Byron Bay operates on its own frequency. That’s not a particularly unique observation – anyone who’s visited, who’s taken a moment to breathe deep and watch the waves roll in at that iconic beach, would probably say the same.

What is unique, though, is when a new hotel manages to up the ante of that frequency and create a space where time can move even slower so that Byron Bay itself feels frenetic in comparison. That’s exactly what it feels like at Swell Hotel.

The new-old hotel (Swell Hotel falls into the category of ‘cleverly renovated roadside motel’) sits on Butler Street – the main thoroughfare in and out of Byron – but manages to feel secluded, remote and private despite its central location. Perhaps it’s the clouds of incense that float through the property, or the carefully selected music or well-established tropical gardens within the grounds. Whatever it is, the vibe of calm is undeniable.

The bones of the retro motel are all still there – the brickwork, the drive-through portico, the rooms (just 16, in total) laid out in one straight line, some facing out to the gardens, some to the pink marbled pool area. It gives this adults-only retreat a lived-in warmth that lingers, which Swell Hotel’s interior designer Nyree Mackenzie capitalised on – everything here screams (or, rather, very calmly whispers) laid-back sophistication, natural coastal refinement and organic retro inspiration. But there’s really nothing ‘old fashioned’ about this new hotel.

The rooms

The luxe rooms at Swell Hotel are washed in earthy shades of sage or clay (which tone you get depends on which room you’re in). Some look into the pool area – these are defined as the more ‘social’ rooms – while others back onto the walled garden borders the property. Sitting there in that garden, with the towering palms overhead and slowly swaying elephant ear leaves, you’re none the wiser that a main road sits just beyond the rendered garden walls. All rooms come with a palatial king bed, and are decorated with linens and leathers and earth-toned velvets – a nod back to the retro textures you encounter in the lobby.

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The grounds and location

Speaking of that lobby (which is more so a communal lounge room/cafe/conversation pit) – it’s hard to go past the golden velvet L-shaped lounge that occupies nearly all of the space. And considering you can order coffee with every milk you can imagine (raw dairy milk is the option of choice) and snacks sourced directly from the weekly farmers market that sets up across the street every Thursday, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself sitting here often. 

There’s a fuller-service food outpost, too – a converted caravan that sits in the garden and serves all of your health-focussed cafe favourites – and plenty of umbrella-sheltered seats to settle into if some outdoor time is what you’re seeking. There are outdoor showers tucked around corners, framed with magenta bougainvillaea, and long boards to borrow, all propped against a side wall.

If you ever want to leave this oasis, almost everything you could want is right on your doorstep. Walk through the garden to the back gate of Swell Hotel and you’ll step directly into the main junction of Byron – turn left and you’ll get to the ocean, turn right and you’re in the centre of town, all within a matter of minutes. 

Wellness at Swell Hotel

It wouldn’t be a Byron hotel without some nod to ‘wellness’, and the offering here goes far beyond any fad. The pool is treated with magnesium – it is essentially like one giant Epsom salt bath and is touted to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and soothe muscle aches – and there’s a state-of-the-art infrared sauna and ice bath tucked in a cabana behind the sun loungers. All are complimentary to guests – you can block out 60-minute sauna/ice bath sessions before floating back to the Pool Bar for healthy elixirs and snacks, or to the lobby cafe for a coffee boosted with tonics and tinctures. It’s a habit you’ll want to repeat.

Swell Hotel, 11 Butler St, Byron Bay NSW 2481. For more information or to book visit, swellhotel.com

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