Each of the retreat's capacious stone and timber suites is individually designed and lavishly appointed.
THE PLACE
Lon Retreat&Spa,consisting of seven deluxe suites perched on an exposed hilltop overlooking Port Phillip Bay,calls a 80-hectare farm with a 150-year-old family pedigree its home. But fear not. There's absolutely nothing hokey about this low-key wellness retreat which opened a year ago this month. No expense has been spared in the design and construction of what is a salubrious,style-rich establishment,the inspired product of Claire Gemes,literally the farmers'enterprising daughter.
THE LOCATION
The stunning coast line.
The Bellarine Peninsula,more or less the gateway to the Great Ocean Road with some stunningly stark coastal scenery,has been enjoying a growing reputation for the quality of its food and wine in recent years. The opening of Lon Retreat&Spa has only served to enhance its aura. An hour and a half south-west of Melbourne,the retreat is reached after passing through a quasi-suburbia residential area of Point Lonsdale,known to Victorians as"Lonnie",a small,fashionable coastal township near Queenscliff with Geelong the nearest major city. For interstate visitors,the closest airport,should they wish to skip Tullamarine,is Avalon,near Geelong,and just over 45 minutes away.
THE SPACE
Hidden away within the main complex,where a more prosaic bed and breakfast called Lonsdale Views was once located,is a large heated indoor mineral pool with its waters drawn from the springs that circulate through limestone caves beneath the property. The pool is complemented by a spa which features treatment rooms with ocean views,soaking tubs fed by the mineral waters,a sunroom,private gardens and sundecks. But you could easily enjoy a stay here,should you choose,without even dipping a toe in the healing waters.
Hilltop views:A room at Lon Retreat& Spa.
THE ROOM