This stylish, bohemian stay is the ideal crash pad for exploring Byron Bay. If you can tear yourself away.

Part of a swell of elevated accommodation options to open in Byron Bay in recent years, Swell Hotel is a boutique, adults-only bolthole just steps from the beach and the buzz of this perennially popular holiday town.

But while it is close to the action, this artfully renovated motel manages to feel a world away; the result is a laid-back oasis of 1970s style that marries a Californian sensibility with Byron coastal cool. All wrapped up in a swathe of tropical gardens and with a focus on wellness befitting of its location.

It clicks into gear on arrival: there’s no reception desk per se but guests are greeted warmly and – having been checked in by the bar – furnished with a welcome cocktail. A decadent bronze velvet sofa invites lounging before you’ve even stepped foot in one of the 16 rooms.

Location

A retro caravan set in Swell Hotel’s lush tropical garden. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

At the corner of Butler and Lawson streets, Swell Hotel is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main drag of Jonson Street and a five-minute walk from Main Beach. It is ideally placed for those who want Byron’s best bits – from its surf, shops to restaurants – right on their doorstep.

Style and character

The 70s-inspired adults-only retreat is awash in earthy shades. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

All crushed velvet meets sandy tones, Swell Hotel channels the golden glow of the 1970s and Californian coastal chic through a contemporary Byron lens.

It was reimagined by Byron-based interior designer Nyree Mackenzie and incorporates unique custom furnishings, such as fossilised coral lighting in collaboration with social enterprise Marovo Island Traders.

The Bohemian-style interior is custom-designed with hand-carved wooden side tables. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

Artworks by local artists such as Francesca Owen and Georges Antoni, and curated coffee table books (think Slim Aarons’ poolside shots and Rizzoli’s Kate Moss tome) add further character. A rich layering of textures, patterns and materials is simmered down in a muted palette of natural tones. The result is a laid-back luxury that feels considered and comfortable.

It’s bohemian Byron cool, without trying too hard or coming on too strong. It’s a sweet spot that extends to the atmosphere of the hotel, which is welcoming and makes you feel part of the club.

Facilities

Take a dip in the ozone magnesium pool. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

The grounds of the hotel have been cultivated into a tropical garden dotted with nooks for reading, sitting and chilling under the dappled shade of a pink umbrella. It houses a retro caravan that doubles as a kitchen and a tipi where I join a yoga class with fellow guests on Sunday morning.

The garden also sets the stage for relaxed Sunday Sessions and long table lunches; check website for listings.

Indulge in a complimentary session in the infrared sauna and ice bath. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

Swell Hotel’s wellness zone is tucked into a corner of the property and – when in Byron – it’s here that I try contrast therapy for the first time. Guests are offered one complimentary 45-minute session each, where they can hop between the infrared sauna and cold plunge. Chill out afterwards by the hotel’s magnesium mineral pool and order a cocktail from the pool menu – because what is wellness without a healthy dose of hedonism?

The hotel also offers full-body massage and LED Light Therapy in its Treatment Room and the complimentary use of retro 88 surfboards for those looking to catch some waves.

Rooms

The clay-toned rooms exude laid-back sophistication. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

There are 16 rooms in total, each decorated in a rich earthy palette with plush furnishings and colour schemes that vary from green and stone to dusty pink and coffee tones. Choose between garden-view rooms; poolside rooms; the more private hideaway rooms; and a two-bedroom suite that comes complete with its own living room, private entrance and garden terrace.

Each room is fitted with luxe amenities. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

The bones of an old motel have been cleverly reworked to create surprisingly spacious interiors. Expect a king-size bed with a statement headboard, a small dining alcove and lounge area, LED television with Chromecast, a sleek bathroom with soft Terry cotton robes by OAS and Rohr Remedy amenities.

Settle into the serene Garden View Room. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

Our serene sage green Garden View Room has a bi-fold window that I slide open to access the semi-private garden space outside. There’s a capsule coffee machine with Allpress Espresso pods and a minibar that includes locally sourced drinks and snacks like house cocktail mixers and Byron-made Loco Love chocolate.

Food and drink

Sip on a signature cocktail upon arrival. (Image: Jessie Prince)

A welcome cocktail sets the tone on arrival. There’s a compact breakfast and snack menu available, which you can order at the bar and enjoy in the leafy garden, communal lounge or back in your room. Ingredients are seasonal and sourced from the Byron Farmers Market and local organic suppliers.

Breakfast might include paleo granola, chia pudding, avocado toast, spelt banana bread or sourdough crumpets. An afternoon menu features items such as Bay Smokehouse fish rillettes, vegan dips and an antipasto plate of cured meats, cheeses and olives.

Order wine and snacks from the poolside bar. (Image: Jessie Prince)

Allpress Espresso coffee is on order too, as well as a selection of health-conscious drinks including ceremonial matcha, adaptogenic hot chocolates and tonics to combat inflammation or boost hydration.

The food menu is deliberately pared back to leave space in your itinerary (and stomach) to explore the wealth of restaurants and bars on the doorstep.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Swell Hotel is not wheelchair accessible.

Family-friendly?

This is an adults-only stay, with a minimum age requirement of 21.

Details

Best for: Couples or friends looking for a chilled Byron crash pad that still places them close to the action.

Address: 11 Butler Street, Byron Bay

Room rate: Rates start from $400 per night in winter and $450 in summer