We booked a weekend at Elements Resort in Byron Bay, looking for somewhere with a proper resort feel and good food where we could check in and not have to leave. We found a winter getaway package, and with it being the end of winter, the weather turned out to be absolutely perfect – blue skies, warm sun, and no crowds.
Arriving at Elements, you immediately get that holiday feeling. The resort is spread out, with individual villas rather than hotel-style rooms, giving a sense of privacy and space. Our villa was modern and comfortable, with a beautiful lounge area, kitchenette, stylish bathroom, and a private retreat-like feel.
On our first night, we decided to dine at the main restaurant, which was supposed to be open until 9 pm. After sitting at the bar for a drink until 8:45 pm, we were told the main menu was no longer available, but we could order off the bar menu. No problem – until we were then told we couldn’t order from the bar menu either and had to pick from the pizza menu instead. To top it off, the wine we wanted wasn’t available. The whole experience was disorganised, and for a resort of this level, it really needed more atmosphere – live music would make such a difference. We ended up relaxing by the fireplace with a glass of red, which was a nice way to end the night, but the space definitely had the potential to be much more inviting.
The next morning was all about the pool. Elements is one of the few places around Brisbane that actually gives you a true resort-style pool experience, and I wasn’t about to waste it. The adults-only pool was exactly where we wanted to be – Greek food, cocktails, a swim-up bar, and full sunshine. We spent the day switching between loungers and cabanas, alternating between sun and shade, and making our way through the cocktail list. The drinks were not your standard sugary resort cocktails, but beautifully balanced and well-made. I tried five of them (all in the name of research, of course), and every single one was excellent. Lunch was lamb shawarma, octopus, taramasalata, and olives – exactly the kind of food you want on a sunny day by the pool.
That evening, we decided to head into Byron for dinner, but getting back was a nightmare. Ubers were impossible to get, and walking in heels for an hour was not an option. After waiting way too long, we eventually got one, but next time, I’d plan ahead to bring food to eat at the resort instead.
The next morning, I went for a walk around the resort, exploring the nature trails and beachfront estuary. On the way, I had a very Byron Bay moment – a huge snake right outside our villa. It may have actually been two snakes mating, but either way, it was massive. What I loved was that no one panicked – the snake was left alone, and it left us alone. A very peaceful coexistence.
Before heading home, we spent a few final hours by the pool because there was no way I was leaving without soaking up as much sun as possible. The cocktails, the sunshine, the relaxed resort feel—it was the perfect way to end the weekend.
I’d come back to Elements. The resort itself is stunning, the pool is the perfect place to switch off, and the drinks are excellent. If they improved the main restaurant experience and added a little atmosphere in the evenings, it would be next-level.
** Note: I wrote this in 2024 and lost it, only to find and publish now!
