Stay: Hotel Marvell
Hotel Marvell front exterior / Photography Coastpark Creative
My partner and I recently had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Marvell in Byron Bay - the first five star luxury hotel in town. Read all about my stay at this stunning hotel.
Photography David Chatfield
Designed by award-winning Byron Bay architect studio HGA, Hotel Marvell embraces ‘tropical brutalism’ with its concrete walls softened by lush greenery bellowing from the balconies. The Spanish influence is also notable – terracotta tiles also adorn the exterior balcony walls, the floors of the ground floor lobby, restaurant, laneway and bathrooms. While dusty peach rendered walls feature at the rooftop pool and bar areas. All punctuated by lush greenery.
The leafy laneway / Photography David Chatfield
Upon arrival we make our way through the terracotta-lined laneway which feels like an urban jungle. A canopy of green tropical plants line the laneway and instantly put me into holiday mode. The hotel receptionist takes us up to our room for a guided tour and I was so impressed with the room’s amenities.
Reception area / Photography David Chatfield
First off, the bathroom in our room was huge! I loved the layout too, the shower area was massive – I got my tape measure out (as you do when you’re on holiday lol), and it measured 1.3m wide! That is unheard of in a hotel room, and I take mental notes to do a shower that wide on our next home renovation! Parallel to the shower and toilet is a large vanity featuring a beautiful blush-toned terrazzo benchtop.
It’s very evident Hotel Marvell are all about supporting local businesses when you open the Mini Bar – an impressive smorgasbord of drinks and goodies from brands from around the Byron region can be found.
Photography David Chatfield
Photography David Chatfield
After we get settled into our room we head straight to the rooftop pool. Cabanas and sun loungers offer a serene sanctuary for guests along with views over the Byron hinterland and out to the sea. We were surprised to see we had the whole pool to ourselves, the perks of staying mid-week and in off-peak season. The hotel isn’t huge - with just two levels of accommodation on offer (16 hotel rooms, six suites and two 2-bedroom hotel rooms) so it feels quite intimate and not over-crowed like some hotels.
Rooftop pool / Photography Coastpark Creative
After we finish our swim, we grab a refreshing cocktail from the adjacent rooftop bar – Horizon, before our dinner reservation at the hotel’s onsite restaurant Byron Bay Oyster Bar. Whilst it is a high-end restaurant it doesn’t feel pretentious or stuffy – quite casual in fact (but with to die for interiors). We start with a couple of entrees – BBQ Mooloolaba Prawns and Half Shell Scallop (all delicious), followed by the Lobster Mornay and Grass Fed Eye Fillet with a couple of sides. Everything is super fresh. Simple flavours with everything perfectly cooked. And for dessert we try the Espresso Parfait and Passionfruit Tart (which was my favourite dish of the night)!
Some of the small plates on offer at Byron Bay Oyster Bar
Photography Ethan Smart
Lobster Mornay from Byron Bay Oyster Bar / Photography Ethan Smart
With our tummies full, we head back to our hotel room. Premium linen adorns the King size bed – making for the perfect night’s sleep, and our pillows were so super comfortable that we check the label for where the pillows are from and add them to our shopping cart! The rooms have full blackout blinds – there are absolutely no gaps so it ensures you can have a good sleep-in (no eye mask required)! And I loved the various lighting on offer by the bedside table (even ambient lighting for when you need to get up in the middle of the night).
Photography David Chatfield
Photography David Chatfield
The next morning we head back to Byron Bay Oyster Bar for a complimentary coffee and a la carte breakfast. It’s a great start to the morning, and we’re feeling refreshed to do it all over again – poolside cabana anybody?