Travel: Raes Guesthouses

Building on the original charm, elevated coastal style and popularity of Raes, Tamsin Johnson has further expanded on the chic getaway with the addition of 10 dreamy suites.

Over summer, Raes on Wategos opened the doors to its next chapter by launching a second property, adding to its legacy of boutique luxury. For three decades, the beachfront accommodations defined a specific kind of escape: effortless, intimate and grounded in its coastal setting. Now, with Raes Guesthouses – a 10-suite addition just a stone’s throw from the original – the brand expands its vision while staying true to its roots.

“The brief was to carry over the intimacy and warmth of Raes but adapt it to a more contemporary structure with a lighter, more playful character,” she says.

The idea of expanding Raes has been in the air for some time. Managing director Jordan Catalano explains that demand had been pushing capacity limits for years. “With just seven suites at the original hotel, Raes was often booked out months in advance,” he says. But growth, for Raes, was never going to be about just adding rooms. “It needed to be the right property and location to preserve the boutique, intimate nature of Raes.” The site of the former Victoria’s at Wategos, just steps from the main hotel, provided that opportunity.

To transform the premises, Catalano and the team tapped Tamsin Johnson, who redesigned the original Raes in 2016. For Johnson, the challenge was to create something that felt connected to the Raes DNA but not derivative of it. “The brief was to carry over the intimacy and warmth of Raes but adapt it to a more contemporary structure with a lighter, more playful character,” she says. The design leans into Mediterranean influences but interprets them through a distinctly Byron Bay lens. Softly curved white walls, moulded plasterwork and pastel blues and greens echo the natural surroundings, while custom furnishings and vintage pieces inject personality.

Softly curved white walls, moulded plasterwork and pastel blues and greens echo the natural surroundings, while custom furnishings and vintage pieces inject personality.

The pastels are no accident. “The natural beauty of Byron Bay inspired the palette,” says Johnson. Blues and greens reflect the ocean and lush vegetation, while materials like Tasmanian oak and cane connect the interiors to their environment. The design is less about grand gestures and more about considered details. A hand-painted, 1980s Memphis-style floor lamp finds its place alongside custom Belgian linen canopies. “It’s about creating spaces that feel layered and intentional. You want to surprise guests but also make them feel at ease.”

This sense of balance carries into the property’s outdoor spaces. Expansive windows blur the line between inside and out, and materials like stone and rattan create continuity between the interiors and the landscape.

The two pools are striking in their own right: a 16-metre lap pool with a cascading waterfall on one side and a solar-heated 12-metre pool with a cabana and lounge area on the other. “The pools are designed to suit any mood,” says Catalano. “Whether you want to relax, socialise or just take a quiet moment, the spaces adapt to your experience.”

The design leans into Mediterranean influences but interprets them through a distinctly Byron Bay lens.

For Catalano, the decision to partner with Johnson again was an easy one. “Tamsin understands the essence of Raes,” he says. “Her approach to the Guesthouses mirrors what we’ve always valued: thoughtful design, a sense of place and a little bit of playfulness.” It’s not just about aesthetics – it’s about how the spaces make you feel. “I hope guests feel at ease, inspired and welcomed,” says Johnson. “The goal was to create something timeless, something that feels both fresh and connected to Raes’ Mediterranean-inspired soul.”

The new property also brings a different dynamic to Raes. With 10 suites across two adjacent buildings, it’s designed to accommodate both intimate stays and larger groups. The addition of more communal spaces – including lounges with open fireplaces – gives guests the flexibility to connect or retreat. “We’ve created spaces where you can lounge by the pool, meet other guests or find a quiet corner for yourself,” says Catalano. The possibility of booking out the entire property adds another layer, making it ideal for events or gatherings.

From the natural ventilation to the Tasmanian oak used throughout, every element is tied to a broader ethos of environmental respect.

There’s also a sense of storytelling woven into the Guesthouses, with the most enduring tale being the rumour that Salvador Dalí had a hand in the design of the gardens and pool. Catalano speaks of the legends tied to the site with a wry sense of humour: “I’ve tried to get to the bottom of it over the years,” he says. “Some confirm it, others dismiss it. Either way, I’d never let the truth get in the way of a good story.”

Sustainability played a quiet but essential role in the property’s development. The solar-heated pool reduces energy consumption, while many of the materials are locally sourced. “We wanted the Guesthouses to harmonise with their surroundings,” says Catalano. From the natural ventilation to the Tasmanian oak used throughout, every element is tied to a broader ethos of environmental respect.

“This is the beginning of a new era for Raes. We’re excited to share it with both loyal guests and a new generation of travellers.”

Looking ahead, there are even further developments, including the launch of The Bonobo by Raes, a lifestyle precinct in Byron Bay that will see Raes’ footprint extend beyond their beachside enclave. Catalano, ever understated, sums up this growth: “This is the beginning of a new era for Raes. We’re excited to share it with both loyal guests and a new generation of travellers.”

As Raes celebrates its 30th anniversary, this expansion is a natural evolution. Catalano sees it as both a reflection of what the brand has achieved and a step forward. “Raes has always been about more than just accommodation,” he says. “It’s an experience that we’ve carefully crafted across every touchpoint, from the suites to the spa, the dining room and beyond.” The Guesthouses build on that foundation, offering guests a new way to engage with the brand while staying true to its essence.