Byron Bay’s Raes on Wategos expands with new guesthouses

The new addition offers ten suites along with landscaped tropical gardens and two lap pools, and comes as the hotel celebrates its 30th birthday

Iconic Byron Bay hotel Raes on Wategos has officially opened its second property, Raes Guesthouses, as the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary. The new addition, located just steps from the original hotel in two adjacent buildings, expands Raes’ offering with ten luxurious suites, landscaped tropical gardens, two lap pools and elegant communal spaces.

“Raes Guesthouses have allowed us to build on what we know guests love about Raes: warmth, elegance, and generous hospitality,” commented Raes managing director, Jordy Catalano. “This expansion allows us to meet growing demand while preserving the boutique, intimate nature of Raes, with a continued commitment to providing personalised service and an exceptional guest experience.”

In keeping with the design of the original Raes on Wategos and the aesthetic Byron Bay itself has come to be known for, the Guesthouses’ suites are understatedly luxurious with a Mediterranean flourish, thanks to a design direction executed by interior designer Tamsin Johnson. All suites feature a king-sized bed with custom-designed bedheads and views of either Wategos Beach or the verdant gardens; many offer private balconies with sun lounges, while others are adorned with bespoke French linen canopies.

“I wanted to build on the soul of the original Raes property, while thoughtfully adapting to the unique architecture of this space,” said Johnson. Drawing inspiration from Spanish-Hollywood and Balearic influences, the design combines earthen tones, hand-painted joinery, and vintage-inspired furnishings to create a playful yet elegant coastal atmosphere. The design’s standout features include custom plasterwork, mid-century lighting, and a harmonious mix of materials such as marble, vintage glazed tiles and cane.

The Guesthouses’ two lap pools are surrounded by tropical gardens, adding a sense of retreat to the property. The western pool features a striking 16×3-metre design with a waterfall, while the eastern solar-heated pool includes a cabana and lounge area.

The culinary offerings, led by Raes executive chef Jason Saxby, are inspired by the oceanfront setting, with the menu showcasing seasonal and local ingredients. Standout dishes include swordfish katsu sandwiches, spanner crab tagliolini and chilled oysters with Australiana dressing. Guests can also indulge in innovative desserts like negroni-soaked frozen watermelon – a treat designed to be savoured poolside.

Guests can also enjoy access to the original Raes Dining Room – a two-hatted restaurant, the alfresco Cellar Bar and the serene Raes Spa, which offers treatments using luxury skincare brand, Rationale.

Raes Guesthouses is available for exclusive use for special occasions, and a complimentary chauffeur service is also available, providing Lexus transfers for arrivals, departures and local excursions.

raes.com.au