The New Raes On The Block
Designed by Tamsin Johnson and located moments away from the original, the latest idyllic Raes on Wategos destination, Raes Guesthouses, doubles the Byron Bay chic—just in time for their 30th birthday celebration.
WORDS: Hande Renshaw I PHOTOGRAPHY: Anson Smart I INTERIOR DESIGN: Tamsin Johnson
As Raes on Wategos celebrates its 30th birthday, the launch of Raes Guesthouses marks the start of an exciting new era for the brand.
The interior radiates a relaxed Mediterranean feel, with earthen pastels in blues and greens, hand-painted joinery, and vintage-inspired pieces throughout.
Each suite features a luxurious king-sized bed with a custom-designed bedhead, and offers sweeping views of either Wategos Beach or the serene garden surrounds.
‘We’re excited to introduce a fresh yet familiar take on luxury, just in time to celebrate our 30th birthday,’ says Raes managing director Jordy Catalano.
Tamsin Johnson has sourced intricate wares from across the globe to inject her take on classic Byron Bay style throughout the new spaces.
“I wanted to build on the soul of the original Raes property, while thoughtfully adapting to the unique architecture of this space—the style hints at Spanish-Hollywood and Balearic influences.”
Synonymous with Tamsin Johnson’s design practice, the space features custom furnishings, organically moulded plasterwork, and mid-century lighting.
Raes Guesthouses consist of two adjacent buildings, together housing ten spacious suites.
‘Maintaining Raes communal spirit was essential—creating a space that feels inviting and familiar to guests,’ says Tamsin Johnson.
Many of the suites feature private balconies with outdoor furniture and sun lounges, while others showcase custom French linen canopies.
The property features two lap pools set against tropical gardens, offering guests an ideal year-round escape.
Every detail at Raes Guesthouses feels at home within Byron Bay’s coastal surrounds.
Welcoming a brand new chapter while simultaneously celebrating their 30 year milestone, Raes on Wategos is one of Australia’s foremost boutique travel destinations, the idyllic destination standing firm against the test time. The highly anticipated second property, Raes Guesthouses, officially opened its doors today, and it’s just as beautiful as the original!
‘Raes Guesthouses have allowed us to build on what we know guests love about Raes: warmth, elegance, and generous hospitality,’ says Raes managing director Jordy Catalano. ‘We’re excited to introduce a fresh yet familiar take on luxury, just in time to celebrate our 30th birthday. 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.’
The new guesthouses include two adjacent buildings, together housing ten spacious suites. Each suite features a luxurious king-sized bed with a custom-designed bedhead, and offers sweeping views of Wategos Beach or the serene garden surrounds. Many of the suites feature private balconies with sun lounges, while others showcase custom French linen canopies.
Designed by Tamsin Johnson, there’s a distinct Mediterranean feel to the spaces—earthen pastels in blues and greens, hand-painted joinery, and vintage-inspired pieces are scattered throughout, and by scattered, we mean perfectly placed! In true style, the space features Tamsin’s signature design additions such as organically moulded plasterwork, and mid-century lighting, complemented by a range of carefully chosen materials, from vintage glazed tiles to linen and cane, ensuring every detail feels effortlessly at home within Byron’s coastal surrounds.
‘I wanted to build on the soul of the original Raes property, while thoughtfully adapting to the unique architecture of this space,’ shares Tamsin, ‘The style hints at Spanish-Hollywood and Balearic influences, with added colour and a playful coastal aesthetic to set the property apart from the original hotel. Strong materials like marble tie the two properties together, reinforcing a sense of shared personality. Maintaining Raes communal spirit was essential— creating a space that feels inviting and familiar to guests.’
Designed to encourage connection between guests, the indoor common areas feature open log fireplaces, two lap pools (one with a waterfall) and a 12-metre solar-heated pool with a cabana and lounge area. True to form, no detail has been left untouched—to further enhance the guest experience, Raes executive chef Jason Saxby has created a new menu available throughout the property, served in-room, in the communal dining room, or poolside. Heaven!
Book your stay at Raes Guesthouses here.