Glamorous boutique hotel The Isla has flung open its burnt-orange doors on the South Coast of New South Wales – and it’s the latest retro-fabulous motel to be given new life on the east coast. 

It has taken more than a mere lick of paint to prepare this beauty to satisfy 21st Century holidaymakers’ tastes, and award-winning architects THOSE have pulled the project off with aplomb.

The luxury, 18-room boutique motel is filled with the kind of joyous, visually pleasing details that are set to lure design-savvy road-trippers into the Eurobodalla region. 

While the accommodation gives a friendly nod to its nostalgic, ’70s Australiana past, with its sunset-inspired colour palette, the refurbished rooms and three suites are every bit contemporary. 

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In each room, the work of Australian designers is showcased, with seating by Design by Them, lighting by Coco Flip Design Studio and artworks created by the talented Vynka Hallam and Tegan Franks. 

From its bespoke oak furnishings and terrazzo features, to its brushed brass accents and plush bedding, The Isla offers an aesthetically mollifying home away from home. 

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Of the boutique motel’s three suites, guests can select from Poco – perched above the motel’s refurbished pool and lounge – Vista – named for its ocean views – and Grande – the aptly named largest suite that comes complete with its own private plunge pool. 

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In addition to the three suites, a choice of rooms includes the King Courtyard Room, the King Room and The Accessible Room.

Rather than a mini bar selection, guests can wander down to the hotel’s original Cantina, which is fitted with bespoke vending machines stocker with locally sourced artisanal products – think Dangerous Ales beer, Poor Toms Gin cocktails and ST ALi espresso martinis. 

A former garage space has been cleverly converted into a breezy pool lounge that adjoins a communal dining area, overlooking the new pool – decked out with eucalypt-green furnishings and umbrellas. 

Yanna Dascarolis, co-founder of The Isla says, ““The challenges of the last few years have given us anew-found appreciation for what we have here – our beautiful Australian backyard… We’re so excited for people to rediscover Batemans Bay. 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.”

To book your stay, visit theisla.com.au.

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