- To coincide with its 30th anniversary, Byron Bay hotel Raes on Wategos is slated to open a second property featuring 10 generously sized suites and communal pool areas.
- The new property is situated on the site formerly occupied by Victoria’s at Wategos, just across the road from Raes’ original premises.
- The new property is set to open its doors in late 2024.
Anyone who’s enjoyed time in Byron Bay will know the name Raes on Wategos: one of Australia’s most (in)famously waitlisted hotels, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
For over 30 years, the Raes team have honed their knack for giving holiday-makers exactly what they want; and are set to expand their iconic footprint with a second property later this year.
Located on the former Victoria’s at Wategos site: the new location will have 10 freshly finished suites on offer, palatial communal areas (equipped with log fireplaces, no less) and verdant tropical gardens. It will also boast two new pools, one of which spans 16 metres and incorporates a signature water feature.
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“We have long considered the possibility of extending our offering at Raes on Wategos, and so the opportunity to procure a property as iconic as Victoria’s was one we embraced wholeheartedly,” says Raes Managing Director, Jordy Catalano.
“As we celebrate 30 years of Raes, we’re thrilled to offer guests a wider opportunity to experience the elegance, warmth and unparalleled hospitality Raes on Wategos is renowned for.”
Located a mere 100 metres from the original Raes on Wategos, guests can enjoy everything the preceding property has to offer too. This notably includes the eponymous Raes Dining Room; an alfresco Cellar Bar with beachfront views; and the ever-popular Raes Spa.
In other news, Raes’ second property is set to be designed by interiors guru Tamsin Johnson (who Boss Hunting readers will likely know through her association with designer Patrick Johnson). Having already worked on the current fit-out for Raes on Wategos, design lovers can expect Johnson to expand that property’s serene colour palate and Mediterranean influences to this new sight.
“In designing Raes on Wategos new property, I’ve strived to compliment the design I did on the original Raes, whilst considering the building’s modern substrate,” says Tamsin Johnson.
“At the same time, I wanted to translate some of that lighter-hearted, playful and coastal language that has sensations of the Mediterranean islands and the breezy feel of Byron. I also introduced another newer layer with some notable, iconic vintage design pieces mixed against a collection of my own newly custom-designed furniture.”
The new property, which will offer premium perks like in-house chauffeur services and complimentary transfers, is set to begin taking bookings in October 2024. Summer can’t come any sooner.
