Following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of a former beachside motel, the highly anticipated Motel Molly will officially open on 1 December. Offering the perfect blend of classic South Coast charm with a cool, curated twist, Motel Molly is in a calibre of its own on the spectacular NSW South Coast, positioned just a few sandy steps from the glistening ocean.

Inspired by the soothing pastel colours of Mediterranean coastal towns across the Amalfi, Portofino and Cinque Terre, with hints of Moroccan influences, the sixteen-room, boutique accommodation is designed as a soulful coastal retreat with a relaxed atmosphere in celebration of its laid-back coastal town roots. Just two hours and forty minutes from Canberra, and three hours from Sydney, Motel Molly is the ideal destination for a summer road trip.

Breathing new life into the South Coast accommodation scene, the extensive refurbishment was a creative collaboration between the Sydney-based Knox Developments team and award-winning, highly sought-after interior design and architecture practice, Richards Stanisich. The two set out to reimagine the former motel as a cool boutique lodging that would welcome guests with an appreciation for good design, from couples and families, friends and solo travellers alike, looking for a weekend getaway or enjoy a longer beach escape.

“Restoring the Motel was a fine balancing act. A place of nostalgia and endless warmth, the motel’s next chapter celebrates the beauty of an Australian coastal setting while creating a new and exciting destination for locals and visitors alike. This involved designing a distinct palette that speaks to its local context in a contemporary manner; soft, natural textures and muted, creamy tones elevated with intricate details and striking patterns. The hotel features a curated selection of custom furniture, handmade tiles by Jatana Interiors in Byron Bay and captivating artwork by local Australian artists.” Kirsten Stanisich, Director of Richards Stanisich.

A mix of generously sized three, two, and one-bedroom apartments and several king suites are all completed by Smeg appliances from their 50’s retro Aesthetics Line, with some suites enjoying the added luxury of Moroccan-style sunken baths. Details have been carefully executed by the interiors team, with Le Labo Santal 26 scented candles, room sprays and bathroom amenities, and handmade Moroccan ceramics and textiles by Lrnce, a Marrakech based lifestyle brand by Belgium artist Laurence Leenaer with a devoted, cult-like following across the globe. The Richards Stanisich team worked closely with designer furniture houses Spence and Lyda and McMullin & Co to curate a collection of furniture pieces for the open floorplans that nodded to the retro flair of the motel while still exuding comfort. 

The property itself is located mere metres from the sand, allowing guests to wander to and from the waters all day, seeking refuge from the summer sun. Cascading bougainvillaea and greenery, olive trees and an outdoor BBQ area overlooks the central swimming pool, surrounded by deck chairs and tassel-trimmed scalloped umbrellas, where guests can bring their freshly caught fish to BBQ while enjoying a poolside Aperol Spritz as the sun sets. 

For the foodie-inclined, Mollymook is home to a vast choice of gastronomic experiences, including Gwylo’s outstanding Asian fusion, right through to local favourites including Breaker’s Café and Mollymook Beach Hut Cafe. A little further inland lies Milton, a destination for food and antique hunters alike. Must-do’s include Milk Haus, Brown Sugar and Pilgrims Café, Italian restaurant The Guild and Harvest Bar for great tapas and cocktails. Local family-owned winery Cupitt’s Estate and Bawley Vale Estate wineries also offer wine tastings and are perfect for a long lunch.

Alternatively, guests can choose to make the most of their Mediterranean-inspired oasis and indulge in the mini bar stocked with locally sourced wine from Cupitt’s Estate, Stone & Wood Beer from award winning Byron Bay Brewery, sip on their choice of cocktail between an Espresso Martini, Negroni or Margarita, or relax with a glass or two of Aix Rosé or Moet & Chandon, enjoyed best alongside a Loco Love Chocolate.

“We are excited to unveil our vision for Motel Molly, a sophisticated, yet welcoming retreat offering hotel-style living which celebrates its iconic location,” said Josh Crealy, co-Director of Knox Developments, “We believe we’ve struck the perfect balance between the barefoot breeziness of motels of the past and the subtle luxury of boutique hotels.”

“Mollymook is one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal towns and we wanted Motel Molly to inspire all visitors to live like a local during their stay, dine under the outdoor cabana and reconnect with nature, to really relax and rejuvenate,” Josh continued.

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