Mineral springs, sandstone, and 250 acres of coastal farmland on the Bellarine
Restorative coastal farmland wrapped in sandstone warmth
Boutique Hotel · Point Lonsdale
A seven-suite luxury retreat set within a converted sandstone farmhouse on 250 acres of conservation and rural land in Point Lonsdale. Lon draws mineral water from ancient limestone springs beneath the property to feed its award-winning spa, pools, and in-suite soaking tubs, while seven generations of family history infuse every detail of the experience.
Restorative coastal farmland wrapped in sandstone warmth
2 to 3 nights
The mineral springs beneath the property are genuinely rare, the spa has won best in Australasia, and the combination of seven-generation family heritage with contemporary luxury is unlike anything else on the Bellarine.
Lon's seven suites are each named after cloud formations, a fitting tribute given the ever-changing skies above this coastal hilltop. Every room has been individually designed within the converted sandstone farmhouse, blending earthy tones with contemporary luxury. Walls of recycled sandstone from Port Arthur, timber-lined ceilings, and crackling fireplaces give each suite a warmth and character that feels deeply personal rather than manufactured.
The premium suites, including Cumulus and Cirrus, feature in-suite mineral soaking tubs fed directly from the limestone springs beneath the property. Stratus is the only two-bedroom option, ideal for friends travelling together. All suites include a kitchenette (or full kitchen in Stratus), private courtyard or balcony, flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Parking and an artisan breakfast hamper are included with every stay.
Arcus offers a ground-floor garden retreat with accessibility features, while the upper-level suites reward with sweeping views across the farm to the ocean and lighthouse.
Lon takes an unconventional approach to hotel dining. Rather than a formal restaurant, the retreat offers seasonal in-suite menus sent to guests a week before arrival. Options include farm-sourced grazing platters, locally made homestyle meals, picnics packed for the beach, and celebration cakes. Breakfast is an artisan hamper delivered to your door each morning, prepared by Annie's Kitchen using seasonal produce from the property and local suppliers.
The real dining story here is the Bellarine Peninsula itself. Nearly 50 food and wine destinations line the region's celebrated taste trail, from vineyard restaurants with bay views to farmgate producers and craft breweries. Jack Rabbit Vineyard, perched high above the bay, is a standout for a long lunch. Queenscliff, just five minutes away, has a growing collection of excellent cafes and restaurants.
Lon is one of those rare places where the word "retreat" actually means something. The mineral springs running beneath this 250-acre property have been known to the founding family for over a century, originally tapped to water cattle and orchards. Today that same water feeds the spa's soaking tubs, the outdoor mineral pool, and the in-suite baths of two suites. It is a genuine natural asset, not a marketing story.
The spa has been named Best in Australasia for good reason. The contrast therapy journey, moving between heated mineral pool, hot soak, Finnish sauna, and magnesium cold plunge, is deeply effective. Pair that with a signature treatment like the Just Breathe Massage, which uses aromatic botanicals picked from the farm, and you leave feeling fundamentally recalibrated.
Beyond the spa, Lon rewards slow exploration. Walking trails thread through ancient moonah woodland where trees are up to 300 years old, past Lake Victoria's bird habitat, through the meditative labyrinth, and down to secluded back beaches where you can hunt for rock pool treasures and shipwreck china. The on-site gallery hosts a rotating program of exhibitions and events, from sound baths to artist workshops.
What makes Lon truly special is its provenance. Claire and Rob Gemes converted Claire's family home, a sandstone farmhouse that has been in the family for seven generations, into this retreat. Every piece of sandstone was hand-placed, every detail considered. It feels like staying in someone's beautifully realised dream, not a corporate hotel. For couples or friends seeking genuine restoration in a setting of uncommon beauty, Lon delivers something that larger properties simply cannot.
Is It For You?
Atmosphere
Hushed and grounding. The sandstone walls, timber ceilings, and crackling fireplaces feel like entering someone's deeply considered home, not a hotel. Time genuinely slows down here.
Ideal stay
Weekend (2-3 nights)
Why splurge
The mineral springs beneath the property are genuinely rare, the spa has won best in Australasia, and the combination of seven-generation family heritage with contemporary luxury is unlike anything else on the Bellarine.
Rooms
Editorial pickStratus for the two-bedroom layout and extra space; Cirrus or Cumulus for ocean views and in-suite mineral soaking tubs with fireplace.
One of the six one-bedroom suites, individually designed with earthy tones, contemporary furnishings, and a private courtyard or balcony.
One of the upgraded suites featuring a fireplace and in-suite mineral water soaking tub fed directly from the springs beneath the property.
Another premium suite with fireplace and mineral-fed soaking tub, each suite carrying its own unique design character inspired by the coastal landscape.
The only two-bedroom suite at Lon, offering generous living space and the flexibility of two separate sleeping areas.
The entry-level suite with its own private courtyard garden. Ground floor with accessibility features including wider doorways and grab rails. The only suite without ocean views.
Eat and Drink
The restaurants, bars, and rituals that shape how the hotel feels after the room itself.
Start here
Lon offers a seasonal in-suite dining menu sent to guests one week before arrival, featuring farm-sourced grazing platters, locally sourced ready-to-eat homestyle meals, picnics, and celebration cakes. All sourced from the farm and local Bellarine producers.
Then try
Available as an add-on to spa treatments, featuring seasonal fruit and vegetables from the farm, local cheeses, dips, olives, and artisan bread paired with local sparkling wine.
For staying in
The surrounding Bellarine Peninsula offers nearly 50 food and wine destinations along its celebrated taste trail, including farmgate producers, wineries, craft breweries, and award-winning restaurants, all within a short drive.
Reset
The parts of the property that slow the pace, restore energy, or justify spending more time on-site.
For recovery
An award-winning destination spa with three treatment rooms featuring mineral water-fed soaking tubs, steam rooms, and ocean views. Water therapy is sourced from natural mineral springs running beneath the farm. Treatments draw on Subtle Energies botanicals and include signature rituals from 90 minutes to full-day experiences.
For reset
A complete contrast therapy journey including heated mineral pool, hot mineral soak, Finnish sauna, magnesium cold plunge, and Swedish soak bucket. Complimentary and extended access for all hotel guests throughout their stay.
What to Do
The on-property or destination moments that justify choosing this hotel over a generic luxury base.
The ultimate Lon Spa experience in your own private retreat, with mineral bath soak, shower steam, sun beds with ocean views, treatments of choice, DIY detox body scrub, and a grazing platter with local sparkling wine.
Wander through the 250-acre property on self-guided trails that lead through ancient moonah woodland (trees up to 300 years old), past rock pools and shipwreck relics on the back beach, around Lake Victoria's bird habitat, and through the meditative Lon Labyrinth.
Lon hosts a rotating program of curated art exhibitions in the on-site gallery, alongside regular events including sound baths, yoga sessions, book launches, and artist workshops.
Location
Check-in is at 3pm and check-out at 11am. Free parking is available on site, including accessible spaces. The retreat is reached via a private driveway off Gill Road. A welcome from the team awaits at the sandstone reception.
45 min
drive1 hr 30 min
drive1 hr 40 min
drive35 min
drive10 min
driveHistoric lighthouse at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, a short walk from the retreat along coastal trails
2 kmAward-winning winery and restaurant with panoramic bay views, one of the Bellarine's standout dining destinations
15 min driveCharming historic seaside township with galleries, cafes, and the Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry connecting to the Mornington Peninsula
5 min driveA curated trail linking nearly 50 food, wine, beer, and cider producers across the Bellarine Peninsula
VariousOne of Australia's most spectacular coastal drives, easily accessible from Point Lonsdale via Torquay
30 min driveWhat to Know
Lon is an adult-exclusive retreat, welcoming guests aged 16 years and over.
Yes, an artisan breakfast hamper from Annie's Kitchen is included with every stay, delivered to your suite.
Yes, Lon Spa is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm for day spa guests. Hotel guests receive complimentary and extended access to the mineral pools and contrast therapy spaces.
Lon does not have a traditional restaurant. Dining is in-suite, with a seasonal menu of farm-sourced grazing, locally made meals, and picnics available to pre-order. The Bellarine region offers excellent dining options within a short drive.
Wi-Fi is available in public areas and suites.
Pets are not permitted at Lon Retreat.
Editorial Verdict
Explore the Area
