The 70s style motel in one of Australia’s most popular tourist towns: The Isla

A boutique 70s-style motel has reopened on Australia’s east coast after being treated to a lavish makeover complete with a heated pool, relaxation room and ‘cantina’ filled with wine, beer, sunscreen and chocolate.

The Isla, situated in a charming town in the Eurobodalla region of the NSW south coast, is just a stone’s throw away from Bateman’s Bay and sits opposite a fantastic dog beach.

Sophisticated yet unpretentious and familiar the traditional looking hotel ‘with a twist’ is home to 18 retro rooms that have been lovingly-restored with modern design and amenities to appeal to a new generation of travellers. 

Sophisticated yet unpretentious and familiar the traditional looking hotel ‘with a twist’ 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 stunning bespoke oak furnishings, terrazzo features, brushed brass accents and dreamy A.H Beard beds, and are fitted with contactless check-in so guests can 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 80s past, the old garage has been converted into a pool lounge that flows into a communal dining area surrounding a new pool.

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

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

In a nod to the motel’s 80s past, the old garage has been converted into a pool lounge that flows into a communal dining area surrounding a new pool

Designed by friends, for friends, the boutique motel is the passion project of a group of Canberra professionals, all based within an hour and a half of the popular holiday destination

Designed by friends, for friends, the boutique motel is the passion project of a group of Canberra professionals, all based within an hour and a half of the popular holiday destination.  

‘The challenges of the last few years have given us a new-found appreciation for what we have here – our beautiful Australian backyard,’ The Isla co-founder Yanna Dascarolis said.

‘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’. 

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.

After a tough two years of bushfires and lockdowns, The Isla’s founders are ecstatic that the moment of opening has finally dawned and are eager to provide tourists an opportunity to rediscover Batemans Bay once more. 

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

Those that have already experienced the motel since it opened in February have given it a 9.2 star rating out of 10

Dascarolis continues: ‘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. What more could you want?’  

Those that have already experienced the motel since it opened in February have given it a 9.2 star rating out of 10.

‘Can only thoroughly compliment the interior as well as exterior design. Quality furniture and fittings. Quality products in bathroom and room details such as art work and glassware, coffee. Great common room with access to small but perfectly formed pool area. The Isla is a beautifully formed and executed accommodation,’ one guest wrote.

‘Loved the brand new rooms and the communal room with the fire place and pool was gorgeous,’ said another.

A third added: ‘Lovely modern hotel with everything you need for a short getaway. Great recommendations on arrival for the best local beaches and places to eat. Room was spotless and check in and out really easy with the codes.’

Room rates start from $200 and bookings are available online at www.theisla.com.au.