There are few properties more storied or sought-after than Raes on Wategos, with its sandcastle silhouette and Salvador Dali-designed gardens and pool (or so the legend goes). Originally built as a private residence, the quirky, sprawling property was converted to a hotel in 1994, before a Tamsin Johnson-led refurbishment turned it into the coastal icon it is today.
As the property enters its fourth decade, more than doubling its capacity with the opening of the neighbouring Guesthouses, Raes has levelled up on every front. The new Guesthouses – located less than 200m from the hotel and waterfront – offer an added level of privacy, shrouded by tropical gardens and private terraces.
Guests of both properties have access to shared facilities, including Raes Dining Room, Cellar Bar and the crypt-like splendour of Raes Spa. Those tempted to leave the sanctuary of Wategos Beach can take advantage of Raes’ complimentary e-bikes or simply ask the team to chauffeur them anywhere within the wider Byron area; it’s all part of the service.
The rooms
Details are everything at Raes, with every stylish nook and corner given due consideration. Yes, it looks good on the ‘gram, but there is a craftsmanship and quality to Raes’ interiors that is unparalleled. From the artwork to the custom furnishings, everything has been hand-chosen to fit the breezy, Balearic aesthetic. Whether you are in the original hotel or one of the new Guesthouses, no two rooms are the same, each offering its own distinct outlook and experience.
Food & drink
Since stepping into the executive chef role in 2019, Jason Saxby has made Raes Dining Room a destination in its own right. His seasonal menus are designed to showcase the region’s exceptional seafood and produce, along with playful nods of nostalgia. The Iced Vovo dessert – an ice cream sandwich inspired by the classic Arnott’s biscuit and served in a vintage biscuit tin – has become a signature. But while Saxby brings a fine-dining flex to the Dining Room menu, he leans into crowd-pleasing coastal classics when it comes to Cellar Bar and the Guesthouse terrace dining. Think Bay lobster rolls, swordfish katsu sandwiches, and fresh Ballina prawns with Marie-Rose sauce.
The service
As with the design aesthetic, details matter when it comes to service, and Raes prides itself on remembering the little things. Returning guests might find their favourite Champagne or shampoo waiting in their suite. Unsurprisingly for its location, the Raes team comprises a United Nations of hospitality professionals, who can’t hide their delight at getting to work in paradise every day. Their enthusiasm is both charming and infectious.
Ideal for: Stylish celebrations and memorable milestones
Why we love it:
- The vibe. Bright, breezy, bohemian and yet impossibly chic, Raes on Wategos is more White Lotus than anywhere actually featured in the series.
- The spa. Tucked under the white-washed curves of the hotel staircase, entering the spa is like stepping into a hidden chapel, with Rationale products lining the altar.
- The location. There’s a reason the Watego family originally set up camp on the Raes site, overlooking their namesake beach, where dolphins regularly frolick in the surf. Lush tropical bush separates the Wategos enclave from the rest of Byron, bringing an added sense of isolation and exclusivity.
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