Lon Retreat

The Verdict

Add this place to your list of special-occasion-pay-cheque-blowing getaways. It’s Victoria’s hottest new boutique escape, set on rolling green hills behind the Pt Lonsdale bluff. Write the name in your dream journal now: Lon Retreat.

You might recognise Lon Retreat as the old Lonsdale Views, a big homestead that closed its doors back in 2017. The family have owned the property for 100+ years (why would you ever, ever sell this place?) and they wanted to upgrade the building from ‘comfortable weekender’ to ‘award-winning design hotel’.

Cue years of extensive renovations and upgrades...and the new Lon Retreat was born.

This place is almost open to the public. They’re taking advanced bookings now, but the official opening date is October 2018.  

So what can you expect? Basically, the best of the Bellarine. Seven luxury suites spread throughout the sandstone retreat, each with its own specific design. An indoor pool fed by mineral springs. Private beach access to the Pt Lonsdale back beach. A communal guest lounge with roaring fire and epic ocean views. Private art gallery, ‘makers and growers’ pantry, stocked with the best of the region, even a fire pit outside for big winter BBQs.

In the same way Jackalope has set a new standard on the Mornington Peninsula, Lon is going to pimp-out the other side of the Bay. You’ll be able to pack artisan picnic hampers and walk down through the dunes, pick herbs from the kitchen garden, visit local wineries and galleries, or just cosy up in your designer suite and watch the clouds blow by.

Room rates are going to start from $360 per night, working up to $850/night for the bigger suites. That gets you accom, mineral pool access and boutique brekky hampers, supplied by Annie’s Kitchen.

We can’t frickin’ wait.  

Image credit: Lon Retreat

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