How Byron Bay icon Raes on Wategos is adapting to covid-19 measures
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How Byron Bay icon Raes on Wategos is adapting to covid-19 measures
“Our Raes team have continued to be dynamic, evolving to the new restrictions and finding ways we can still serve our wider community and salvaging those jobs we can.”
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Raes
Raes on Wategos is a boutique beachside retreat in the NSW haven of Byron Bay.
Like many hotel businesses, Raes accommodation, Dining Room and Cellar Bar are currently closed, under NSW COVID 19 restrictions.
Speaking to WILLIAMS MEDIA, General Manager, Francesca Webster, said that while the authority-imposed measures had led to difficult decisions, the Raes team remains strong.
“It has been a very challenging few weeks, in particular making heart-breaking decisions to stand down a large majority of our staff,” Francesca told WILLIAMS MEDIA.
“However, in traditional fashion the team have continued to be strong and be brave in these difficult times. Our team have continued to be dynamic, evolving to the new restrictions and finding ways we can still serve our wider community and salvaging those jobs we can.”
Amid this evolution, and with cancellations from all international guests, the iconic hotel has transformed itself into a private home, with the large family that owns the hotel moving in, spread across the whole hotel and all of the rooms.
No guests have been stranded at the hotel because of airline suspensions or country lockdowns, though one Canadian family needed to stay an additional few days after their flight was cancelled.
“We are grateful [the owners are staying] as we are able to keep our key staff looked after and continuing to serve them as guests,” Francesca told WILLIAMS MEDIA.
Raes Dining Room is no longer a licensed venue, and has now become an actual dining room, where the family dine together. The menu offering has also changed, geared towards the preferences of the owners.
Source: Raes
The hotel continues to work within its community, providing those in need with contact-free deliveries of Raes Hampers, in the form of Rescue Hampers, which each include a roll of toilet paper. The offering is designed to provide necessities to those unable to leave their houses, as well as ensure the hotel continues to support its valued staff and suppliers during these uncertain times.
“The hampers are being well received by our valued guests and supporters, and allow us also to continue to support local farms like Boon Luck farm. These are being delivered to houses each Friday, and yes! Each hamper includes a roll of toilet paper,” Francesca told WILLIAMS MEDIA.
As well as the individually packaged roll of toilet paper, Raes Breakfast Hamper includes a daily newspaper, sourdough, avocado, mushrooms, basil, freshly pressed juice, and eggs, while Raes Rescue Hamper features local organic whole fruits & vegetables, Raes housemade pasta and pasta sauce, nuts, cheeses, eggs and loco-love chocolate.
To book a hamper please contact Rae's via the contact details below.
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