Elements of Byron

The name sounds like an undergraduate English elective, but Elements of Byron has nothing to do with Romantic poetry. Unless, of course, you’re thinking metaphorically — there’s plenty of poetry and romance to the spectacular setting of this beachfront resort in Byron Bay, a coastal town in New South Wales. With just over a hundred private villas, Elements of Byron Resort & Spa is a modern take on the resort concept. There’s the requisite spa, of course, and a range of dining venues, the massive infinity pool, the indoor-outdoor cocktail bar. But the architecture is sleek and contemporary, low-impact and single-story, the curving lines inspired by organic forms — the striking central pavilion is modeled after the look of a windswept sand dune.

Indeed, there’s an eco-minded bent to the place, and a laid-back, flip-flop–friendly vibe that’s quintessentially Australian. Everywhere you look, there’s another stylish place to relax: hanging chaises suspended over a shallow pool, cozy sofas around the fire pit, a beach chair positioned in front of the calm tidal pools of Belongil Beach. The guest villas are divided into four categories: Dunal, Rainforest, Eucalypt and Wetlands. Needless to say, their design was inspired by nature, and while amenities vary, they’re all drenched with natural light and smartly outfitted with timber floors, stone fixtures, and leather detailing. Standard features include private terraces, king-sized beds, Nespresso machines, in-room iPads, and blackout curtains, should you wish to skip the spectacular sunrise. Some face the beach, others a lake. But they all feel delightfully private, tucked away into the forest.

The main restaurant at Elements of Byron, Graze, offers sweeping views of the turquoise pool from nearly every seat. Get even closer to the water with drinks and small plates at the aptly named Barefoot Kiosk, or wander over to Drift Bar for coffee or cocktails — or down to the beach, or into town. There’s a cool anything-goes atmosphere here: exactly the way a resort in paradise should be.