NANA JUDY’s invitation-only bash has basically become ubiquitous with Byron Bay folklore each year over the middle weekend of July.
For the last seven years, the Aussie fashion label’s takeover of Angus Stone’s 120-acre hinterland property was the hottest ticket in town on Splendour Saturday. This hidden haven was appreciated more than ever last year, but 2023 couldn’t have been more different.
Glenn Coleman, founder of NANA JUDY and generous host of Boss Hunting, dared to do what I’ve never heard done before – shake things up entirely and relocate to Raes on Wategos for a penthouse party at the most exclusive hotel in Byron Bay.
Naturally, that involved essentially booking the entire hotel, clearing out Penthouses 1 and 2 (each a tidy three grand per night), bumping in a setup to match the soiree’s reputation, and curating a more intimate guestlist than ever before.
Wategos sparkled in the winter sun as the penthouses flowed with cocktails from Vodka Soda &. Unlike previous years, having the entire Raes hospitality arsenal at NANA JUDY’s disposal noticeably elevated the afternoon’s glorious spread of food and beverage.
The funky cocktail list was backed up by a scrumptious canapé menu taken directly from the famed restaurant downstairs, spearheaded by chef Jason Saxby. Shout out to the kangaroo tonnato and cauliflower tempura – likely the most boujee hors d’oeuvres to ever hit a Byron Bay party floor.
The spicy watermelon Vodka& margarita was a huge hit, with revellers (myself included) sucking them down like water. But it was the bartenders who stole the show, punching the air with flaming cocktails while Dangerous Dan, Cassette, and Jamie Lowe spun groovy tunes right through until sunset.
It’s not often in the context of Splendour-scale parties we’d suggest that less is more, but in the case of a hotel soiree as exclusive as this one, NANA JUDY has now become even more of a hyped institution. The question is, once your brand of cool hits penthouse heights – where do you take it from there? Whatever it may be, we’ll be right there to let you know.
You can check out the latest gear from NANA JUDY below.
The article is presented in partnership with NANA JUDY. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
