From the street, The Bonobo by Raes doesn’t look like much. A brick facade that’s low key and easy to walk past. Inside is a different story, it opens up into a lush and green courtyard that holds the rooms, lobby, dining, the wellness studio and retail. You don’t need to leave to find any of it. 

I stayed with a girlfriend and the hotel’s built for exactly that. A girlfriend’s trip, a couple, a group of friends, whoever you’re travelling with. It’s the kind of place you could settle into for a weekend or stretch to a week without noticing the difference. We had the two bedroom residence, kitted out with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry and decent size wardrobes that are enough to put some Sydney apartments to shame, along with a generous living room. And a snack cupboard that needs a mention. All with the service of a proper hotel behind it.

The vintage pieces are everywhere once you start noticing them, furniture picked up locally and internationally, styled with custom furniture. The interior furnishings were pulled together  by designers Studio Manifold in collaboration with Birdy Catalano. Out on the balconies and up by the pool is custom outdoor furniture by MCM House that gives you the feeling you’re on a beachside holiday before you’ve even left the room.

There’s one thing I always do when I get to a hotel that has a decent kitchen: order a club sandwich. Non-negotiable for me. Bonobo’s version is the Club Sanga – crumbed chicken terrine, smokey bacon jam, baby gem lettuce and an egg mayo that doesn’t hold back. We’re talking proper egg portions here.

Jason Saxby from Raes Dining has curated the food and beverage offering, alongside The Bonobo head chef Callum Gray, so you know you’re in good hands. It’s a menu that champions local Byron Bay producers and beyond.

Reset’s wellness studio and Atlas Homme’s retail hadn’t opened when I was there, both land in July and early August, Cedar saunas, ice baths, a eucalyptus steam room if that’s your thing.

Byron in winter is a treat. I was up by the rooftop pool on Saturday morning in a bikini taking in the sun – 360 degree views over Byron and out to the lighthouse. If winter up there is anything to go by, summer’s going to make it the hottest pool in town. And a staff member tells me there’s a pool bar coming later in the year too.

Next visit will be in the warmer months. I can already see myself rotating between the rooftop for sunset drinks and the courtyard once it’s activated in the summer. 

This end of Jonson Street is getting busier. Merivale’s under construction across the road, with Totti’s and Jimmy’s Falafel set to open there. Bar Heather’s just up the street too. Book now.

The Bonobo by Raes is now open 
116 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 
Accommodation
Food & drink daily from 7am 
Thebonobo.com.au