Found! The most amazing places to stay in Byron Bay

Elements of Byron: From a parkour-inspired kids' playground and a self-guided "fairy trail" to family-friendly hikes and a plethora of outdoor games (think giant chess boards and bocce), Elements of Byron leaves no stone unturned when it comes to keeping the young ones occupied and engaged. But there's plenty here for adults, too, when you want to relax and recharge, starting with the onsite spa and an adults-only pool (in addition to a family-friendly pool, of course). Accommodation ranges from well-furnished studios to two-bedroom villas, while Azure Bar & Grill caters for the whole family. From $525 per night; elementsofbyron.com.au

Hotel Marvell: Byron Bay's first - and only - five-star hotel ticks many boxes. Beautifully designed rooms feature king-sized beds, coffee machines, smart TVs and Leif toiletries; while onsite Bonito restaurant pleases all palates, whether you're craving ocean-fresh seafood or looking for clean, plant-based morsels. But the spot that truly takes the cake for us here is the hotel's rooftop cocktail bar and pool, where you can enjoy world-class wines, classic and signature cocktails, and delicious bites with a side of sweeping Byron Bay views. From $960 per night; hotelmarvell.com.au

Gaia Retreat & Spa: Perched on a hill with wide-angle views of the lush hinterland, Gaia is Byron Bay but not as you know it. There are no beaches, hipster bars or chic boutiques here (although, there's a lovely gift store in the resort's lobby). What you'll find instead is a world-class wellness retreat - co-founded by the late Olivia Newton-John - where you can bliss out as part of two-, three-, five- or seven-night packages. Take it as easy as you like (a glass of wine with dinner, perhaps?) or go as hard as you prefer with abstinences of all sorts. Just don't forget to breathe. From $2500 for a two-night retreat; gaiaretreat.com.au

Raes on Wategos: Snow-white turrets, arched windows, marbled floors and four-poster beds ... you may wake up at Raes on Wategos and think you're in a Spanish Mission dating back to the 16th century. But one look out the window at the curvaceous sweep of sand and you'll remember you're not only on one of Byron Bay's most stunning beaches (Wategos) but inside one of its most luxurious hotels, too, with just five suites and two penthouses. From $1050 per night; raes.com.au

Crystalbrook Byron: Crystalbrook's 25-metre swimming pool - with daybeds on one side and rainforest on the other - is so stunning, you'll find it hard to peel yourself away from your cabana. But peel away you must: how else will you get to experience some other glorious aspects of this resort? Follow the boardwalks and explore the property on foot by meandering through soaring subtropical trees, then relax sore feet at the onsite Eleme Day Spa with an indulgent massage. Then book a table at the eco-conscious Forest restaurant, which sources 80 per cent of its produce from within a three-hour drive of the resort. From $446 per night; crystalbrookcollection.com

28 Degrees Byron Bay: Rooms without TVs so guests can switch off, breakfast with delicacies like homemade paleo granola and complimentary bikes you can use to explore the great (nearby) outdoors... welcome to the adults-only haven of 28 Degrees, where accommodation ranges from rooms with private plunge pools to those with sprawling balconies and deep claw-foot bathtubs. Bed linen in soft shades of pastels, beeswax candles by local suppliers and organic toiletries by Hunter Lab further add to the appeal. From $600 per night (minimum two nights); 28byronbay.com.au

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