Raes on Wategos

Raes on Wategos – Pure Coastal Luxury From the moment we arrived at Raes on Wategos, we knew we were in for something truly special. Nestled on the edge of Wategos Beach, the location is nothing short of breathtaking — crystal-clear waves, golden sand, and the relaxed Byron Bay vibe all come together seamlessly. The service was warm, attentive, and incredibly personal. Every staff member made us feel welcome and cared for, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness. Our suite was stunning — spacious, beautifully designed with Mediterranean touches, and a private balcony with ocean views that made every sunrise feel magical. The attention to detail was evident in everything from the luxury linens to the curated mini bar. Dining at the restaurant was another highlight. Each dish was a celebration of fresh, local ingredients, prepared with creativity and finesse. The seafood in particular was outstanding. Raes isn’t just a place to stay — it’s an experience. Intimate, elegant, and effortlessly chic. Whether you’re looking to unwind, indulge, or celebrate something special, this is the place. We can’t wait to return.

My Boyfriend & were fortunate to have the most beautiful Dinner at this stunning restaurant on Sunday night. Our dining experience was elevated to the highest of highs by in my opinion the best waiting staff we have ever experienced. Gabby is an exceptional member of your staff, she was so personable, professional, knowledgeable & went well above the call of duty by walking us downstairs after Dinner to take us to our car as it was pelting down with rain- what a star!! Thank you Gabby you are a true shining star and have left such an impression on us. As a bonus the ambience was divine, food spectacular and cocktails/wines also outstanding. Can not wait to come back and will come for lunch next time as I am sure even more stunning during the day with the views!

There is one thing that is more awesome than the spectacular environment and that is the staff. I stayed in a room as part of the guesthouse (across the road from the Hotel) and it will now be my preferred choice, over the Hotel. It was like staying in a private room in a lovely private house without a compromise to privacy. The staff are gorgeous, friendly, intuitive, intelligent. The food, fresh and healthy, rooms charming...can't fault it.

Our visit to Raes restaurant was great. This was our second time there and we enjoyed it as much as the first. The food is fine dining but decent portions and very very tasty. The food was creative, especially the desserts. Our server Amy was very friendly and made the experience even better.

We had lunch there for a special birthday with a group on the weekend. Everything was perfect from the moment we arrived! Such a beautiful space and outlook and the food and wines were all superb. The waitstaff, in particular Cindy, were so professional, friendly and attentive and made our experience even more memorable! A really special place!

Ami was so lovely and one of the best waitresses I have come across, so attentive personal and made it such a relaxing afternoon, we’ll be back for sure!! Presentation of food was so creative and beautiful

Thought I would treat myself to Saturday lunch at Raes in what I thought was a posh restaurant in the posh part of Byron Bay. Having walked from Belongil, I was famished and ordered octopus pasta with chilli, olives and pine nuts, the only pasta dish on offer. The serving size was woeful, consisting mostly of hard and dry miniature pasta shells and pine nuts. There was a grand total of three tiny octopus. Dry chilli flakes left an unpleasant dry taste in my mouth for hours. The chef couldn’t be bothered to slice fresh chilli. No Parmesan cheese was offered, not even salt and pepper. The Spanish speaking waitress asked how was the meal but either ignored my answer or didn’t know what I meant. Cost $35, worth $15. Rae you owe me 20 bucks.

Dining experience was appalling, 2 large tables were making so much noise you couldn’t hear yourself think. It felt like we were in a tavern. The acoustics in this restaurant are terrible. The manager and waitress Cindy gave incredibly great service and were very apologetic, however this ruined what was meant to be a romantic dinner for two.

This is a bucket list venue if in Byron Bay, amazing menu, wine list and service in a fantastic building. It is just one of those places that will stick with you for a long time, the food melts in your mouth, wine is to die for and the ambience is everything and some that has you leaving very happy indeed. I was lucky to have a father-daughter lunch and a disclaimer my daughter went to school with the owner's daughter and that aside this is an objective review. Hats off to all staff and I just love the coffee van at the entrance and the amenities were spotless given this Covid crisis you would expect nothing less. Looking forward to returning.

View is fabulous. Wait staff was attentive and well informed. Entrees, Mains and Desserts were all well constructed and tasty. Wines were as advertised. The only downside was being asked to leave after 90 minutes...our waiter had just offered coffee when the "hostess" arrived with the bill and stated they had another party waiting for the table....My husband was in fact up paying the bill. I might suggest in the future that if you have overbooked your tables you invite your guests to enjoy coffee or an aperitif in the bar....maybe even on the house. Sure would be better public relations than having six offended guests each tell six more potential guests where they might get a good meal and not be hustled out the door like Hungry Jacks. I won't be back!

They need to up their game. We stayed in the most expensive room in the hotel at $1450.00 per night. We asked for feather free pillows and they forgot and when someone did show up pillows in hand and we had to put on the pillow covers. NO turn down service. The only water available was mini bar bottles. Our first breakfast was delivered without proper utensils. We went to pay our bill as we were leaving early but they left for the day. You could not get breakfast before 7 am. The plus is that our room was fabulous with a Bali vibe but I don't know if the room was worth it with the lack of attention they pay to their guests.

Situated on Watego's Beach, Rae's is absolutely sensational, the choice of a degustation or order from the menu. Nothing here will disappoint. The wine list specializes in small bouquet wineries so nothing mainstream here. It is a small intimate place and the staff were lots of fun. Great place for couples or a larger group. A Byron Bay must visit.