This retro-style motel excels where many others don’t
The place
The Isla, Batemans Bay, NSW
Relax under eucalyptus green umbrellas.Credit: Anson Smart
Check-in
Vending machine espresso martinis, Chromecast, retro-style furnishings and eucalyptus green pool umbrellas? Yep, this Batemans Bay newcomer is fluent in millennial and ready for her close-up. On a stretch of coast better known for its ageing caravan parks, The Isla sure stands out with its electronic door codes, sparkling water taps and luxe amenities. The clever Canberra folks behind the 18-room boutique block knew they were onto a winner when the ’80s Beach Road motel hit the market. The resulting retro transformation channels that increasingly familiar ‘Palm Springs meets Aussie town’ brief with a wash of ivory, sunset and pastel hues set against a backdrop of succulents and mid-century flourishes. But The Isla stands out with an emphasis on luxury and self-service convenience that’s not immediately on show.
The look
Glam terrazzo entranceways, dual-toned walls and brushed brass accents reinvigorate the old block – even the AC unit screens are pretty. Isla’s founders tapped design firm THOSE architects to spearhead its retro makeover and the result is a riot of Palm Springs-inspired ’60s cool – with no corner-cutting. The centrepiece is the new heated outdoor pool area encircled by sage sun lounges and an adjoining pool lounge and barbecue space.
The Grande Suite features a globe-shaped private plunge pool.Credit: Anson Smart
The room
A door code is emailed on the day of arrival, which unlocks our room, the pool lounge and a “Cantina” self-service space. Easy peasy. Our two-bedroom Vista Suite is the only one with an ocean view. Inside, beachy artworks complement bespoke oak furnishings, and a kitchenette with an induction cooktop comes stocked with St Ali coffee pods, T2 tea and soy milk. Tech heads are catered for with a smart TV featuring Chromecast and bedside USB ports, and comfy A.H Beard beds and luxe amenities by Aussie brand Leif don’t go unnoticed. Guests of the Grande Suite below us are the envy of the block with a globe-shaped private plunge pool (we have front-row seats to their sprawling private courtyard).
Food + drink
Ditching in-room minibars for a curated self-service canteen may be my favourite thing about Isla. The Cantina resides behind a code-protected door, with sparkling water on tap, an ice machine. Forget Twisties and a Coke: the two gleaming vending machines are stocked with goodies from boutique producers (tinnie of St Ali Cold Brew Coffee, anyone?). There’s also a supermarket nearby and an outdoor barbecue for guests keen to eat in.
Out + about
Corrigans Beach, Caseys Beach and the Beach Road Observation Point lookout are just a few minutes’ stroll. It’s a heck of a home base to take advantage of the Eurobodalla region’s burgeoning foodie credentials. Get your Sydney Rock fix at the Wray Street Oyster Shed, then check out newcomer The Patch in neighbouring Tomakin’s newly revamped sporting club, complete with a pizza oven, shipping container bar and kids’ playground (the braised beef cheeks with cauli puree is pure comfort). Bodalla Dairy’s gloriously smoky Let’s Go Camping ice-cream is worth the 40-minute drive.
The verdict
The Isla may be riding a retro-motel revival-wave, but it excels where some others don’t, with clever self-service tech and mod-cons working together to plug a millennial-sized gap in the South Coast region.
The essentials
Rooms from $169 a night; Vista Suite from $419 a night. 222 Beach Rd, Batehaven. Phone: (02) 4415 1888. See theisla.com.au
Our score out of five
★★★★★
Highlight We’re forever a sucker for a poolside outdoor shower, particularly one as chic as The Isla’s. Of course, the heated pool is where you’ll find us.
Lowlight Digital nomads beware; powerpoints are scarce in the spots you need them most, like the living room – the suite’s study nook has none.
The writer stayed as a guest of The Isla.
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