Raes on Wategos set to grow

ICONIC Byron Bay hotel Raes on Wategos is expanding, with plans to add ten more suites in a nearby property.

The boutique hotel – which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year – is in the process of transforming the former Victoria’s at Wategos site, a one-minute walk from the original building.

Raes on Wategos managing director Jordy Catalano, who is leading the expansion alongside general manager Marty McCaig, said he was extremely excited about the development.

“We have always wanted to expand our offering, but we hadn’t found the right property,” he said. “Victoria’s has been on our radar for some time. It’s quite a similar building.

All the suites are different to one another, like Raes. It’s so close to the beach, and it’s close to our existing property, so it’s a natural fit. We only have seven rooms at the moment, so we will be able to welcome more guests at a time and with a shorter lead time, so we will be able to accommodate more spontaneous bookings.”

The new property has two lap pools, tropical gardens, and several indoor common areas with open log fireplaces. Sydney-based interior designer Tamsin Johnson, who refurbished Raes in 2016, has been recruited once again to do the fit-out.

“She’s one of the best designers in Australia,” Catalano said.

“She has an eye for detail and she’s well-travelled, so she’s taken the best bits of European hospitality and style and helped us create something that’s uniquely Australian.

It’s very much an extension of our existing offering. All of the furniture pieces are unique, the layout will be unique.”

Guests will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s in-house chauffeurs, who offer drop-offs in, and out of, town and complimentary arrival and departure transfers in Lexus vehicles.

They will also have access to the acclaimed Raes Dining Room, its alfresco Cellar Bar, and Raes Spa.

Catalano said the new property should be open for bookings mid-September for stays beginning in October.