The Swell – Byron Bay
Reimagined by interior designer, Nyree Mackenzie, The Swell, in Byron Bay, is a 16 room adults-only luxury boutique hotel focusing on community, wellness and sustainability.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Jessie Prince & Andy Macpherson
The Swell Garden View rooms are perfectly positioned for an early morning sunrise or a sunset overlooking the private lush tropical garden. Photo: Andy Macpherson
The Swell Bar with its gorgeous oversized 70s velvet sofa. Photo: Andy Macpherson
The Ozone magnesium pool – ideal for a dip post a complimentary infrared sauna and ice bath session. Photo: Jessie Prince
Design details at The Swell. Photo: Jessie Prince
Grab a coffee or a snack during the day from the cute retro caravan in the gardens. Photo: Andy Macpherson
When it comes to new hotels popping up in the Byron region, there’s no shortage of incredible locations landing on our radar. The most recent to have caught our attention during a recent trip up north is The Swell, Byron’s newest (and probably coolest!) luxury accomodation destination.
The luxuriously curated Swell experience is the perfect setting to relax. With 16 rooms that are purely for adults only, the focus is on slowing down in utterly stylish surrounds.
‘The idyllic setting of Byron Bay is the perfect location to combine luxury with relaxation. Swell really expands on all of the elements that make Byron great, offering people a sanctuary in the middle of town where they can sink into the Byron lifestyle in whichever way they choose,’ says Swell general manager, Sorcha Horgan.
After checking in, you’ll find a multitude of things to do, not only outside your doorstep, but within the hotel itself. On my visit, I beelined for the complimentary infrared sauna and ice bath session, followed by a plunge in the Ozone magnesium pool. Post dip, it was straight to The Swell Bar lounge, where I sunk into the 70s oversized velvet lounge and sipped a signature non-alcoholic coconut water mojito with mint, lime and lemongrass mocktail… heaven!
Designed by Nyree Mackenzie the interior is an artful fusion of laid-back sophistication, natural coastal refinement and organic retro inspiration. Design elements and details throughout the hotel have been thoughtfully sourced and custom-designed by local makers, brands and artisans, encapsulating the essence of Byron Bay culture.
Within the interiors, Nyree has used a blend of natural and lush textures, with wood and velvet used in the build alongside earthy tones, elevating the natural setting of Byron and enforcing the hotel as a true oasis away from the busy town.
The luxurious rooms are decorated in rich earthy hues with plush materials, ranging from a garden view room overlooking the tropical garden oasis; a poolside; to hideaway rooms that offer a more private experience; and finally to a two bedroom suite with a luxe living room, private entrance, and garden complete with a relaxed terrace seating area.
The beverages and light meals at Swell are all locally sourced – this ethos realised in the health-conscious breakfast menu, with spelt banana bread and sweet and savoury sourdough crumpets on offer alongside chia pudding and croissants with local honey. The afternoon menu will take you on a journey of local producers featuring items like Bay Smokehouse fish rillettes, an array of vegan dips, as well as the Swell antipasto plate with locally cured meats, cheeses and olives.
The only real downfall about the entire Swell experience? You may find it hard to leave!
Book your stay at The Swell here.
Swell’s beverage and light food offering places locally sourced produce and sustainable practices at the forefront. Photo: Jessie Prince
The luxurious rooms are decorated in rich earthy hues with plush materials. Photo: Jessie Prince
“The idyllic setting of Byron Bay is the perfect location to combine luxury with relaxation. Swell really expands on all of the elements that make Byron great, offering people a sanctuary in the middle of town where they can sink into the Byron lifestyle in whichever way they choose.”
Design details at The Swell. Photo: Jessie Prince
The Swell drink selection includes the Etota Spritz – the local non-alcoholic newcomer perfect as a Campari replacement in aperitif style mocktails. Photo: Jessie Prince