The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa

Byron Bay

At the eastern most point of the Australian continent, the white lighthouse of Cape Byron sweeps its beam over the horizon of the commune of Byron Bay between the hilly jungle of the back country and the long stretches of golden sand beaches which have become a favorite of surfers seeking to challenge the rolling waves of the Pacific. This peaceful little seaside resort of Byron Bay moves at a slow relaxing pace compared to the hustle and bustle on the streets of its neighbor, Gold Coast and the area along the Pacific Highway.

“It’s a magical place,” according to the resort’s manager, Lyn Parché. “The Byron at Byron has a spirituality, a positive energy.” Once an animal breeding area and an important fishing port, the city became a coveted tourist destination in The 1970s, after surfers discovered the extraordinary wealth of the spot. Ever since, the commune has become an extremely popular vacation area. Its simple, laid back life style has survived the negative aspects of mass tourism, probably because of the spirituality surrounding the place.

“We’re in the caldera of the Mount Warning volcano. An old aborigine wise man told us that it was a great place for healing,” Lyn Parché recounts.

When resort is synonymous with the environment

Just five minutes from the town center, The Byron at Byron’s resort is in the heart of the tropical forest’s lush vegetation, a vast and protected zone, watched over by its ancestral owners, the Arakwal aborigines, “Inspired by the surrounding nature,” the 92 suites open onto the outside plunging guests into the warm, humid and chlorophyll atmosphere of the sub-tropical climate. Built completely with wood, the hotel was designed with the goal of preserving Byron Bay’s most precious possession, its environment. “When Gerry Harvey purchased the land in 2002, its immense potential convinced him that it was possible to build a resort which would be harmoniously integrated into the environment and capable of offering visitors a relaxing stop for the mind and the body.” explains Lyn Parché, the hotel manager. Relaxation, awakening of the senses and a high quality open-air restaurant which has become a gastronomic must are the keys to the resort’s success. The cuisine, using local ingredients combines the subtle tastes of the region with Mediterranean influences, under the leadership of prize winning Chef, Gavin Hughes.

The resort, the pride of Byron Bay has already attracted numerous celebrities including Tara Reid, Barry Humphries and even Moby, some of whom have stayed here several times.