For years, road-trippers whizzed right past Yamba, just south of Byron Bay at the mouth of the Clarence River in northeast New South Wales. The under-the-radar fishing town has long been blessed with wild beaches, rocky ocean vistas, and an easygoing surf scene, but a crop of openings has turned it into a place to linger awhile.
The transformation began when the beloved Pacific Hotel Yamba, perched above Main Beach, unveiled its breezy, understated new-look suites, some with private balconies that offer epic views of the Pacific. But it was the 2021 opening of the Surf Yamba, a 12-bedroom spot, that really piqued the interest of out-of-towners. The ocean-facing Art Deco hotel has a Palm Springs vibe, with terrazzo, light timber, rattan, muted tones, and a heated rooftop pool.
Dine & spa
Subsequent newcomers include The Kiosk, a café that pulls in townies with an unbeatable beachfront location where diners tuck into egg-and-bacon rolls, acai bowls, and perfectly textured flat whites at picnic tables under nautical parasols. Nearby, the wildly popular El Ocaso serves riffs on Mediterranean favorites, like risotto with just-caught prawns and fresh fish croquettes. A short walk away, Yamba Distilling Co slings local gin as musicians perform in the garden. Last December, Exhale, a modern bathhouse, arrived with outdoor ice baths, magnesium spas, and infrared saunas.
Where else to to stay
Most recently, another seaside inn, Il Delfino, has further raised the profile of the teeny town. The vision of Sydney-based stylist and designer Sheree Commerford, this historic building has been converted into five fully equipped suites nestled in the rocks above the ocean, which take inspiration from Mediterranean architecture. Decorated with rustic design elements, restored original fixtures, and red-and-white stripes in the lounges, it’s a high-design retreat that signals, once and for all, that Yamba is a drive-by town no more.
This article appeared in the May/June 2024 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here