Byron Bay, Australia
The Sunseeker Byron Bay
Upcycled roadside motel
Upcycled roadside motel
The 1980s motor inn is revived as a low-key surf lodge centered on its original kidney-shaped mineral pool.
“The result is a clash of bold colours, textures and shapes that speak to the past but with a cool edge.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Salvaged slate crazy paving leads to rooms with crystal-studded recycled terrazzo counters.
Listed
Northern Rivers artisans crafted the room furnishings, with loaner bikes for Tallow Beach.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
Ten minutes outside of Byron Bay proper is a 1980s vintage brick motel, renovated, redesigned and repurposed by its new owners into a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Tallow Beach sits a ten-minute stroll away, while the bustling cafes of central Byron Bay are a quick drive north.
The rooms
Rooms have concrete floors and sunny yellow bathroom tiles, while family bungalows add private gardens with outdoor tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool stays heated through the winter months, bordered by terracotta decking and tall palms.
Pool Bar & Cabana
The thatched poolside tiki bar pours craft beers and biodynamic wines under woven pendant lights.
The owners adopted a similar design and lifestyle philosophy for The Sunseeker, their nostalgically renovated motel in town.
At the table
The Cart serves Coffee Supreme brews and fresh pastries each morning from an outdoor hatch.
How it began
Owners Jess and Dave Frid bought the 1980s red-brick motel in 2020, remaking the site with solar power and salvaged timber.
“Located on a quiet street about a 10-minute drive from town, the new Sunseeker channels the area’s chilled-out spirit.”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.