalbrook’s onsite beehives on the menu and climate calories are listed beside each menu item. We dig it.
Now, the food. Forest is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (to both hotel guests and the public) and all of the dishes have been carefully created to showcase the freshest seasonal produce—with a fine dining twist, of course. On the dinner menu, distinctly Australian flavours feature; from the grilled wattleseed flatbread with whipped lemon myrtle butter to the grilled kangaroo skewers with macadamia satay and saltbush.
Image Credit: Crystalbrook Byron | Instagram
On the mains front, the Ballina prawn fettuccine with chilli sesame crunch is sublime and if you’re sharing then you can’t go past the whole crispy fried snapper with shaved fennel. As difficult as it might be, keep room for the deceptively decadent chocolate PB&J with coconut ice cream and the refreshing avocado and lime parfait. Of course, elevate your dining experience with locally-inspired cocktails, Byron Bay beers and vino from the impressively extensive wine list.
Eléme Day Spa
Image Credit: Crystalbrook Byron | Supplied
The peaceful Eléme Day Spa is effortlessly sophisticated, taking inspiration from its natural surroundings—the spa has been designed with soft curves, lighting and indoor-outdoor spaces with natural materials, textures and neutral palettes to create a welcoming flow. The moment you step inside, you’ll feel relaxed and we promise you’ll feel even more rejuvenated after a treatment.
The spa menu is flexible, so the therapists can personalise each treatment to best suit you—whether that’s a muscle-melting massage, a nourishing facial or a detoxifying body polish. Our top pick? The Bejewelled by the Sea massage will have you floating out the door. You can also indulge in couples treatments, group therapy, chakra healing and meditative stone massages.
Everything Else
So you’ve sipped a vino in your bathtub, soaked up the rainforest views, dined at Forest and even rejuvenated yourself at Eléme Day Spa? Fear not, Crystalbrook Byron still has plenty in store for you. Soak up sunshine and unwind poolside with cocktails and pool service by the 25-metre infinity pool or heat things up at the sauna.
Meander through the seemingly endless rainforest trails, hire a complimentary bike and make trails to Byron Bay, enjoy a short walk over to the tranquil Tallows Beach or slow things down with daily morning yoga.
This is your sign that you need to book a luxury rainforest getaway at Crystalbrook Byron—and thank yourself later. Book here.
Main image credit: Crystalbrook Byron | Supplied