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| Raes on Wategos |
Raes on Wategos offers an elegant, opulent and exceptionally private space for guests to lose themselves in the ultimate beachfront escape, just steps from the famed Wategos Beach. The boutique retreat, including its two luxury penthouses and five suites, underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2017 at the hands of lauded interior designer, Tamsin Johnson. With each room displaying a unique personality felt through the introduction of sculptural lighting, custom fittings, rugs and upholstery, Tamsin has created synergy through a monochromatic, muted palette and luxe yet natural touches that form the ‘minimalistic and unpretentious coastal’ look underpinning the entire hotel. Effortlessly merging comfort with beauty, whilst embracing its rich history and original architecture, the hotel feels effortlessly luxurious, with design choices that go beyond just the fit out to help create a remarkable guest experience.
With its culinary prowess living up to its unparalleled guest service, Raes Dining Room, led by executive chef Jason Saxby (formerly Pilu, Osteria di Russo & Russo, The Ledbury (UK) and Quay), has recently gained two hats at the prestigious Good Food Guide 2024 Awards, further refining its lauded offering as it approaches its 30th year. A casual yet refined dining experience with a unique coastal sensibility, Jason and his team curate a seasonal modern Australian menu with a distinct Mediterranean influence, championing locally and sustainably sourced produce. Current menu highlights include octopus cooked over the charcoal and served with a house made octopus and nduja XO, Deb Allard whipped stracchino, smoked olives, capers and shiso, and Spanish mackerel grilled over paperbark and lemon myrtle, served with heirloom zucchini and squash, buttermilk veloute, basil and wakame.
Providing a more relaxed space for guests and barefoot beachgoers to enjoy an afternoon drink and some of the region’s finest seafood, Raes Cellar Bar offers alfresco dining with views of famed Wategos Beach, allowing walk-ins with guests seated on a first come first serve basis. The space is also able to be transformed into a private dining room, available for exclusive bookings, with tailored menus and dedicated bar staff.
“We want guests to lose themselves in the experience of Raes - whether staying with us, dining with us, or enjoying an afternoon drink or treatment in the spa, our commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience remains consistent”, says general manager, Marty McCaig. “Our 30th birthday provides the opportunity to look back on how far the venue has come, while welcoming in a new and exciting era for Raes on Wategos. There is an undeniable energy within the venue this year as we gear up for our birthday celebrations and we’re excited to show our guests what we have in store for them”.
Creating an intimate space to indulge guests with the highest quality treatments in an opulent and secluded atmosphere, Raes Spa offers a range of treatments enhanced by the RATIONALE line, as the platinum standard of skincare. Further elevating this already luxury offering, Raes Spa has recently launched a range of curated ‘Skin Indulgences’ for repeat visitors and loyal customers of the spa, specifically formulated with different skin goals in mind, to achieve optimal skin health and glowing radiance.
As a hotel that seamlessly melds hospitality and the arts, Raes on Wategos established its ‘Artist in Residence’ programme in 2019 in partnership with Perrier-Jouët. The Artist In Residence programme celebrates the decadent dialogue between art, champagne and boutique luxury, which are central to Raes ethos. Each year, Raes handpicks an artist to reside at the hotel and craft a collection of artwork that reflects the essence of the hotel, in the artist's unique medium. The series includes previous partnerships with French-born Australian artist Stanislas Piechaczek, and men’s resort label COMMAS. Raes on Wategos proudly announced Eytan Messiah ('22 Artist in Residence alum whose ceramic artworks have become synonymous with Raes) as its 2024 Artist In Residence. Raes entrusted Eytan with the revitalisation of its iconic pool area, who has created a bespoke tile and mural design inspired by the idyllic surroundings of Byron Bay, and the unique architecture of the hotel. His tile design is a thoughtful representation of Raes’ rich history and influence on Byron Bay, while honouring his dedication to artisanal craftsmanship through the application of locally-made, small batch handcrafted tile making. Celebrating the venue’s partnership Perrier-Jouët, the mural is complete with a ‘press for champagne’ button, from which guests are now able to order glasses of the luxury champagne to be delivered poolside.
Raes has entered into a series of luxury partnerships with other leading lifestyle brands including Maison Balzac, P. Johnson and L.G.R which are integrated seamlessly throughout the venue and available to purchase via the Raes e-store, allowing guests to take a piece of Raes home with them.
A resounding testament to Raes unwavering commitment to providing a luxurious 360 guest experience, Raes also offers an in-house chauffeur, with drop offs in and out of town as well as complimentary arrival and departure transfers within their Lexus RX 450hL hybrid SUV for all guests.
Raes will introduce an exciting line-up of luxury activations and offerings to take place throughout 2024 in celebration of its 30th birthday, the first being its exclusive Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays two nights and over from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst reveling in the beauty of Byron Bay during the tranquil winter season. With rates starting from $780 per night, the package includes daily à la carte breakfast for two, transfers, a bottle of Perrier Jouët Champagne, an infrared sauna session and Raes x Rationale treatment in Raes Spa for two, and more. Additional celebratory activities to mark the milestone will be announced in the coming months.
Under the guidance of general manager Marty McCaig, managing director Jordy Catalano and owner Antony Catalano, and with a series of new launches in the works - including the soon to launch unique hotel apartment concept in Byron Bay, The Bonobo by Raes, Raes is poised to enter its most exciting era yet as it welcomes in its 30th year.
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