Raes Is Expanding Its Legacy With A Luxe New Lifestyle Precinct in Byron Bay
Byron trip anyone?
By Bianca Licina | 20th February 2025Byron Bay is about to level up in the luxury stakes with The Bonobo by Raes, a game-changing hotel-apartment concept set to open in late 2025. This exciting new precinct is a collaboration between renowned hospitality brand Raes and development powerhouse Podia, and it’s shaping up to be the ultimate blend of high-end living and Byron’s signature laid-back charm.
But The Bonobo isn’t just a place to stay – it’s set to become the go-to lifestyle hub. Think chic restaurants, buzzy bars, indulgent wellness spaces, and curated fashion boutiques, all seamlessly integrated into the effortlessly elegant Raes experience. If their track record on the Gold Coast is anything to go by, this will be next-level luxe.
For those who’ve ever dreamed of living the Raes lifestyle, now’s your chance. The Bonobo offers the best of both worlds – the space and privacy of a high-end apartment with all the service and sophistication of a five-star hotel. Managed exclusively by Raes, the 41 hotel-apartments (ranging from two to four bedrooms) give owners a stunning personal retreat in Byron – plus a hassle-free income stream when they’re not in town.
Sitting pretty at 116-118 Jonson Street, The Bonobo isn’t just about luxury living – it’s an architectural showstopper. Designed by Richards & Spence (the visionaries behind Brisbane’s ultra-stylish The Calile Hotel), the three-level brutalist-inspired build is a striking mix of modernist sophistication and Byron’s relaxed coastal vibe. A joint venture between Podia and Centennial Property Group, the project brings together some of the biggest names in design, development, and hospitality.
Raes has long been synonymous with luxury, with a portfolio that includes Raes on Wategos, Raes Dining Room & Cellar Bar, luxury superyacht Sea Raes, and the newly launched Raes Guesthouses. Managing Director Jordy Catalano is beyond excited about this new chapter, saying, “From the moment we envisioned the project, we saw its incredible potential as a quintessentially Byron Bay concept. For us, it’s an opportunity to create new expressions and experiences of the Raes brand, and for investors, it’s a chance to buy into and live the Raes lifestyle.”
Opening in late 2025, The Bonobo by Raes will bring a new era of luxury living and world-class hospitality. Whether you’re looking to invest, escape, or simply indulge, this is one slice of the Byron dream you’ll want to keep on
