Second Raes property opens to guests

LUXURY Byron Bay hotel Raes on Wategos has opened a new property just down the road from the original building.

Known as The Guesthouses, the new building in the former Victoria’s at Wategos site is home to 10 upmarket suites, several indoor communal areas with log fires and two lap pools set amid tropical gardens.

“We have done a complete overhaul of the venue in just shy of four months,” Raes on Wategos managing director Jordy Catalano, who led the expansion alongside general manager Marty McCaig, said.

“It’s been a big job but the place has come together beautifully.

“We had some friends staying earlier this week to test the place out and some people are saying they love it even more than the original, so that was pretty good feedback to hear.”

Sydney-based interior designer Tamsin Johnson, who refurbished Raes in 2016, was once again called upon to do the fit-out, incorporating European style elements and unique furnishings.

Original travertine tiles, archways and columns have been restored, with custom bedheads, curtains and rare antiques used to add character to each space.

Some suites have private balconies with sun lounges, while others showcase custom French linen canopies.

“We have taken everything everyone loves about Raes – its warmth and elegance – and continued in a similar style,” Mr Catalano said.

“We knew we had to go above and beyond for this property; every detail had to be utterly perfect.

“It’s a bit different to the original Raes in that there’s more room for guests to sit and enjoy time together.”

Guests will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s in-house chauffers, who offer drop-offs in and out of town and complimentary arrival and departure transfers in Lexus vehicles, and access to the acclaimed Raes Dining Room, its alfresco Cellar Bar and Raes Spa.

Mr Catalano said the 41-apartment residential development in Jonson Street, Bonobo by Raes, is also on track to be complete by October or November 2025.