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Raes on Wategos in Byron Bay is Australia's most iconic boutique hotel. Voted one of the world's top 25 hotels by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine, Raes offers a blissful and unforgettable Byron Bay experience. Our restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine catering for large functions or romantic moments. Our spa is a sacred space of healing at the hands of the highest calibre therapists. Calming curved walls, rich soothing decor, this is the most intimate getaway in a secluded corner of Byron Bay.
6 - 8 Marine Pde, Byron Bay, New South Wales 2481 Australia
Raes on Wategos
4.5 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
We had an incredible two-night stay at Rae’s in Room 9. The room was beautifully designed, well-equipped, and finished to an exceptional standard. Every detail felt carefully considered, making our stay truly special.
The service throughout our visit was outstanding. The staff were attentive and welcoming, and the complimentary local car service was a huge bonus—especially since we hadn’t rented a car.
Dining at the main restaurant was another highlight. The food was fantastic, and the waitstaff were not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, enhancing the entire experience.
This stay was our big splurge on a month-long holiday, and it was absolutely worth it. We’re already looking at dates to return next year!
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived early so had a lovely pre lunch drink downstairs in the courtyard. We were duly shown to our table with a stunning view over Wategos Beach. Our waitress, Cindy, looked after us for the entire lunch. And she was great, friendly, sincere, efficient and responsive to our requests. We had some lovely chats with her during our service. Her timing was perfect, with courses coming out as asked with good breaks. The food, without going into detail of what we had, was delicious, well presented, good portion sizes. Wine list is excellent. When it came to dessert, we asked for a different liqueur with the Affogato, and were presented with 3 different liqueurs to try, great service. It was a long and lovely lunch in all respects, not the least of which was due to the exceptional service. Thank you Cindy. And also a shout out to Juan and Francesco!!
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:See if you can score a front seat with beach views
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the moment you arrive at Raes, everything is taken care of. Valet parking, bags whisked away, along with any reservation you need. Our room was spectacular with quality touches (smeg kettle, Aesop toiletries) and beautifully decorated (and clean). The turn down service was delightful with a pot of relaxing tea awaiting our return along with a number of other thoughtful gestures. The bed was ridiculously comfortable and we loved waking up and wandering down to Wategoes beach. We left some clothes behind and were impressed that they washed them before they were retuned. Definitely one of the nicer places to stay in Byron Bay.
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Date of stay: November 2021
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If it wouldn’t have been for Amy Holt(a big thanks to an amazing professional person!!) I would have left, as I never in my entire life have experienced such an incomplete, arrogant staff in a restaurant on that level! We were 25min ahead of our reservation and told them we were going downstairs for a drink and asked to call us when the table is ready, the same we said to the staff downstairs! Nobody cared and 10minutes after our reservation started we went upstairs to get the arrogant answer that we are to late for the tasting menu!!!!! We were in Byron Bay for 9week and made the most amazing experience with restaurant, there food and staff, but this is unacceptable. We where also looking to make a long term booking @the hotel of Raes for end of 2025 until middle of 2026, but after what we have experienced today we will never go back and never recommended it to anyone.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Although it is a nice place for lunch with nice views it pretends to be what it was once many years ago. They charge the same prices as a fine dining restaurant in Sydney but they miss the details. No tablecloth, cheap napkins, they serve food on a bowl instead of a normal plate. Perhaps it's trendy for cafes but not (don't like to feel like a dog), for fine dining. The dessert was an out of the freezer quickly thawed semifreddo with no extra delicacy. The main Chef was not there, he arrived as we were leaving (possibly to get ready for dinner patrons), so only the secondary chefs were preparing the meals and it was obvious. Only one toilet for women and there was a queue in spite of the restaurant being only half full. The staff were nice enough.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have been coming to Rae’s for our anniversary meal for 18 years and this year we are bitterly disappointed and not coming back next year. The spanner crab entree was terrible as the flavor of the crab was over powered by miso and mushrooms. The Australian Bay lobster was overpowered by the curry spiced butter. It would have been better paired with lemon and chili flavors. The fish of the day was dreadful. The cocktails were nothing special. The only saving grace was the lemon meringue bombe which was amazing but my husbands Milo cup dessert was very average. Not the Rae’s we came to love with the spanner crab pasta. Very sad that our love has changed!
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rae’s on Wategos is one of those places that really makes you appreciate what you pay for. Yes, it’s very expensive but in my experience the ol’ ‘you get what you pay for’ saying really applies here.
For me the standout was the service. Upon arrival we were greeted with a warm welcome smile by the amazing Natasha and genuine hospitality that made you feel like royalty. We were shown to the beautiful Salvador Dali designed pool and provided with a nice cocktail and snack while our bags were placed in our room. It really felt like we were somewhere in the Mediterranean.
Michael then came and gave us a rundown of the hotel and the rundown of what was included etc and then let us enjoy our cocktails to which then he showed us to our room.
Our room was right next to reception and it felt a bit weird at first but then after you get used to it it’s actually quite convenient.
The bar area is more of an outdoor type setting that is open to the public which is nice during the day and at night gets a bit dark with low lighting but I suppose that’s when most people move along to the restaurant upstairs. Also, even though open to the public they make sure you have reservations if you want them.
The restaurant was very good and the food as well. My favorite was breakfast in the morning and if you go early you can grab the corner seat with the windows open. The design of the seating is very impressive though as each table is positioned in a way you get good views no matter where you sit.
Our room was very spacious and they had great smooth jazz playing as you enter. Their turn down service is also spectacular! My favorite part of the room was the bathroom and the spacious tub. You know it’s a good spacious bathtub when a 6ft 1 and 108kg man can fit in one!
They also have a chauffeur service that will take you into town and pick you back up.
My favorite part of our stay was coming back to the pool after a morning of kayaking out with the whales and having lunch in one of the pool lounges and just hanging out and taking it all in!
My wonderful girlfriend also organised a nice picnic basket with wine and cheese on the beach which Raes went out of their way to conjure up and low and behold they pulled it off magnificently.
Overall a spectacular experience and definitely want to come back! I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my 40th in style!
Hats off to the team there: Natasha, Michael, Felipe, Sammy and the others which their names escape me, you can tell they are good at what they do because they love what they do!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A great restaurant in a fantastic location but the real star is the food and the amazing flavours. The degustation menu with the paring option was definitely worthwhile. The staff were super friendly and explained all the dishes and the wines with great care and detail. An absolute highlight of our time in Byron
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Parking can be an issue but there are spaces on the road above the beach which is probably a 5...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Due to current COVID plans for Europe were cancelled however Raes at Wategos stepped up to the 5 star luxury and ethos of the Greek islands! The service was impeccable , the food was fresh local and delicious and the staff treated us like friends. It was such a memorable stay for our 20th anniversary and our nine year old daughter felt so welcomed and comfortable. We have booked another two short breaks I’ve tithe next 6 months. The architecture and interiors of the rooms are on point, clean, Mediterranean and luxurious without the fuss the attention of products and tea light tea every night was the icing on the cake . Can’t wait to return and keep returning! Suite 4 is perfect for a family of 3 . Looking forward to tryong our the other suites. Have never eaten so many fresh oysters before! For the designer buffs apparently Salvador Dali was related to the previous owners and designed the pool area and tropical gardens !
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exceptional from start to finish. Staff , service , amenities , food and drinks amazing. The attention to detail make the experience special. When you go for breakfast or dinner your room is cleaned in an obtrusive manner. A very enjoyable stay and the first of many.
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Date of stay: July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Byron Bay area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
rae`s on watego`s hotel byron bay, raes on wategos byron bay
LOCATION
AustraliaNew South WalesByron ShireByron Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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