Award-Winning Bliss in Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a spectacular world unto itself. Nowhere else I have ever visited in a seven year career of travel writing has such spectacularly sublime scenery both above and below water. It's the reef and rain forest combination that's so majestic. Leave it to the Aussies to create a place as cool, calm, and collected as The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, an environmentally conscious enclave on the east coast of Australia.

Set amongst a stunning 45 acre sub tropical rainforest, moments from Tallow Beach and only a short drive or cycle to the iconic Byron Bay township, life here is breezy and enlightened. The Resort has a wonderfully laid back atmosphere with customized service to complement the stylish design and architecture. We loved the nurturing spa treatments, daily yoga and the lively social scene on the wide open verandahs. With rainforest walks on endless timber boardwalks and luxuriously appointed one bedroom suites, The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa provides a unique opportunity to experience Natural Luxury.

It might sound dramatic, but this place is of global importance. The founders of The Byron at Byron Bay recognize the value of this system of biodiverse tenure and are concentrating their efforts on making conservation goals dovetail with those of local culture, using sustainable tourism as an economic incentive. Working closely with government and local communities, they've managed to secure a vast protected area of biological heritage an amazing accomplishment.

A 10-minute walk into the The Byron's rainforest is visually captivating - a backdrop of electric-green rainforest. The resort is emerging as a viable "destination" in and of itself. While I was in residence I socialized with guests from the UK, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as Asia all eco-enthusiast travelers. This vanguard resort is an excellent examples of how this can work.

Just his past April, The Byron at Byron Resort continues on its award-winning way, being named No 2 best spa in Australia' at the Luxury Travel Gold List Awards held in Sydney recently. The awards recognize the best travel experiences in the world'. The award for Byron at Byron comes only a month after the resort received the coveted Best Resort Accommodation' award for an accommodation property under 100 rooms in The Australian Travel and Tourism Awards.

General managers of the Byron at Byron Resort John and Lyn Parche are incredible assets to the brand. Hospitality industry veterans, the pair excels at understanding what choices speak to hotel guests, always happy to do any additional footwork. In addition to considerable professional skills, they are calm, efficient and serene.

Marketing manager Holly Galbraith is the ultimate Byron Bay insider, the discreet kind of local gal who enjoys prestige relationships with key regional leaders and influencers. She showed us a night on the town that we'll geniunely never forget.

This low-impact enclave synchs perfectly with the surrounding splendor or the area. The whole aesthetic is by turns whimsical and quietly sophisticated, with weathered wooden walkways connecting gorgeous open concept and open air villas, a restaurant pavilion, event spaces and a stunning spa. This is an ideal place for honeymooners.

Between Tallow Beach and the Byron Bay Golf Course, The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa is an environmentally sensitive retreat framed by acres of subtropical rainforest and miles of pristine beaches. All 92 one-bedroom air-conditioned suites are spacious and modern, with king-size California beds that foster sound sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.

Start the day off with a complimentary yoga session on the beach, or relax by the 82 ft. infinity pool or poolside sauna. Walk the wooden boardwalks that connect the resort's buildings, and admire the tropical birds hiding in the lush greenery. Admire a tropical macaw's airborne silhouette as he heads up into a canopy of trees, everywhere you look the forest is alive - a colourful morning air show! Walking through the forest brings you face-to-face with unbelievable diversity one metre in either direction from the path.

Then it's a short stroll to the open-air restaurant and lounge. And, after savoring the best baked fare in the region, we can't say more about the ecstasy of weekend brunch at this resort. Indulge yourself at the day spa or stay fit with a workout in the fully equipped gym. If you're feeling really adventurous, head into nearby Byron Bay for kayaking with dolphins. At the end of the day, sate that hunger you've worked up at the hotel's modern restaurant, featuring local produce and imaginative cocktails.

We couldn't be more impressed with the talented therapists at The Byron. Spend time in the award winning Spa and Wellness Centre and utilize the healing and energy of Byron Bay. Our recommendation? Book a beautiful five night package to experience with the one that you love or on your own. The spa menu draws inspiration from our majestic surroundings to provide you restoration of the body's natural balance. In an atmosphere of tranquil peace, a team of highly trained professionals aim to make you feel nurtured and deeply relaxed. Supporting this commitment are some of the finest therapeutic products including the extensive Pevonia Botanica spa range. Six luxurious treatment rooms, spa, steam room, relaxation area and Vichy shower await your body and deserving soul. Just do it, just book it.

The Byron at Byron

77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay

1300 554 362 or +61 2 6639 2000 (international)

By Si Si Penaloza, Editorial Director, WOMAN.ca