Byron Bay icon ‘Raes’ to open new luxury apartment hotel

Byron Bay is a destination transformed, from one-time hippie haven to playground of digital creatives and Hollywood stars. A newly-revealed upcoming luxury apartment hotel – The Bonobo by Raes – will only cement that status when it opens its exquisite doors in 2024.

Designed by Richards & Spence, the Brisbane firm behind Fortitude Valley bolthole The Calile, the three-storey development at 116-118 Jonson Street will rise like a phoenix in the Byron Bay town centre, breathing life into the site of a long-neglected backpackers.

Originally set to open under the name The Barbotine, its new moniker is part of a collaboration with the Catalano family, owners of Raes at Wategos hotel. Set under the beam of Cape Byron Lighthouse, Raes has long been adored by the jetsetting elite. 

The hotel's central courtyard has been designed as social space.

Striking a similar chord to the adjacent Mercato shopping complex, The Bonobo will feature a somewhat brutalist design with extensive use of brick and concrete, housing 41 two, three and four-bedroom apartments within, softened by cascading greenery.

Each of the spacious self-contained apartments will range from 85-160sqm, flooded by natural light and featuring open plan kitchen, living and dining areas leading to a generous balcony. Large sliding doors will create a seamless flow.

The Bonobo will feature a mix of two, three and four-bedroom dual-key apartments.

Rooms will wrap around a richly-landscaped central courtyard with lush planting and sun-drenched outdoor seats, bringing together a vibrant mix of retail, dining venues and public spaces on its ground levels and creating a social vibe for the hotel.

The Bonobo’s crowning jewel, however, will be a rooftop swimming pool and private terraces, tailor-made for people watching and soaking up the first rays of daily sunlight on Australia’s coast.

The rooftop pool and terraces will provide a private oasis above the town centre.

Recent years have seen Byron Bay develop an almost cult-like reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, with numerous hotels catering to well-heeled travellers, such as Crystalbrook Byron Bay and Elements of Byron. Yet, both are a long way from the town centre.

The Bonobo could become a name that joins that prestigious and exclusive list, with the added benefit of a central location.

The Bonobo will bring together a vibrant mix of retail, dining venues and public spaces.

Construction is underway with a completion target set for mid-2024.