The Bellarine Peninsula may have been long overshadowed by its larger sibling the Mornington, but that doesn’t mean that this regional Victorian outlet doesn’t have ample offerings of its own. First and foremost shortly the Bellarine will become home to a boutique spa and hotel in the shape of Lon Retreat, which will be ready to open its doors on October 5.

Hidden away on more than 200 acres, Lon Retreat is nestled into the district’s Point Lonsdale on a farm that has been owned by the same family for the past 100 years. It’s an adults-only escape from the big smoke, designed as an antidote to the busyness of modern life and one the embraces the Bellarine’s natural beauty to the full, encouraging cloud-watching, stargazing, and many a bush or beach walk.

Owned by partners Rob and Claire, Lon Retreat is a family-run boutique establishment that contains seven luxury suites within of differing size and price. 16 adults can be accommodated comfortably within the entire hotel – there are 6 suites that accommodate two adults, while one suite accommodates four. Room rates range from $360 to $850 per night, including access to the Mineral Pool plus a breakfast hamper supplied by Annie’s Kitchen. Also of note is the fact that each suite has been named in ode to a different cloud type; there’s Alto, Cumulus, Stratus, Cirrus, Arcus, Pileus, and Nimbus.

A true escape from the city, the seven suites are immersed in the natural landscape of the Bellarine. You will wake up to ships passing by as they enter Bass Strait, with many rooms offering ocean views and glimpses to the lighthouse, as well as surrounding farmland. Beds are king size, covered in softly hued linen, with rooms accessorised by locally sourced and handmade furniture. Many suites also offer the added bonus of kitchenettes, private courtyards, hammocks, and outdoor settings to amp up the relaxation factor.

The retreat’s key focus is its access to the warm mineral springs that feed directly into its baths and pools (some guest rooms included). You can further relax with a mineral spring experience within the Lon Retreat’s spa. The space itself consists of three treatment rooms, each featuring mineral water-fed tubs, steam rooms, and coastal views. The spa also involves a heated pool, sunroom, private gardens and sundecks which gaze onto Port Phillip Bay.

Lon Spa is a small and exclusive property but it offers treatments to retreat guests and the public alike, though reservations are encouraged. The spa offers a range of aromatherapy, natural skincare, and wellness treatments with an Ayurvedic edge. There are holistic facials, massage, body treatments, and signature mineral treatments available, with prices starting from $160 and lasting a minimum of one hour.

High on the hill, Lon Retreat offers the best of both farm and coast. Alongside its spa, it offers a guest lounge (fireplace and ocean views included), an honesty bar equipped with local produce to purchase, a private art gallery within which to explore, a kitchen garden, and a fire-pit. For those who wish to explore a little further afield, guests are encouraged to trial a few of the natural walks throughout the property, crossing sand dunes and through Moonah Forest. In the same ‘pick your own adventure’ vein, there’s also the chance to wander through farm tracks, accompanied by a picnic hamper containing local delicacies, or the opportunity to set forth and explore the larger Bellarine Taste Trail – home to 50 or so local producers of food and wine.

25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale; lonretreat.com.au.