Byron Bay Bliss

The coastline here is graced with pristine beaches that extend into the horizon, framed by the distant silhouette of Wollumbin. This majestic peak, formed by a volcano whose collapse created the largest caldera in the southern hemisphere, is now adorned with ancient subtropical rainforests. The region’s conservation efforts, borne from struggles with logging in the 1970s, have now birthed a network of protected and pristine parks like Nightcap National Park, where cascading waterfalls like Minyon Falls punctuate the lush scenery.

Amidst this natural grandeur, a legacy of family stewardship shines through. From boutique hotels and restaurants rooted in generational expertise to guides and crafters committed to preserving the land, Byron Bay thrives as a testament to the pursuit of quality and environmental sustainability. This ethos, deeply ingrained in the community, enhances every experience, offering not just a retreat but a journey into the timeless embrace of Byron Bay’s familial legacies and natural wonders.

Multigenerational Retreats

Long an enclave of Australia’s elite, Byron Bay is now revealing its rich tapestry of luxurious retreats and opulent abodes to outsiders, each offering a one-of-a-kind sanctuary. The guiding light for this movement is the Range Estates, whose portfolio of luxury rental properties includes Copperstone. This architectural marvel was created by Tom and Emma Lane, two parts of the family behind Oroton, Australia’s oldest luxury fashion company. Sitting amidst a rolling mountain range, the property doubles as the Lane’s holiday home. An Australian-farmhouse-meets-Spanish-finca, this family-style retreat has panoramic views of the surrounding hinterlands. There are horse stables for equestrian enthusiasts, modern comforts like an infrared sauna and ice bath, and access to a local private chef. Beyond the opulent interiors and vast rooms built for gathering and reconnecting, the property is also fully sustainable. It captures rainwater for the gardens and is powered by a renewable mix of solar and batteries. When crafting this property, the Lane family was committed to leaving a positive legacy. 

Another prominent family, the Arnotts—whose company is the largest producer of biscuits in Australia—have a majestic home just outside Byron Bay called Lo Scoglio where discerning travelers can stay. The design was inspired by Angelica Arnott’s Sicilian heritage and created in collaboration with Tigmi Trading, a rare vintage furniture and design studio (also located in Byron) that sources exclusive items from the furthest reaches of the globe. 

Aside from these sanctuaries, closer to town there is a plethora of breathtaking coastal retreats like the Bower Byron Bay (featuring a series of monochromatic abodes in the heart of town), Elements of Byron (an award-winning beachfront resort) or Raes on Wategos (known for its gleaming white villas overlooking the exclusive Wategos Beach). These homes, many embellished with private pools, tropical gardens, and interiors by local designers, cater to discerning travelers seeking privacy and unparalleled comfort.

Capturing Nature’s Symphony 

Any typical morning in Byron Bay means awakening to a gentle light-filled dawn, with golden hues painting the horizon and highlighting the treetops. For art enthusiasts, this might feel almost like an invitation—beckoning you to catch the essence of the experience. 

Captivated by so much beauty, it is no wonder the eye of National Geographic photographer Craig Parry has been drawn back again and again. Having grown up in Byron Bay, he has since traveled the world making images, and now provides visitors the opportunity to lose themselves in the art of nature photography. His workshops allow participants to blend the craft of visual storytelling into their travel itineraries. Participants can document the majestic moves of humpback whales on their seasonal migration to Antarctica; divers can learn the delicate intricacies of capturing marine life below the surface of Byron Bay’s crystal-clear waters. His tutelage is an immersion in the art of capturing nature’s poetry through a lens.

Explore Epicurean Delights

A serene evening in Byron Bay starts at Bar Heather, which has emerged as a haven for wine aficionados seeking an exquisitely selected list of natural wines. Its charming bistro-style ambiance and live jazz make it the ideal locale to enjoy Chef Ollie Wong Hee’s bites, which draw on both his family’s Chinese heritage and the diversity in modern Australian cuisine. Some favorites include chả lá lô´t, a betel-leaf wrapped portion of grilled pork topped with pickles and charred pineapple-chili sauce, or local cuttlefish with Okinawa spinach, and a fennel seed and curry leaf vinaigrette. 

Another testament to sustainable family legacy is found at the Farm Byron Bay, where farm-to-table ethos reaches its pinnacle. Its restaurant Three Blue Ducks is a dining destination where epicureans sit at rustic farm tables set among lush rolling pastures. In this culinary haven, the team creates dishes with ingredients harvested just steps away, embodying the essence of sustainable dining. 

Every corner here hints at family legacies, sustainable living, and the art of savoring life’s finest moments. A journey to Byron Bay beckons travelers to envision their own next chapters. Asia 2023 by the World’s 50 Best,