Element of Byron named Oceania’s leading villa resort
The annual awards recognise brands and individuals setting new standards across the global travel and tourism industry
Elements of Byron has been named Oceania’s Leading Villa Resort 2026 at the World Travel Awards, bringing the regional title to the Northern Rivers after seven consecutive years of wins by Eagles Nest, a luxury clifftop estate in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.
The annual World Travel Awards recognise brands and individuals setting new standards across the global travel and tourism industry, celebrating excellence in service, innovation, sustainability and guest experience.
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Set across 50 acres on Belongil Beach, Elements of Byron is the seaside town’s only luxury beachfront resort, with 202 standalone villas surrounded by coastal dunes, wetlands, rainforest and native bushland. Spacious accommodation, private outdoor spaces and a considered mix of dining, wellness and recreational facilities allow guests to settle into the property for the duration of their stay, with the beach and Byron Bay township close at hand.
General Manager, Michael Skinner, said the award is a significant milestone for the resort and the wider region. “This recognition puts Elements of Byron, and the Northern Rivers more broadly, on the global stage. We’re proud to represent a region with such a distinctive natural environment and creative spirit, and to show international travellers what makes Byron Bay such a special place to stay. This award is a credit to our team and their commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience.”
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That commitment extends to the ongoing evolution of the resort’s offering. This spring, Elements of Byron introduced Foreshore Italian, a new dining venue, alongside the Metamorphosis treatment range at Osprey Spa, developed by Australian skincare brand, Vanessa Megan. Both additions reflect the resort’s focus on giving guests compelling reasons to spend their time on property, from delectable dinners to restorative spa experiences.
According to Michael, the villa resort model is central to that approach, giving guests the space and privacy of standalone accommodation alongside the facilities and experiences of a full-service resort. “With six dining options, two iconic swimming pools, Osprey Spa, nature trails, access to Belongil Beach, and child-friendly activities onsite, Elements of Byron offers guests the freedom to shape their stay around the property, whether that means a few days of complete downtime or a more active coastal escape.”
The World Travel Awards nod arrives as Elements of Byron celebrates its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of welcoming guests to the Byron Bay coastline and epitomising the benefits of villa stays.
