Bespoke, barefoot, and beautifully Byron

FORGET crystal chandeliers and gilded foyers. The new face of Australian luxury is barefoot, personal, and in quiet conversation with the natural world.

It doesn’t glitter; it grounds.

And no one knows that better than the team at Raes on Wategos.

This week, the Byron Bay icon was named Gourmet Traveller’s Boutique Hotel of the Year, a win general manager Marty McCaig says reflects the deep care that goes into every detail of the guest experience, from its design and service to the two-hatted Raes Dining Room, led by executive chef Jason Saxby.

 

“This recognition from Gourmet Traveller means a lot because it acknowledges the dedication and heart our team pours into every detail,” McCaig said.

“There is a genuine warmth and quiet confidence that underpins everything we do.”

Raes was one of several winners celebrated in the 2025 Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards, with editor Joanna Hunkin describing the lineup as a reflection of a uniquely Australian approach to world-class travel.

 

“Luxury can be an overused word,” Hunkin said.

“We wanted the awards to really celebrate what Australian luxury means, and it’s more relaxed, more organic.

“It’s not about chandeliers. It’s about being embedded in place.”

 

The annual awards span a wide range of experiences, from sky-high city hotels to remote wilderness lodges. But a clear thread runs through each of the winners: authenticity.

“Across the board, we were looking for properties that created a sense of identity,” Hunkin said.

“The kind of place where you wake up and there’s no doubt you’re in Australia, or even better, a very specific part of it.”

 

For Raes, that sense of place begins with its surroundings.

“Wategos isn’t just where we are, it’s part of who we are,” McCaig said.

“The natural beauty and charm of this place are central to the experience our guests come for, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

He said the hotel’s ties to the Byron community extend beyond location.

 

“Whether it’s sourcing from local producers, working with Byron-based artisans, or simply offering our guests ways to engage with the area respectfully, our connection to the Byron community is deep and ongoing.”

Raes’ recent expansion, the addition of two new Guesthouses, also helped secure its win.

Hunkin said the hotel managed to double its capacity while preserving the sense of intimacy that defines boutique accommodation.

 

“Every suite is different. They remember your name, your preferences, your favourite wine,” she said.

“That’s what boutique means, not just small, but bespoke.”

McCaig echoed that sentiment.

“Whether you’re at Raes Hotel or checking into the new Raes Guesthouses, every detail is intentional and personal,” he said.

 

“We don’t chase trends. We focus on delivering something with real substance.”

Elsewhere, Hotel of the Year went to The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, praised for its panoramic views and deep sense of place.

Resort of the Year was awarded to Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, a property that has risen both literally and symbolically from the ashes of the 2020 bushfires.

 

“What they’ve done there is extraordinary,” Hunkin said.

“It’s a masterclass in integrated design. It’s luxurious, yes, but it’s also in conversation with the landscape.”

If this year’s awards show anything, it is that Australian high-end travel is thriving.

 

Hunkin noted a post-pandemic boom in new five-star openings across the country.

“Capella, Ace, Langham, JW Marriott, Mondrian, the list goes on,” she said.

“International brands have recognised there is demand here.

 

“Australia used to be more of a four-star, family holiday market. That’s changing.”

And while the rise of global hotel chains could suggest a drift toward sameness, Hunkin said the best properties are doing the opposite, crafting distinct, hyper-local experiences.

 

“I’ve been lucky to visit most of the winners,” she said.

Among them, Raes on Wategos holds a special place in her heart.

“Raes is a place I’ll always want to return to. It just gets under your skin.”