How To Design A Garden That Feels Like A Resort in Byron Bay

Designing an outdoor living space that feels like a resort is not about recreating something you saw on holiday. In Byron Bay, it is about working with the land. The subtropical climate, coastal air, sandy soils and lush hinterland all play a role in shaping outdoor environments that feel calm, considered and connected to place.

Whether it is a private home, a holiday home or a larger shared outdoor area, the goal remains the same. To design a garden that feels like a resort in Byron Bay while maintaining function, longevity and ease of care.

At Gondwana Landscaping and Stone, outdoor living spaces are approached through a landscape architecture lens. Design inspiration, natural beauty and craftsmanship are balanced with long term performance and site specific thinking.

Byron Bay’s climate is generous, but it is also demanding. Salt spray, high humidity, intense rainfall and sandy soils all influence how a garden performs over time.



A successful Byron Bay garden begins with a clear understanding of site conditions. This includes coastal exposure, drainage patterns, soil health and existing vegetation. It also means considering how people move through the outdoor area, whether it is a small garden, a front yard, a pool zone or a larger outdoor living space.

Design decisions made early, from retaining walls to plant palette, determine whether a garden matures gracefully or becomes high maintenance.

Pool surrounds at Black Myrtle Court

Pool landscaping should feel integrated, not imposed. A well designed pool area becomes the heart of the outdoor living space, offering both visual calm and practical function.

Natural stone and locally sourced stone are commonly used for pool surrounds, providing durability, texture and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Material choices are guided by heat performance, slip resistance and long term wear, particularly in high use environments.

When pool zones are designed as part of the overall landscape architecture, they contribute to both lifestyle and property’s value.

Path lighting at Federal

Resort style outdoor living spaces rely on atmosphere as much as layout. Fire pits extend the use of gardens into the cooler months and create natural gathering points within lounge areas.

Water features introduce movement and sound, softening the environment and enhancing the sense of retreat. Garden lighting plays a quieter but equally important role, shaping how spaces are experienced after dark and guiding movement through the landscape.

These elements work best when they are integrated from the beginning and considered as part of a broader design system rather than added later.

Natural materials are central to creating outdoor spaces that feel grounded and timeless. In coastal New South Wales, durability and weathering are just as important as appearance.

We work with natural stone, robust structural elements and retaining walls that feel architectural rather than engineered. Materials are selected for their ability to handle salt spray, moisture and sun exposure while ageing gently over time.

This approach ensures outdoor living spaces remain consistent and refined long after installation, even in demanding coastal conditions.

A resort style garden should feel effortless to live with. Thoughtful landscape design reduces ongoing maintenance without flattening the design or limiting plant diversity.

This includes selecting the right plants for the local climate, allowing appropriate access for garden maintenance and reducing water dependency through sustainable practices. Edible gardens can also be integrated in a way that feels intentional rather than ornamental.

Low maintenance does not mean low impact. It means designing smarter from the start.

Black Myrtle Court

Well designed outdoor living spaces add value beyond aesthetics. They shape how a property is used, how it is experienced and how it is perceived from the moment of arrival.

From front yard design to expansive pool landscaping, a resort style Byron Bay garden creates a sense of calm, clarity and connection to place. These qualities are equally valued in private homes, holiday properties and shared outdoor environments.

Designing outdoor living spaces that feel like a resort requires more than landscaping ideas. It requires an understanding of land, climate, materials and long term performance.

At Gondwana Landscaping and Stone, landscapes are designed to sit quietly within their surroundings. Grounded, functional and built to last.