Crystalbrook Byron is far enough away from the busyness of the Byron Bay township but close enough to get to for cafes, restaurants and the beach. Photo / Supplied
Crystalbrook Byron is far enough away from the busyness of the Byron Bay township but close enough to get to for cafes, restaurants and the beach. Photo / Supplied
Location: Nestled in 45 acres of rainforest, Crystalbrook Byron is a five-minute drive from the Byron Bay township.
Perfect for: A peaceful holiday with everything you need to relax on-site - great for couples or a girls’ trip away.
First impressions: Walking through the tall glass doors into the lobby, I immediately feel calm due to the amount of natural light and space. Seeing the rainforest sparks immediate intrigue into what lies ahead.
Crystalbrook Byron has 92 suites. Photo / Supplied
Rooms: My room is in the waterlily section - one of the furthest away from reception - which adds an extra element of quietness and privacy. My luggage and I are driven to my room in a golf cart - a ride is just a phone call away or it’s a five-minute walk back. There is also a car park.
I unlock the door of my suite and see two fully-enclosed verandahs on either side - it feels like being in an outdoor conservatory among the rainforest - with a day bed in one of them.
My room is warm and homely with a comfortable king-sized bed and an all-in-one washing machine and dryer. The kitchen is self-contained with a fridge, stovetop, microwave and all cooking utensils.
Bathroom: The bathroom has a standalone bath, a waterfall shower and a regular shower head. Crystalbrook Immersion shampoo, conditioner and body wash are in large pump bottles and other amenities (hand soap, shower cap) are in paper packaging.
Food and drink: Forest is the on-site restaurant; more than 80 per cent of its ingredients are sourced within a three-hour drive.
After a morning yoga session (complimentary classes available), I order the housemade granola with coconut yoghurt and fresh berries and sit outside with a view of the rainforest. Breakfast isn’t included but can be added for A$35.
That evening, I enjoy a five-course degustation with wine pairings. My pescetarian menu is Southeast Asian-inspired and my favourites include the curried pumpkin, and the cauliflower, mango, chilli and bean sprouts in a leaf of lettuce (like a taco).
A glass of Frangelico with a slice of lime paired with a caramelised white chocolate and lime brulee was the best way to end the three-hour dinner.
Cocktails and bar snacks can be enjoyed on-site at Verandah. The Blue Pool Bar was closed in July, but it is open in the warmer months.
The resort is connected by boardwalks amongst the rainforest. Photo / Supplied
Facilities: I end my first day with a swim in the infinity pool overlooking the rainforest, and a sauna. Complimentary bike hire, a tennis court, daily yoga and a gym are available, as is Wi-Fi and on-site parking. For a massage or facial, head to Eleme Day Spa on-site.
In the neighbourhood: Italian restaurant Pixie is a five-minute drive away in the newly-opened Jonson Lane precinct. Suffolk Bakery is great for almond croissants and an early morning coffee.
Family-friendly: There are no babysitting services on-site however, the resort works with local babysitters who can come on-site and help in your self-contained room. A cot can be provided.
Accessibility: Four of the 92 suites are equipped for people living with disabilities. There is no wheelchair lift into the pool.
Sustainability:Sustainability is front of mind for Crystalbrook Byron and is evident from the moment I check in; my room key is made of 100 per cent recycled wood. No plastic straws, water bottles or single-use bathroom amenity bottles are used.
A compost system called “subpods” is used for food waste from restaurants and guest rooms. This diverts up to 90 kilograms of waste per day from landfills. You can also get a A$30 food and drink credit for each night you stay if you commit to the “messy for a mission” programme and opt out of having your room serviced.
The Crystalbrook Collection was Australia’s first hospitality group to offer 100 per cent waste-free bathroom amenities.
