Elements of Byron

Elements of Byron is 2.5km from Byron Bay along the 10km stretch of Belongil Beach. It is surrounded by over 65,000 native trees and plants in 22 hectares of pristine landscapes, including a coastal nature reserve. The hotel has a distinctive décor, with the roof mimicking the outline of the surrounding sand dunes.

Not surprisingly, given its location in laid-back Byron Bay, Elements of Byron has an attractive, relaxed vibe. The rooms feature stone and timber, and cool coast-inspired colours including blue and white, alongside beautiful abstract murals and wide windows that let in plenty of natural light.

You can choose from a forest, dune or wetland location, and accommodation options range from the Botanica studios, which are ideal for couples, to two-bedroom villas which suit families and groups of friends perfectly. Some villas are nestled in the eucalypt forest and wetlands, some sit on the edge of the lagoon and some are near the beach. Some have fireplaces, private bathing decks and kitchens, giving you the freedom to rustle up your own meals if you wish.

The sophisticated Graze restaurant by the pool uses fresh, seasonal ingredients in its 'farm-to-plate' menu, from fresh seafood to handmade pasta. If you struggle to choose what to have, go for the five-course tasting menu so you can experience a bit of everything. You can also have salads, wood-fired pizzas and smoothies served to your poolside cabana.

Head to the beachfront bar for refreshing drinks, and enjoy the sunset with exotic cocktails such as The Healer (featuring vodka and eucalyptus) at happy hour round the fire pit. 

Make the most of the lagoon pool and relax on one of its irresistible hanging day beds, which hang above the water, or enjoy the adults-only pool, which has private cabanas and a swim-up bar. Meanwhile, the spa offers countless treatments to make you feel pampered, from rainforest rituals to aromatherapy massages, as well as relaxing meditation classes. There are also daily morning beachside yoga sessions, so you can start the day feeling energised and spiritual - and you can catch the sunrise on the easternmost point of Australia. 

For sporty types, the 24-hour indoor gym, outdoor fitness circuit and tennis court offer plenty of activity. The kids playground, giant chess and bocce provide endless fun for the whole family, or if you want to get lost in a good book in some peace and quiet, the library is the place to go. 

As well as relaxing on the beach, this is a fantastic spot for water sports, from surfing and kayaking to diving. Back on land, there are lovely nature trails to stroll down, around beaches, dunes, wetlands, woods and rainforest, and you can track animals and do some birdwatching along the way with expert guides, as well as sample bush tucker. Or swap two legs for four and enjoy a horse ride along the beach or through the forests. Children will love meeting the animals on the farm, a five-minute drive away. 

You can also experience the Byron solar train - this restored heritage train runs solely on the sun's energy, generated from the solar panels on the roof. The station is a mere two-minute walk away from the hotel, and runs a return shuttle service the 3km between Sunrise Beach and Byron Bay.