Inside Sea Raes, the $18k a night yacht Margot Robbie partied on to launch Gin brand Papa Salt
It the luxury superyacht hired by likes of Margot Robbie for elaborate events, now Sea Raes has docked in Sydney Harbour. See inside.
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It’s the $18k a night luxury superyacht Margot Robbie chose to host a private event for her gin brand, Papa Salt, and Sydney’s celebs cannot get enough.
Sea Raes – a seaside boutique hotel – was bought for $10m, and then more than $6.5m was spent renovating it. Now, it’s in Sydney Harbour for its second party season.
The fully crewed yacht accommodates up to eight guests overnight and up to 30 guests for day charters, with menus on-board prepared by Rae’s chef Jason Saxby.
As well as Papa Salt, Sea Raes has hosted events with French winemakers, Rameau d’Or.
General Manager of Rae’s Marty McCaig said while the boat started out in the Whitsundays, the demand for the offering means it will be in Sydney for the future.
“There truly isn’t an experience quite like Sea Raes. Offering the unique opportunity to celebrate, relax or adventure, Sea Raes allows guests to enjoy the beauty of Sydney Harbour while indulging in the same level of hospitality they would find at our boutique hotel in Byron Bay, Raes on Wategos,” he said.
“Whether it’s breakfast served al fresco, lunch on the top deck, aperitivo at sunset or dessert with a movie in the main saloon, our crew will make it happen.”
They aren’t the only hospitality company embracing life on the water. Walsh Bay Crab House, the sister restaurant to Harry’s Singapore Chili Crab, has undergone a half a million dollar renovation and now offers guests a rockstar entrance to the venue, by water limousine.
For $348 per adult, guests are treated to a bottle of champagne, theMV Salute boat and a menu including scallops and of course, one singapore chili crab.
Owner Elaine Lau said the idea came to her when flying via seaplane to Palm Beach’s Jonah’s.
“We realised there is no restaurant in Sydney has the all-included package of transport and meal...we can lay out red carpets on the pier and have our VIP team to escort the customers into the well decorated table and enjoy the tailor-made meal, to provide a one of a kind experience to our customer.”
Since introducing the water service, Lau said 83 percent of the bookings have been for parties 10 or more.
Fine dining restaurant, casual eatery heading to Urbnsurf
A premium dining experience will be available for those who will hang ten at the new Urbnsurf complex, which will open at Sydney’s Olympic Park next year.
North Sydney’s applauded Rafi restaurant will open its second venue, a 200 seat restaurant and rooftop terrace at the city’s first surf park facility, as well as a casual eatery Sandy’s.
The elevated restaurant and bar is owned by Applejack Hospitality, with co-owner Ben Carroll saying the restaurants values align with the Urbnsurf community.
“Our partnership allows us to seamlessly blend the wanderlust of surfing with a premium dining experience, creating a destination that caters to a wider audience,” he said.
“Our second Rafi site will transport guests to a coastal spot, despite being inland. Here, the paramount focus is on bringing the quintessential coastal Sydney experience to the sports, entertainment, and activity precinct, creating a unique space that captures the essence of a seaside celebration.”
Earlier in the year Urbnsurf faced push back for it’s plan to serve alcohol, with locals and state government officials fearing it could exacerbate the risk of drowning.
However the facility has always held a liquor licence and practices the responsible service of alcohol.
Applejack’s Director of Culinary Patrick Friesen said the Rafi experience at Urbnsurf will have “out of this world” food and cocktails.
“I’m working closely with Executive Head Chef Matias Cilloniz, in his new multi-site role, to develop menus that celebrate freshness, seasonality, and responsibly sourced ingredients,” he said.
“Expect to see crowd pleasers and upgrade options like the lobster and top-quality meat on the menu, as well as everyone’s favourite South Coast tuna dish.
“The experience will be complemented with an out of this world cocktail menu, focusing on sustainability and offering innovative and theatre worthy drinks, as well as well-known, recognisable wine and beer brands.”
As well as Rafi, Applejack will also open Sandy’s, a casual surfside all day eatery, which is suited for both coffees and cocktails.
They will also be responsible for the food and drink at the seven poolside cabanas and have welcomed The Hill, which will be an event space near the lagoon and host large scale events.
“Western Sydney is known for its cultural hubs and community focus, as well as dynamic growth. We hope to contribute to the existing food scene with the introduction of Rafi and Sandy’s at the surf park,” Carroll said.
Once launched in April 2024, the park will be able to host more than 1000 surfers a day at the 3.2ha site.
The construction of a huge wave generator for an artificial surf park has been subject to a lengthy planning process that dates back to 2016.
Once built, the facility is also planned to include a surf shop with wetsuit and board rentals, as well as a surf academy.
This is the second Urbnsurf park in Australia, with the first opening in Melbourne in 2020.
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