Why everyone’s talking about The Bonobo by Raes ahead of its upcoming opening

LUXURY Byron Bay development The Bonobo by Raes is set to open around Easter, with all apartments expected to be sold by the time the ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place.

Raes on Wategos general manager Marty McCaig said many of the buyers were regular guests of the sister property who love its service and style.

The hotel-apartment hybrid consists of 41 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, along with shops, restaurants and bars, plus a wellness centre featuring steam rooms, saunas and ice baths.

Most of the apartments are dual-key, designed as two separate, self-contained living units under one title, offering flexibility for multi-generational living or rental income.

McCaig said the team was excited to be expanding its footprint from the exclusive enclave into the heart of Jonson Street.

“We’ve had some of the boarding come down and people are starting to talk about it around town, which is great,” he said.

“We had some construction delays back from when the cyclone hit and whenever it rained we were pushed back and then we had some supply issues which are under control now.”

McCaig said most of the remaining work was internal.

“We’re just finishing off apartments and then we will have our retail build, food and beverage and lobby on the ground floor being finalised,” he said.

The team is currently recruiting staff both locally and from interstate, although the biggest challenge remains finding accommodation.

“We’re hoping our opening will coincide with more rental properties becoming available and we’re lucky to have the existing Raes operating, and that will start to quieten down after Easter, so we will be able to pull some staff from there,” McCaig said.

Designed by acclaimed architecture firm Richards & Spence — also behind Brisbane’s iconic The Calile Hotel — the project is a joint venture between developers Podia and Centennial Property Group.

The Bonobo by Raes is available via expressions of interest through Michael Coombs of Atlas.