Raes on Wategos, Australia’s foremost boutique travel destination, is thrilled to announce the official opening of its highly anticipated second property, Raes Guesthouses. Located just steps away from the original hotel, the new property expands Raes’ offering with ten luxurious suites, along with indoor common areas with open log fireplaces, two lap pools, and tropical landscaped gardens. As Raes celebrates its 30th birthday, the launch of Raes Guesthouses marks the start of an exciting new era for the brand.
“Raes Guesthouses have allowed us to build on what we know guests love about Raes: warmth, elegance, and generous hospitality,” says Raes managing director Jordy Catalano. “We’re excited to introduce a fresh yet familiar take on luxury, just in time to celebrate our 30th birthday. This expansion allows us to meet growing demand while preserving the boutique, intimate nature of Raes, with a continued commitment to providing personalised service and an exceptional guest experience.”
Raes Guesthouses consist of two adjacent buildings, together housing ten spacious suites. Each suite features a luxurious king-sized bed with a custom-designed bedhead, and offers sweeping views of Wategos Beach or the serene garden surrounds. Many of the suites feature private balconies with sun lounges, while others showcase custom French linen canopies. Designed by renowned interior designer Tamsin Johnson, the property radiates a relaxed Mediterranean feel, with earthen pastels in blues and greens, hand-painted joinery, and vintage-inspired pieces throughout. As synonymous with Johnson’s design practice, the space features custom furnishings, organically molded plasterwork, and mid-century lighting. This is complemented by a range of carefully chosen materials, from vintage glazed tiles to linen and cane, ensuring every detail feels at home within Byron Bay’s coastal surrounds.
“I wanted to build on the soul of the original Raes property, while thoughtfully adapting to the unique architecture of this space,” says Tamsin Johnson. “The style hints at Spanish-Hollywood and Balearic influences, with added color and a playful coastal aesthetic to set the property apart from the original hotel. Strong materials like marble tie the two properties together, reinforcing a sense of shared personality. Maintaining Raes communal spirit was essential, creating a space that feels inviting and familiar to guests.”
The property also features two impressive lap pools set against tropical gardens, offering guests an ideal year-round escape. The western side offers a 16 x 3-meter pool with a waterfall, while the eastern side includes a solar-heated 12-meter pool, complete with a cabana and lounge area.
Culinary offerings by Raes executive chef Jason Saxby further enhance the guest experience, with a new menu available throughout the property, served in-room, in the communal dining room, or poolside. Inspired by the hotel’s oceanfront setting, the menu offers a selection of snacks, plates, and sweets, with regular updates to showcase seasonal ingredients. Opening menu highlights include chilled oysters with Raes signature Australiana dressing, swordfish katsu sandwich, spanner crab tagliolini, and a creative twist on the prawn cocktail featuring locally-sourced prawns. To finish, Saxby’s negroni-soaked frozen watermelon promises a refreshing treat best enjoyed poolside.
Raes Guesthouse will also be available for exclusive venue-wide bookings, with Raes dedicated team ensuring every detail is seamlessly executed. Ongoing partnerships with prestige brands such as Perrier-Jouët will further bolster the luxurious guest experience.
Guests will enjoy direct access to Raes Dining Room, a renowned 2-hatted restaurant located in the original Raes hotel, as well as the alfresco Cellar Bar, and the serene Raes Spa, offering a luxurious range of RATIONALE treatments. A dedicated in-house chauffeur service provides complimentary Lexus transfers for arrivals, departures, and local excursions, ensuring a seamless experience throughout their stay.
Raes Guesthouses are now open, located at 1 Marine Parade, Byron Bay NSW.
Bookings are available now via https://raes.com.au/
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