Media Release 
7 August 2024 

Raes on Wategos, one of Australia's foremost boutique travel destinations, proudly announces its expansion with the opening of a second property featuring ten new suites, set to open in late 2024. The second property,  situated in the former Victoria's at Wategos site, a mere one minute stroll from Raes on Wategos, creates increased amenity and opportunity for guests to experience Raes world-class hospitality and style, in the year of its 30th anniversary. 

Raes on Wategos second property will enhance its accommodation capabilities, while continuing to uphold the exceptional service and luxurious guest experiences synonymous with the Raes brand. Comprising ten generously sized suites, the property also features several indoor common areas with open log fireplaces, tropical landscaped gardens, and two impressive lap pools: a 16 x 3-metre pool with a waterfall on the western side, and a 12-metre solar-heated pool on the eastern side complete with a cabana and lounge area, making it an ideal year-round holiday destination. Positioned less than 100 metres from Raes on Wategos, guests are also able to make use of its extensive nearby facilities including the two-hatted Raes Dining Room led by executive chef Jason Saxby, its alfresco Cellar Bar with views of Wategos Beach; and indulgent Raes Spa with its range of RATIONALE treatments. Raes' ongoing partnerships with prestige brands such as Perrier-Jouët will further bolster the luxurious in-room experience.  

“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”.

The property will mirror the minimalistic and unpretentious coastal look synonymous with Raes on Wategos, with a fit-out by lauded interior designer Tamsin Johnson, who refurbished Raes on Wategos original site in 2016. Featuring a neutral colour palette and luxe yet natural touches throughout the property, Tamsin's design will fuse Mediterranean influences with an understated coastal elegance, akin to that of Raes on Wategos original site. Tamsin will breathe new life into the property, imbuing it with her signature refined yet relaxed aesthetic, fusing eclectic, one-of-a-kind pieces that complement the property's rich history and original architecture, while harmonising with its peaceful, beachside surrounds. 

“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.”

A resounding testament to Raes unwavering commitment to providing a luxurious guest experience, guests of Raes on Wategos second property will enjoy the same premium additions as the current hotel, including in-house chauffeur, with drop-offs in and out of town as well as complimentary arrival and departure transfers within their Lexus vehicles. 

Raes expansion plans are led by managing director Jordy Catalano, alongside general manager Marty McCaig, who has led significant developments for Raes since joining the brand in 2021. Raes on Wategos  will open bookings to its second property in October 2024, with further details to be announced in the coming months.

-ENDS-

Please direct all media enquiries to The Cru

Hannah Fedeli, 0437 166 571 or hannah.f@thecru.agency 
Shannon Blanchard, 0432 543 377 or shannon@thecru.agency

 About Raes

Raes is Australia's most iconic and revered hotel and hospitality brand - a name synonymous with Byron Bay's unique coastal style. With a portfolio that includes Raes on Wategos, Raes Dining Room, Raes Cellar Bar, elegant superyacht, M.Y Sea Raes, and the soon to open The Bonobo by Raes, Raes  has built a global reputation for its unparalleled style and uniquely Australian approach to high-end travel experiences. Owned and operated by the Catalano family, Raes is a premium hospitality company with a clear vision to deliver hotel, culinary, wellness and travel experiences that embody the essence of Byron Bay's effortless sensibility. Raes collaborates with the best designers, suppliers, hospitality talent and creatives to curate experiences that are exceptional, distinctive and anchored by a sense of place. A belief in the power of hospitality informs everything that Raes does, as does a commitment to local, sustainable sourcing and operations.