A health scare led two men to build their dream Byron holiday retreat

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a Rich Lister, here’s your chance to find out.

In March, fabulous new villa accommodation will open in the high-net-worth enclave of Wategos Beach, the apple in the eye of Byron Bay’s prestige real estate market. Called ESTE Wategos, bookings are now open “on application”.

Lap up the luxury … ESTE Wategos, Byron Bay.

Why so? This is apparently not just to prevent the neighbours complaining when schoolies bunk in. It’s part of the exclusivity of a place designed to be a “unique sanctuary”.

ESTE Wategos is 200 metres from the beach and comprises two residences, North and South, connected via a light well. They can be taken separately or together. Sleeping up to seven people each, the three-level stays offer seamless flow-through indoor and outdoor living, with tasteful luxury throughout. Highlights are the landscaped rooftop terraces with glass-bottomed pools, providing uninterrupted views over Wategos Beach.

What puts the unique into this sanctuary though, is its back story.

Views from every room.

Friends for 20 years, George Bilios, an emergency room doctor in Byron Bay and Chris Bissiotis, an entrepreneur, both had heart attacks around the same time. The health crises led them to create ESTE based around healing principles.

ESTE Wategos is designed to optimise the restorative effects of Byron’s famously revitalising combination of ocean and rainforest. With views of the sea and/or the Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area from every room, the owners hope guests will experience the beauty of the area wherever they are in the house.

George Bilios and Chris Bissiotis both had heart attacks around the same time. The health crises led them to create ESTE based around healing principles.

Guests can be left alone to enjoy the property, or at extra cost, can have staff, including a chef, and participate in organised activities every day. ESTE provides the option of having a holiday planned with a concierge making reservations and bookings ahead of time for activities such as surf lessons, exercise classes, horse-riding, massages and facials.

There are “fill your fridge” in-house menus to choose from ahead of time, airport transfers and much more available.

With all that on offer, applicants may be competing with actual Rich Listers heeding the call of this “unique sanctuary”.

From $5000 a night. See estewategos.com