Designed around the four natural elements – earth, air, fire and water – Elements of Byron was created to sit lightly and respectfully within 50 acres of dunes, rainforest and wetlands on Belongil Beach. Over time, a fifth element has come to define it: human connection - the bonds guests form with each other, with the people who care for the resort, and with the land itself. Set on the country of the Bundjalung people, it is a meeting point of nature, culture and community.

Elements of Byron has established itself as a defining force in Australia's high-end accommodation landscape and remains Byron Bay's only luxury beachfront resort. Spanning a rare convergence of iconic Australian terrain, the property allows guests to move seamlessly between ocean, canopy and native wildlife within a single stay.

It appeals equally to couples seeking retreat and families travelling together, balancing thoughtful family-friendly amenities – from the lagoon pool and nature trails to outdoor play spaces – with adult-only experiences including a dedicated pool, curated food and wine moments, and spa rituals. Group stays and MICE are integrated with the same sensitivity, ensuring events enhance rather than interrupt the guest experience. 

Since opening in 2016, Elements of Byron has grown from a founding team of approximately 120 to a seasonal workforce of 200–260, making it one of the region's largest private employers. Many team members have built long-term careers within the resort, progressing through the ranks – from spa therapist to spa manager, reservations agent to revenue manager, and housekeeping supervisor to housekeeping manager. This continuity is felt by guests in the familiar faces and intuitive service that define each visit.

That familiarity has fostered remarkable loyalty. Around 20 per cent of guests return for multiple stays, with three per cent visiting five or more times. Some have returned annually since opening, often choosing the same villa each visit and creating rituals that anchor their time in Byron Bay.

Across its first decade, the resort has also become the backdrop to life's milestones – first escapes, proposals, anniversaries, significant birthdays and growing families – with many guests returning at different stages of their lives. These shared moments have become woven into the fabric of the property.

Guests repeatedly describe their stays as more than holiday – they're traditions:

• “Elements of Byron has become a home away from home for my family. We first came here nearly a decade ago and have returned year after year as our family has grown. There's an immediate sense of calm when you arrive - the sounds of nature, the space, the warmth of familiar faces.”
• “My wife and I have stayed at Elements more than 30 times. Even when the resort is full, it feels like you're the only people there. The setting, the care from the team, the ocean right outside your door - it never loses its magic.”
• “We come every year for our wedding anniversary. No matter how many times we visit, the experience always feels special.”

Alongside this human continuity, Elements of Byron has strengthened its stewardship of the land. Buildings occupy less than four per cent of the 20-hectare footprint, with more than half of the broader estate preserved under environmental conservation zoning, enabling native ecosystems to regenerate.  Guests engage directly with the environment through guided rainforest walks, nature-led wellness experiences and unhurried immersion outdoors.

Wellness has evolved in step with changing guest expectations. Osprey Spa has transitioned from traditional, time-efficient treatments to immersive, holistic rituals focused on nervous system regulation, restoration and emotional wellbeing, reflecting a broader shift in how luxury is defined today.

“Guests tell us time and time again that what stays with them isn't just the accommodation or the facilities,” says General Manager Michael Skinner. “It's how they feel here - connected to nature, supported by the team, and able to slow down in a way that's increasingly rare.”

Luxury itself has shifted from visible opulence and formality to something more personal – how a stay feels and the impact it leaves.

“Ten years ago, luxury was often about what a resort had – the scale of the facilities, the finishes, the formality of the service,” says Michael. “Today, guests are looking for space, nature and experiences that genuinely give them a kick out of doing something out of the ordinary. The modern interpretation is access to the extraordinary.”

At Elements of Byron, wellness and nature are embedded across the entire stay, rather than delivered as standalone experiences. From villa layouts to dining and daily rituals, every touchpoint is designed to support deep rest and relaxation. Under Executive Chef Craig Robertson, the culinary offering has also matured into a produce-led philosophy centred on local and foraged ingredients.

Beyond the property itself, the owners, Peggy and Brian Flannery have invested deeply in the region's social fabric, contributing more than $5.5 million to local charities and community initiatives through their foundation, alongside ongoing in-kind support for grassroots organisations across Byron Bay.

Industry recognition has followed, with more than 35 awards spanning wellness, sustainability, dining and design, including NSW Tourism Awards for Luxury Accommodation, and the 2025 Spa & Wellness Award for Best Hotel or Resort Focused on Wellness.

“I am so proud Elements of Byron has proven to be one of the top luxury resorts in NSW and that so many people have enjoyed holidaying here,” said Peggy. “Brian and I are immensely grateful to our team, all our wonderful staff and our local suppliers who enable us to operate every single day”.

As the resort looks ahead, the focus remains unchanged: caring for its environment, investing in its people, and continuing to offer a destination where guests don't simply stay – they return.

For bookings and more information visit Elements of Byron Resort or contact the reservations team at reservations@elementsofbyron.com.au