Culture Trip's Guide to Byron Bay, Australia

Sandwiched between 50 acres of native bushland and Belongil Beach, Elements of Byron allows you to connect with nature – albeit in total luxury. This hotel, which is part of the renowned Sofitel group, is award-winning for its state-of-the-art villas, Osprey spa, and pool complete with a swim-up tequila bar. Choose from eight freestanding villas to suit you and your entourage, and expect generous-sized rooms, roll-top baths and privacy.

Exclusively for adults over the age of 21, 28 Degrees Byron Bay is a quiet hotel designed with couples in mind. Guests can add on honey- or babymoon packages, featuring couple massages and champagne, to stays in suites like the ‘plunge pool’ room fit with outdoor showers and a private garden, or the ‘luxury master’ with lighthouse views and a private deck. And as for its location, you’ll be just a stone’s throw from Byron Bay’s town centre and five minutes from the beachfront.

No, not the world-famous clothing store, but a sweet and much-loved breakfast spot up the hill from Clarkes Beach. Dishes range from Byron classics like açaí bowls covered in crunchy granola and sliced banana, to bacon, egg and hash brown-stacked burgers that would refuel even the most dedicated of morning surfers. It’s not just breakfast either – go later in the day to enjoy delicious sandwiches, burgers and salads packed full of fresh ingredients, and wash it down with a glass of freshly squeezed OJ.

The kind of place where you’d pop in for a margarita but easily end up staying for a few hours, Miss Margarita brings the vivacious vibes of Mexico to the laid-back and convivial Byron Bay. The margaritas are as zingy and fresh as they look when shaken up in front of you, and the guacamole bowl served with salty corn chips makes for the perfect pairing. Pull up a chair and lean back into the mellow Mexican vibes.