Your Bag is Empty
a season for giving back with francesca webster
friend of bassike, francesca webster spends each day greeting people with a confident 'ciao' at what most would call their dream office – raes on wategos in byron bay. we visited francesca at raes, where she shared with us how she found herself in such a tranquil place, gaining perspective on the year that was, and of course her top picks for an escape to the far north coast.
follow francesca on instagram at @francescajw.
how long have you been part of the raes family? can you tell us a little about your background in the industry?
i have been with the raes fam for a little over 3 years. i’ve loved every minute.
i grew up in and out of aman resorts, as my godparents were co-general managers of quite a few of the destinations. it was an incredible way to be introduced and build an appreciation of unique luxury experiences from a very young age.
i personally got my foot in the industry at 19 working for park hyatt sydney, working across many of their different departments: communications, reception, sales and marketing and also as the gm’s personal assistant. i still use tools that i learnt at this hotel in many of my current daily interactions. after 5 years with the park hyatt, i moved on to halcyon house in cabarita beach. here is where my appreciation for smaller, design and service focused properties began. i loved my time at halcyon dearly and it shaped me for my next role leading the team at raes on wategos.
what has been the biggest highlight during your time at raes?
watching the transformation evolve from the very beginning. it has been the single most fulfilling role i have taken on to date, and i’m immensely proud of the property and the team it has grown confidently into today. just recently (this weekend actually!) we were awarded on the conde nast gold list, which is one we have been aiming for since day dot – so a big achievement/highlight in my books!
what are you most grateful for this christmas? and hopeful for, for the year ahead?
I am grateful we can be with extended friends and family, (relatively) restriction free. on the global stage we are the envy of the world and our ability to celebrate christmas and operate business’ in the closest state of normal is something i am grateful for every day. 2020 has brought us all some perspective, and this will allow us to walk into 2021 with open arms ready for whatever may lie ahead – good or bad. on a different note, i’m also hopeful that I can reschedule that 2020 trip to hotel il pelicano we never got to have!
what is your favourite dish to prepare on christmas day?
i’m not the chef, my partner vaughan is! i’ll be looking forward to his hand made pasta, oysters galore and his whiting sangas, with house made tartare. he’s perpetually bugging jason saxby (raes’ dining room’s head chef) for at-home raes advice. when vaughan visits raes you won’t find him by the pool or in the bar, he’s typically in the kitchen swooning over jason and stealing recipes. it’s a win-win for me!
most people will be experiencing a smaller and more considered christmas this year – any tips on how to make your guests feel special?
a curated playlist or tunes on a record player is always delightful, and fresh flowers are also a must!
"
there are silver linings and lessons to learn from every up and down – and this year’s been full of them. I have a new appreciation and gratitude for the simpler things; board games, cooking at home, no busy agendas or anywhere to be tomorrow but home.
"
what is your approach to holiday dressing?
i’m not typically a dress wearer, but i feel christmas day is fitting for a festive dress. for everyday, i prefer loose and less fuss – shirts that suit over swimwear and roll over into evening wear, wide leg pants, linen everything, and a great sandal.
what is next on the horizon for yourself and raes?
raes has some exciting expansion announcements to share in early 2021. the first is a floating raes offering that has all the stylish appointments that wategos provides, teamed with the discreet and relaxed service that all of our supporters love and appreciate.
what will you remember or take away when looking back at 2020?
there are silver linings and lessons to learn from every up and down – and this year’s been full of them. I have a new appreciation and gratitude for the simpler things; board games, cooking at home, no busy agendas or anywhere to be tomorrow but home.
your must-sees and do’s in byron bay?
all things raes of course – from our dining room, spa, cellar bar and a special overnight stay. for swims without the crowds, head to whites beach, or try the sunrise lighthouse loop walk. my new favourite place is high life, opened by friends ruby and adam – honest food, coffee and conversations – everything they touch oozes authenticity and cool. fleet is also a northern rivers icon that continues to assert its respect in the progressive and undeniably yum culinary scene.
"
throughout the season i prefer loose and less fuss. shirts that suit over swimwear and roll over into evening wear, wide leg pants, linen everything, and a great sandal.
"
francesca's edit
francesca webster photographed by trevor king on-site at raes on wategoes.
you can follow francesca on instagram at @francescajw.
raes’ bar, dining room and spa are open 7 days. find out more and book your stay at raes on wategoes online here.