How to create the ultimate wellness retreat in Byron Bay
Byron Bay is renowned for its restorative and healing energy which means you’ll already be getting a solid dose of zen vibes regardless of how you choose to spend your time. With ancient Aboriginal ancestry in the Arakwal people, roots in love and harmony and a local community devoted to the natural, nourishing and beautiful, Byron Bay is truly the wellness capital of Australia.
You don’t need to book into a full-scale wellness retreat to reap the benefits of this healing locale. With little a planning, you can create your own wellness retreat complete with as many spa treatments (and sneaky glasses of rosé – hey, no judgment here) to soothe your soul.
Explore the latest offers and packages from Crystalbrook Byron in Byron Bay.
At your resort
Escape to 45-acres of magical, subtropical rainforest with a few nights (because one is never enough) of unrelenting bliss at Crystalbrook Byron, frequently named in Australia’s top 10 best luxury resorts. the purity of the ocean air and symphony of nature will help you find a whole new level of inner peace. Each of the spacious, 92 suites come with yoga mats and iPads offering guided meditations. The resort is by the ocean, a 15-minute walk from Byron Bay Golf Course and Arakwal National Park, and a short shuttle from town.
Morning yoga
Rise with the sun and wander through the rainforest to arrive in a calm and zen-like state for morning yoga, complimentary for all Resort guests. Stretch and sweat to the sounds of our local birdlife while breathing in the ocean air. After yoga, toast to your journey (and wise foresight) with an energising and mood-elevating apoptogenic hot chocolate with reishi, chaga and ashwaganda in Forest and nourishing smoothie bowl. Energy boosted, head to the tennis courts to work up a salty sweat or pick on up of the resort’s complimentary Lekka bicycles and head to the beach for a swim and your daily dose of vitamin D.
Forest bathing
Forest mindfulness is the ancient art of Forest Bathing. The Japanese call it Shinrin yoku. Our indigenous call it Dadirri. This experience is about immersing yourself in the rain forest and tapping into its healing qualities. It is about actively listening while gently moving through the forest. Science supports the idea, trees emit (phytoncides) increasing these feelgood chemicals show a long-lasting impact on people’s immune system. It’s an incredible way to step into absolute relaxation. Resort guests are encouraged to explore the 45-acres of private rainforest at their own pace. We recommend at least an hour of wandering without a predefined destination in-mind, allowing your body and mind to go where they want.
Spa the stress away
What better way to follow a morning of discovery and delight in Byron Bay than to decompress and relax in Eléme Day Spa. Eléme Day Spa has been designed for the ever-evolving, ever-changing, magnificent you. Inspired by the healing powers of Byron Bay, discover restorative treatments reflecting our passion for natural healing. Give your muscles a melt down in the steam room and then follow with a Well-Tuned Chakra Healing treatment– a fluid combination of massage, essential oils and healing crystals.
Add a facial to really indulge. The purest, unadulterated, natural ingredients from Australia’s own Sodashi products are used to customise our seductive facial treatments. Finish your spa experience with a complimentary Beauty Chef experience (and treat) where our consultant will develop a three-step remedy course of action for you to continue at home. Relish, laze, fizz. The best therapy, we think.
Get Sweaty
There's nothing more detoxing than the power of a good sweat sesh. Turn up the heat on your health with an infrared sauna session Eléme Day Spa. Fitted with chromotherapy lighting and music therapy, this is invigorating, purifying and regenerative all at once. Healing benefits can include detoxification, enhanced skin healing and rejuvenation, pain relief and stress reduction.
Unwind in your suite
As the day wraps up, return to suite and rollout your complimentary yoga mat before diving into into the Crystalbrook Mindfully Safe toolkit. Developed in partnership with The Indigo Project, this is a magic box of feel-good, zen-inspiring, meditative goodness, all of which can be accessed from your in-suite iPad. Return to a virtually “clean slate” and wash your worries away in our deep soak bathtubs. Light a candle, add an Addition Studio Bath Brew to float off into dreamland.
Further afield
Learn about bush medicine with Delta Kay
Say Jingi Walla and connect to the spirit, bush food and magic of Byron Bay on a guided Aboriginal tour through the history and culture of the Arakwal Bundjalung people. The tours are guided by Delta Kay, a well known an respected Arakwal elder in the Byron Shire. Delta teaches some Bundjalung language and provides information about local bush tucker, natural medicine, tools, weapons and artefacts. At the end of each tour, guests enjoy tasting a variety of delicious bush tucker foods and have nice cup of bush tea and a biscuit.
Visit Crystal Castle
A short scenic journey into Byron Bay’s hinterland lies the magical sanctuary of Crystal Castle. A day at the Crystal Castle is a beautiful opportunity for connection to yourself and nature. A day at the Crystal Castle is a beautiful opportunity for connection to yourself and nature. Stand between two of the tallest crystals on earth, sit in an ancient amethyst cave or wander through the tranquil Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. Enjoy 20 minutes of Crystal Singing Bowls taking you on a journey of deep relaxation and peace.
Image courtesy of Crystal Castle
Calm the mind at Temple
Temple Byron consists of 3 acres of tropical paradise, surrounded by lush gardens, crystals and sacred geometry. Temple Byron is located a few minutes’ drive from the heart of Byron Bay. Regular classes include yoga, meditation, astrology, blessings, women’s/men's groups, sound healings, Buddhist teachings, counselling, as well as a range of workshops and seminars.
Explore The Farm
Visit The Farm, an 80-acre working farm and restaurant off Ewingsdale Road, to better understand our food and its origins better. Wonder through livestock paddocks, visit the beehives see for yourself how a farm operates, supports the environment and contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
Walk to the Lighthouse
A right of passage for tourists is the Cape Byron Walking Track through a national park up to the Byron Bay Lighthouse. The track passes Australia’s most easterly point while a side trail leads off to Little Wategos beach. In winter, keep an out for whales of on their annual migration.
Horse ride on the beach
Riding along the beach at sunrise or sunset is a sure way to cleanse and nourish the soul. Zephyr Horses, which is run by former professional equestrian vaulter and Byron local Kate Nolle, offers both forest and beach trail rides.