The Isla, Batehaven: Daggy '70s property's cool update continues Australia's motel revival

The motel revivalism trend that began in the USA more than a decade ago has been picking up pace in Australia in more recent years, with a growing number of humble roadside hostelries getting more than just a little tsujz. And from the crisp Blue Heron on the Gold Coast to Byron Bay's boho Sunseeker, our unabating love affair with mid-century modern, a nostalgia for simpler times and a DNA of convenience, affordability and location has seen the motel embraced by a new generation.

The NSW South Coast is the latest popular holiday spot to witness the trend.

The daggy 1970s Abel Tasman, directly across the road from Corrigan's Beach at Batehaven, four kilometres from Batemans Bay and around 280 kilometres from Sydney, has been transformed into a hip, luxe haven, The Isla.

Under the auspices of award-winning Those Architects, tired blue awnings and bland grey interiors have given way to a sunset-inspired palette with natural textures an homage to the property's 1970s roots, only with a decidedly contemporary twist. Australian-designed furniture features through including seating from Design by Them, lighting from Coco Flip Design Studio, and beachy, breezy artworks from Sydney artists Vynka Hallam and Tegan Franks.

Outside, gardens have been refreshed, the pool is newly refurbished and an old garage has been converted into a fun pool lounge that flows into a dining area.

For snacks and drinks, guests can hit up the vending machines in the Cantina where local fare such as Dangerous Ales beer, cocktails from Poor Toms Gin and St Ali espresso martinis await.

In addition to 18 rooms, there are three suites: Poco above the motel's and pool lounge; Vista which captures the property's best view of the ocean, and Grande, the largest of the three with its own private plunge pool.

Says co-founder Yanna Dascarolis, "The challenges of the last few years have given us a new-found 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".

From $200 a night; see theisla.com.au