As we are the fashion and style team at The Australian Women’s Weekly, knowing the best spots for weekend getaways and idyllic photoshoots is one of our specialities. So if you’re on the lookout for a seaside getaway, look no further than Byron Bay.
Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most famous coastal destinations. It’s known for its laid-back vibes, lush Hinterland and bustling food scene, and it is also home to some stunning surf beaches.
Whether you are just stopping in for a quick weekend escape or hoping to stay longer, booking the right hotel can make a world of difference. For shorter stays, opt for something in town like the stylish Marvell Hotel, and for a longer, more luxe stay, opt for somewhere out of town like Sunranch to disconnect and immerse yourself in the surrounding nature.
And we aren’t the only ones who think so. In the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards 2026, they named Hotel Marvell the Best Boutique Hotel!
While there is no shortage of places to stay in Byron, we have compiled a list of our favourite stays in Byron Bay (you might even spot a couple from the magazine!).
Top hotels in Byron Bay in 2026:
- Sunranch, Byron Bay Hinterland (here’s why)
- The Sunseeker, Byron Bay (here’s why)
- Hotel Marvell, Byron Bay (here’s why)
The best Byron Bay hotels 2026

01
Sun Ranch
Sun Ranch
Location: Byron Bay Hinterland
Inspired by the ultra-chic Californian ranch houses of the 70s and set in the Byron Bay hinterland, Sun Ranch is a laid-back, luxury 55-acre estate just minutes from the historic town of Bangalow. If you are looking for a coastal luxury escape, farm-to-table dining, poolside lounging or a day spent on horseback, Sun Ranch has it all, and for all those wellness-obsessed, wind down with daily yoga, saunas and ice baths or swim some laps in their 25-metre pool.
Sun Ranch offer a range of room options from its Adults only Pool Suites (perfect for couples with warm interiors and access to a private pool) to its Sun Ranch Barns. These are located a bit further up the hill and offer a gorgeous panoramic view of the Hinterland. They sleep four people, and with a private kitchen, this is perfect for families and a cosy stay, complete with a fireplace.
But if you’re after the ultimate cowboy den, the Private Suite is perfect for those who need a little more space. Each guest receives a cold beer or salty Margarita upon arrival – a perfect start to a holiday!
Key features:
- Deliciously fresh farm-to-table menu
- Sprawling 25-metre hillside pool
- Wellness centre with sauna and ice bath, and complimentary daily yoga available
- Horseback riding is available upon request
- Beautiful communal spaces throughout the ranch

02
The Sunseeker
Booking.com
Location: Byron Bay
The Sunseeker takes the nostalgic charm of an 80s brick motel and has transformed it into a tropical getaway for the conscious traveller. Tucked away from the vibrant hustle of The Bay, The Sunseeker offers the perfect blend of style and laid-back style and is a mere stone’s throw from Byron Bay’s stunning beaches.
22 rooms are spread across two levels in the original block formation. This remodelled gem has sustainability at the forefront.
This Brutalist-designed bungalow-style accommodation is set amongst lush tropical gardens. There are 22 rooms to choose from at this sustainability-focused stay. Each space has been thoughtfully considered with custom fixtures and the use of reclaimed materials, which fuse raw architectural elements with playful, vibrant design, which speaks to us in the style team!
The Sunseeker is a family-friendly, retro-inspired retreat. No matter if you are lounging poolside or enjoying its bold designs, it combines curated hospitality, a peaceful hideaway and offers a variety of rooms to suit all kinds of travellers.
Key features:
- Climate Positive resort
- Indulge in the library where you can be immersed in art, design and literature
- Cruise the town on e-bikes or loan a surfboard to surf The Pass
- Coffee cart on site serving a delicious roasted blend daily
- Kid Friendly with playground and scooters to hire for the littlest travellers

03
Hotel Marvell
Booking.com
Location: Byron Bay
As a relative newcomer, Byron Bay’s Hotel Marvell is the epitome of laid-back luxury, and since it opened its doors in 2023, it has fast become a favourite for the discerning traveller looking for an elegant coastal escape.
Situated in the heart of town, Hotel Marvell is within walking distance to the Bay’s boutique shops, bustling cafes and the iconic beaches. This boutique hotel features fresh.
Each room has a private balcony, walk-in showers, and a King-Sized bed, all the elements needed for a sophisticated escape. Guests can dine and enjoy the finest seafood at Byron Bay Oyster Bar or relax and unwind at the hotel’s rooftop pool and Horizon cocktail bar, where you can sit and enjoy a cocktail or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the hinterland and beyond.
As mentioned, Hotel Marvell won Best Boutique hotel at the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards. The team loved its “understated “tropical brutalist” aesthetic” and added that its rooftop bar and chilled social areas made it a “sophisticated alternative” to “influencer-driven tourism”. As the style experts at Women’s Weekly, we have to agree. Find other winners here.
- Central location
- Heated Rooftop Pool with 360° view
- Local cult beauty brand Mukti is stocked in all suites
- Oyster Hour- from 5 pm to 6 pm daily, freshly shucked oysters paired with your favourite chilled beverage.
- Mini bar filled with the finest selection of locally sourced products.

04
Elements of Byron Bay
Booking.com
Location: Byron Bay
Elements of Byron Resort is set amidst the natural beauty of Byron Bay. This eco-friendly resort offers a perfect blend of contemporary design, serene, lush surroundings and a complete beachfront setting. The spacious and stylish villas and pavilions are beautifully considered with modern furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private decks, providing a tranquil escape with stunning views of the subtropical landscape.
The resort’s lagoon-style pool is located in the heart of the grounds and is a stunning place to stop, relax and unwind, while the on-site restaurant, The Restaurant at Elements, serves delicious, locally inspired cuisine. Guests can indulge in Osprey’s spa treatments or enjoy leisurely strolls through the resort’s expansive grounds.
With its emphasis on sustainability, comfort, and impeccable service, Elements of Byron provides the ideal retreat for those looking to relax in style while embracing Byron Bay’s laid-back barefoot luxury.
- Indulge at Osprey spa for a day of pampering
- Family-friendly lagoon-style pool located centrally
- Situated outside of the town centre, immersed in nature
- Outdoor fitness circuit and tennis courts
- Cosy fire pit and lounge areas
hen is the best month to visit Byron Bay?
Although Byron Bay is great to visit year-round, the best time to plan your trip is in October. The weather is warm, but not too hot, and there are many fewer tourists around. Events like the Byron Bay Film Festival are on, and the town has a lively but chilled atmosphere. With plenty of sunny days to spend at the beach, this is the perfect time for your getaway.
What are the best things to do in Byron Bay?
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Byron Bay. After a morning walk up to the lighthouse, grab a bite to eat in a local organic cafe (there are many great ones to choose from!). Take a dip in the ocean and stroll through some of the local shops. Drive to the Hinterland and grab some lunch at The Farm. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at your hotel and then head to dinner at one of the bustling restaurants, but be sure to make a booking as these popular spots can book out…
Corrie Bond
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