Since 2019, Raes of Wategos and Maison Perrier-Jouët have collaborated on an Artist in Residence program that seeks to celebrate the finer things – art, champagne and boutique luxury. Every year, an artist is handpicked to create a collection of works that capture and reflect the essence of the hotel. In previous years, French-born Australian artist Stanislas Piechaczek created a series of pastel-washed works that were exhibited at the hotel, while resort-wear brand COMMAS created a beach-inspired capsule collection.

In 2022, Sydney-based artist Eytan Messiah created a series of eye-catching ceramic artworks, which now reside at the hotel. He’s been called back once again for the 2024 edition, with the creative recruited to refresh Raes’ private pool with a bespoke tile and ceramic mural wrought from locally made, small-batch glazed tiles. The decorative addition features a special button, which – when pressed by guest swimmers – will prompt glasses of Perrier-Jouët champagne to be delivered poolside.

Featuring banana palms as a central motif, Eytan’s designs nod to Raes’ beachfront location and pay homage to the hotel’s legacy as a world-class travel destination, with Art Deco and Mediterranean references discernible in his craft.

“My residency at Raes on Wategos has been a deeply immersive experience,” says Eytan. “The beauty and history of the Wategos area as well as the hotel itself have been a rich palette to draw from. My hand-crafted tiles and ceramic mural look to celebrate these elements and add to the story of Raes on Wategos.”

Eytan Messiah’s mural is now displayed in the Raes pool. A limited run of the artist’s handcrafted tiles are available to by through the Raes on Wategos website.