With rooftop sunsets, design-led accommodation, exceptional dining and an immersive wellness experience, The Bonobo by Raes is bringing a fresh new energy to the heart of Byron Bay.
Byron Bay has long been synonymous with barefoot luxury, where world-class beaches, laid-back living and sophisticated hospitality come together in perfect harmony. Now, one of the region’s most respected luxury brands is ushering in an exciting new era.
The Bonobo by Raes has officially opened its doors, introducing a vibrant new hotel and lifestyle precinct that blends elevated design, wellness, exceptional dining and the unmistakable warmth of Raes hospitality—all just moments from Byron’s iconic coastline.
Few names carry as much prestige in Byron Bay’s luxury hospitality scene as Raes.
For more than three decades, the boutique hotel perched above Wategos Beach has become one of Australia’s most sought-after destinations, celebrated for its intimate atmosphere, impeccable service and timeless coastal elegance.
Now, the iconic brand is expanding its vision with the opening of The Bonobo by Raes—a sophisticated new hotel that brings the same signature hospitality into the vibrant heart of Byron Bay.
Located on bustling Jonson Street, The Bonobo represents a new generation of luxury accommodation, where beautifully designed rooms, exceptional dining, wellness experiences and curated retail come together under one roof.
It’s not simply another hotel opening—it’s a lifestyle destination designed to become part of the everyday rhythm of Byron Bay.
A Fresh Take on Luxury
Unlike its beachfront sister property, The Bonobo embraces a more contemporary, urban energy while remaining unmistakably Byron.
The striking three-level building, designed by acclaimed architecture practice Richards & Spence, immediately stands apart with its bold modernist brick façade. At its centre lies a lush open-air courtyard that fills the property with natural light, greenery and fresh coastal breezes, creating an unexpected sense of calm despite its central location.
Inside, interiors by Studio Manifold, created in collaboration with Birdy Catalano, reflect the relaxed sophistication that has become synonymous with the Raes brand.
Warm timber finishes, textured natural materials, bespoke furnishings and carefully curated vintage pieces create spaces that feel welcoming rather than formal.
Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, resulting in interiors that effortlessly balance contemporary luxury with Byron Bay’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Designed for Every Kind of Traveller
The Bonobo offers 74 beautifully appointed hotel rooms and residences, catering to everyone from couples escaping for a romantic weekend to families and groups looking for an extended coastal retreat.
Accommodation ranges from stylish hotel rooms to expansive one, two and three-bedroom residences that combine the convenience of a luxury hotel with the comfort of a private apartment.
Generous living spaces, fully equipped kitchens fitted with Breville appliances, in-room laundry facilities and spacious dining areas make longer stays feel effortless, while selected residences also feature private plunge pools and outdoor entertaining areas.
Throughout the property, guests are immersed in subtle luxury touches that elevate the experience without feeling overdone.
The hotel’s signature fragrance—Le Labo’s iconic Santal 33—flows throughout guest rooms, candles, incense and even the staff uniforms, creating a sensory experience that guests will immediately associate with The Bonobo long after they leave.
Original artworks by Australian artists, custom-designed furniture created alongside Jardan, and handcrafted outdoor pieces by MCM House further reinforce the property’s strong connection to both design and place.
The Rooftop Everyone Will Be Talking About
Every great lifestyle hotel has a signature space, and at The Bonobo, it’s undoubtedly the rooftop.
Overlooking Byron Bay from one of the town’s highest vantage points, the rooftop pool offers panoramic views stretching from the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse across the hinterland.
With comfortable lounge seating, oversized daybeds and food and beverage service available throughout the day, it has been designed as an all-day retreat—equally suited to morning swims, leisurely afternoons in the sun or sunset cocktails as golden light settles across the coastline.
It’s the kind of space that encourages guests to slow down and embrace the relaxed pace that Byron Bay is famous for.
A New Social Hub for Byron Bay
At the heart of the hotel sits the Lobby Lounge, a vibrant all-day dining destination designed to blur the lines between hotel restaurant, neighbourhood café and sophisticated cocktail bar.
Led by celebrated executive chef Jason Saxby, alongside head chef Callum Gray, the menu celebrates premium local produce while reimagining familiar favourites with creativity and flair.
Expect elevated comfort food with a distinctly Byron personality.
Highlights include the indulgent Bonobo Club Sanga, layered with fried chicken presse, bacon jam and dijonnaise, alongside pork cotoletta finished with brown butter dragoncello mayonnaise.
Desserts continue the playful approach, with ricotta zeppole served alongside burnt honey custard and Davidson plum jam providing a distinctly Australian finish.
The Lobby Lounge has been designed to evolve throughout the day—from artisan coffee in the morning to long lunches, afternoon aperitivos and late-night cocktails—creating a welcoming gathering place for both visitors and locals alike. Read more about destinations in Sydney and NSW here.
Cocktails with a Sense of Place
Thoughtful details continue inside every guest room.
The Bonobo has partnered with local distillery Brookie’s Gin to create an exclusive range of ready-to-pour cocktails inspired by native Australian botanicals.
Guests can unwind with a Saltbush Gin Martini, Lemon Aspen Vodka Martini or Wattleseed Negroni without ever leaving their room.
The hotel’s own exclusive Bonobo Lager also offers another uniquely local touch, reinforcing the property’s commitment to celebrating Byron Bay producers wherever possible.
Wellness Beyond the Spa
Luxury travel today is increasingly defined by wellbeing, and The Bonobo has embraced that shift through an exciting partnership with Reset, which is opening its first Byron Bay location within the hotel.
Already renowned for its Double Bay wellness studio, Reset brings its immersive bathhouse-inspired experience north, offering both hotel guests and locals access to thoughtfully designed recovery and relaxation treatments.
Facilities include traditional cedar saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, magnesium baths, vitamin C-infused showers and invigorating ice baths, alongside private treatment rooms for LED light therapy, advanced facials and restorative body treatments.
Private contrast therapy suites and communal wellness circuits complete the offering, creating a holistic wellness destination that extends far beyond the traditional hotel spa.
Rather than simply adding a gym or massage room, The Bonobo has created an experience centred on slowing down, restoring balance and reconnecting with both body and mind.
Shopping, Byron Style
Adding another dimension to the property is Atlas Homme, the Byron-born menswear label opening on the hotel’s ground floor.
Offering carefully curated international luxury brands including Tom Ford, Zegna, House of Creed and CAZAL alongside locally sourced lifestyle pieces, the boutique reflects the same effortless sophistication found throughout the hotel itself.
It’s yet another reason visitors can spend an entire day exploring The Bonobo without ever feeling the need to venture far.
The Next Chapter for Raes
The Bonobo represents far more than another hotel opening.
It marks the evolution of the Raes brand into a broader lifestyle offering while remaining true to the qualities that have earned it an international following: thoughtful design, genuine hospitality and an unmistakable sense of place.
Together with Raes Hotel, Raes Dining Room, Cellar Bar, Raes Spa, Raes Guesthouses and the luxury superyacht M.Y. Sea Raes, The Bonobo strengthens Byron Bay’s reputation as one of Australia’s most desirable luxury destinations.
For travellers seeking more than simply somewhere to sleep, The Bonobo offers something refreshingly complete.
Whether you’re planning a long coastal escape, a weekend with friends, a family holiday or simply searching for Byron Bay’s newest rooftop for sunset cocktails, this exciting new address captures everything that makes the region so enduringly special.
Stylish without pretension, luxurious without excess, and unmistakably Byron, The Bonobo by Raes is poised to become one of Australia’s most talked-about hotel openings of the year—and another compelling reason to put Byron Bay at the top of your travel list.
