Byron Bay’s iconic resort for A-listers reveals major expansion plans

Raes on Wategos, the boutique resort on Byron’s most exclusive beach that’s become a legendary rich-list hangout, turns 30 this year.

From its origins as a private house built on a former banana plantation for eccentric local Ruth Harris, to its transformation into a hotel by Vincent Rae, to its refurbishment under current owners the Catalano family, it’s long been the summer playground for Australia’s well-heeled.

Raes has a sun-bleached Mediterranean aesthetic by interior designer Tamsin Johnson.

Its colourful history – Liberace is said to have played piano in the original 1960s home, Salvador Dali allegedly had a hand in the design of the pool, and Keith Richards has been a regular visitor – is in sharp contrast to its whitewashed walls, snowy linen sheets and cool Mediterranean aesthetic by interior designer Tamsin Johnson.

Even the birthday cake conceived by Raes executive chef Jason Saxby is an ivory tower of white chocolate and crisp meringue shards (though the filling is a vibrant mix of blood-orange sorbet, ruby chocolate mousse and citrus segments). A United Nations of impossibly good-looking (but switched-on) staff in pale, flowing uniforms completes the White Lotus vibe.

The al fresco Cellar Bar, overlooking Wategos Beach, is among the newer additions.

It’s clear that after 30 years in business, Raes still has the capacity to innovate. In recent times the team has added the Cellar Bar with an al fresco terrace overlooking Wategos beach, created an artist-in-residence program in partnership with Perrier-Jouët champagne, and launched Sea Raes, a fully staffed superyacht available for charter.

The iconic property marks three decades in business this year.

A new-build apartment hotel, The Bonobo by Raes, is scheduled to open in Byron’s town centre in 2025, while the Catalanos have also just acquired Victoria’s at Wategos, a Tuscan-style hotel a few metres from the Spanish Mission-style Raes. Johnson will refresh the interiors of the 10-suite property before it opens later this year. Guests will be able to luxuriate in the same next-level hospitality, with access to the spa and dining room at the original Raes, plus complimentary airport transfers and chauffeur service around town in a Lexus hybrid SUV.

And let’s not forget the newly installed “Push for Champagne” button by the pool.

We predict the snaking Lighthouse Road to the Wategos peninsula is about to get even busier.

See raes.com.au; thebonobo.com.au

The writer travelled as a guest of Raes.