Luxury property The Isla has opened its doors in Batemans Bay, welcoming the first guests to the 80s-style beach motel on Wednesday.
Located on Beach Road, Batehaven, in the Eurobodalla region of the NSW South Coast, The Isla features 18 retro rooms which have been restored with modern design and amenities, including bespoke oak furnishings, terrazzo features, brushed brass accents and AH Beard beds.
The rooms also offer contactless check-in so guests can access easily via their mobile phone.
An old garage on the property has been converted into a pool lounge that flows into a communal dining area where bespoke vending machines offer locally sourced artisan products, such as Dangerous Ales beer, cocktails from Poor Toms Gin and ST ALi espresso martinis.
Designed by a group of friends from Canberra, The Isla was brought to life by award-winning architects Those. The property features Australian designers with seating furniture from Design by Them, lighting from Coco Flip Design Studio and artworks from Vynka Hallam and Tegan Franks.
The Isla co-founder, Yanna Dascarolis, said the challenges of bushfires and lockdowns have given people a new-found appreciation for “our beautiful Australian backyard”.
“There is something so wonderfully nostalgic about the Australian motel; it feels like a home away from home,” she said.
“We instantly fell in love with this property and saw the potential to create something truly special; it was an honour to be able to give it a new lease of life.”
Dascarolis said she is excited for people to discover the area.
“It is a magnificent pocket of the world and the ideal hideaway to get off the grid. Pristine beaches, vast leafy stretches and a beautiful community of people,” she said.