Crystalbrook Byron

The environment and building design. Beautiful, relaxing environment.

I have stayed at Crystalbrook a few years in a row and both times have been great. My last stay recently was mediocre. I was staying on a business retreat with fellow friends a few weeks ago and my check in time was delayed by a few hours. I was okay with this as the resort held my bags and I went to enjoy the surrounds.

I had been feeling unwell during my stay but on one particular night I was violently ill and my friend who was a visitor too (from New Zealand) had to prompt the staff as to what to do. I needed an ambulance and the staff were not sure of the resort address. It took them a while to call emergency services because they were “assessing” the situation and only when my friend had told them I wasn’t drinking and had been feeling unwell for a few days, they called the ambulance. There was one particular staff member who stood there while I was being sick, asking very unhelpful questions, only for me to ask her to leave as I was quite distressed.

Upon getting back from hospital the next day, I asked the resort if I could please extend my checkout time to later (I even offered to pay extra) but they insisted they needed the room cleaned and I was welcome to go and rest by the pool, in the hot sun. I thought that was very rich, considering my own check in was delayed. So that was rather unpleasant as I’d only had a few hours rest and still feeling unwell.
So unfortunately I feel the situation wasn’t handled well, and thank god I wasn’t having a heart attack or anything more serious because it could have been so much worse.

As I was on a business retreat, all our meals were paid for too, which was fabulous, however because I was unwell on the last day I was an hour late for the last breakfast, and even though I paid for it in my package, they made me pay for another meal because I wasn’t with my group. I only wanted toast and fruit…
So bummed, as I really love the resort. It’s beautiful, the food was delicious but I think the “small things” that they could have offered really would have made a big difference to my experience.

It’s a very private rainforest hideaway which is beautifully maintained. It has such a relaxed and peaceful environment which we loved.
The rooms were spacious and clean. Lovely rainforest views all around and felt private even though there were other apartments all around us. Staff were lovely, helpful and polite.
The restaurant had delicious food and drink for every meal we had and the staff were very helpful and informative on menu options to suit the palette. Especially at night when we had our 28th wedding anniversary dinner there. Loved it and would definitely stay at Crystalbrook again in the near future.

The heated pool was awesome!Nice 5 star hotel surrounded by rainforest. Within walking distance to the beach. Free yoga daily and make sure you make reservations for the spa early.