The Isla boutique retro motel opens at Batemans Bay

Emerging from what have been two challenging years for the tourism industry, boutique luxury motel The Isla has opened its doors at Batemans Bay on NSW South Coast.

Located on Beach Road at Batehaven, across the road from Corrigan’s Beach, The Isla is a stylishly retro motel that plays homage to the quintessential Australian beach holiday.

Sophisticated yet welcoming, The Isla is home to 18 retro rooms that have been lovingly restored with modern design and amenities to appeal to a new generation of travellers.

Each room features bespoke oak furnishings, terrazzo features, brushed brass accents and ultra-comfy A.H Beard beds, and are fitted with contactless check-in that guests access via their mobile phone.

There are also three suites: Poco, which sits above the motel’s refurbished pool and pool lounge; Vista, boasting the best view of the ocean; and Grande, the largest suite in the collection – complete with its own private plunge pool.

In a nod to the motel’s 1980s past, the old garage has been converted into a pool lounge that flows into a communal dining area surrounding a new pool, decked out with touches of retro cool.

Instead of a minibar, guests visit The Isla’s Cantina, a new concept where bespoke vending machines offer a curated mix of snacks and locally sourced artisan products, such as Dangerous Ales beer, cocktails from Poor Toms Gin, and ST ALi espresso martinis.

Created by award-winning architects THOSE, The Isla takes its design cues from the relaxed energy of the NSW South Coast, with sunset beach hues and natural textures evoking a cool 1970s vibe.

Australian designers are also featured, with seating furniture from Design by Them, lighting from Coco Flip Design Studio, and artworks from Vynka Hallam and Tegan Franks.

Designed by friends, for friends, the boutique motel is the passion project of a group of Canberra professionals, all based under a two-hour drive from the popular holiday destination.

According to The Isla co-founder Yanna Dascarolis, “the challenges of the last few years have given us a newfound appreciation for what we have here – our beautiful Australian backyard”.

“There is something so wonderfully nostalgic about the Australian motel; it feels like a home away from home. 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,” she said.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the beach, the motel is surrounded by some of the world’s best oysters and picturesque walking tracks, making it the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday or chance to explore the NSW South Coast.

After a tough two years of bushfires and lockdowns, The Isla’s founders are delighted the motel is now open and are eager to provide tourists an opportunity to rediscover Batemans Bay.

“It is a magnificent pocket of the world and the ideal hideaway to get off the grid,” Ms Dascarolis said. “Pristine beaches, vast leafy stretches and a beautiful community of people. What more could you want?”

Room rates start from $200 (welcome rates available for Isla’s “first few weeks”). Bookings are available online at www.theisla.com.au