Byron Bay beckons: Marvel at hotel's laidback luxury

It's been one of the most hotly anticipated openings in the Northern Rivers, with Hotel Marvell finally welcoming guests in early August. While Byron has a couple of five-star resorts, this is the town's first five-star hotel. A passion project conceived by friends and business associates Scott Emery and Scott Didier, the intent was to fill what they saw as a gap in the local market for luxury accommodation, while still staying true to the locale and barefoot luxury ethos of Byron.

Tucked away on Marvell Street in downtown Byron Bay in northern NSW, it's far enough from the madding crowd to feel secluded, yet just a relaxed stroll from shops, restaurants, bars and the beach.

Designed by local architects Harley Graham, the aim was to emulate the most cherished aspects of the "old Byron"- eclectic, warm, colourful and sculptural, in a low-rise, discreet contemporary build that would harmonise with, rather than be distinct from, the small beach town streetscape.

There's an inclusiveness that extends to non-guests, with a pedestrian laneway, cascading with greenery and dappled sunlight, inviting the public to come in for a drink at the bar, a meal at the restaurant or to ascend to the rooftop bar for sunset cocktails. Public area interiors feature raw concrete juxtaposed with rich timbers; soft curves with hard angles and a colour palette of burnt orange and dark pinks against the evergreen of tropical plants. On the rooftop, with 360-degree views, is another bar and comfortable lounges set around the pool.

There are 16 rooms and six suites. These are no "paint-by-numbers" hotel rooms, rather, layered with texture - linen and flax, cotton, leather, stone, concrete and metal, dappled with sun and shadow - they feel bespoke and organic. Personal touches are everywhere - from the coffee mugs made by local ceramicist Brooke Clunie, to the brass wall sculpture by Dion Hortsmans and the truly beautiful joinery made by Scott Emery's own company.

Everything is generous and thoughtful - from the exquisitely comfortable king beds, to the huge shower, compostable slippers and striped linen robes and the backlit touchpads beside the bed that operate blackout blinds, aircon and lights. There's a pod machine and a mini-bar filled with local goodies as well as small private terrace curtained with greenery for enjoying your morning coffee.

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Marvell's restaurant, Bonito, is designed to be a destination in its own right, welcoming guests and walk-ins alike.

The name references the menu, which is fittingly seafood and features a slight Asian bias; evident in dishes like sashimi salmon, with compressed apple, shiso, and spilt coconut emulsion, or Ballina prawns dressed with buttermilk dotted with XO prawn oil, curls of cucumber and finger lime.

Being Byron, there's plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans too. The food is elegant, but approachable, precision-plated on imperfectly perfect one-off tableware. A drinks list of mainly Australian wines is supported by cocktails that can be enjoyed at Bonito, perched at the bar, or poolside.

There's plenty to do, from surf lessons to a walk to Australia's most easterly lighthouse, but Marvell's affable staff are happy to book activities from lunches to a coffee or gin distillery tour, or even a local pottery class.

Sunset cocktails on the only rooftop bar in Byron Bay.

Where: Hotel Marvell, 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay, NSW

How much: Rooms from $600 a night

Explore more: hotelmarvell.com.au

The writer was a guest of Hotel Marvell.