Latest addition to motel revival offers rare spa experience

The place

Sunnymead Hotel, Aireys Inlet, Victoria.

Check-in

During a 90-minute drive south-west from Melbourne, choked motorways mercifully give way to forested hinterlands until, eventually, I’m skirting past sun-kissed cliffs and sandy bluffs. When I pull into Sunnymead Hotel at Aireys Inlet, marked by a yellow lollipop sign, I can already feel my mood lift, thanks to the bright colours and curvaceous architecture. Check-in is as easy as collecting a key fob from reception and parking in the designated car space outside my room.

The refreshed Sunnymead Hotel at Aireys Inlet.

The look

Reopened earlier this year after extensive renovations, Sunnymead Hotel is the latest addition to Australia’s motel revival. Formerly The Lightkeeper’s Inn, the 20-suite motel has had a glow-up in happy hues of paprika, turmeric and gold, with the old manager’s residence and event room given new life as a day spa and restaurant. The soothing retrofitted arches, mineralised pool and sunset colour palette evoke Miami circa-1980s, but don’t be fooled – the hotel is really owner Damien Cerantonio’s tribute to his heady days travelling through India.

The room

An orange and white checkered hallway brings me to my light-drenched suite that blends coastal chic with stylish mid-century touches, like chirpy yellow wall panelling and a terrazzo-tiled bathroom. The pantry is stocked with locally sourced ceramics and glassware, with bathroom amenities from The Herbalist, an organic skincare label from nearby Bells Beach. A split-system air-conditioner positioned over the bed keeps the room cosy in winter and chilled in summer. While the rooms are stylish and practical, little touches remind me Sunnymead is foremost about good vibes. The cocktail kit by the minibar begs to be taken for a shake, while the retro Tivoli Bluetooth speaker means you can take your beats to the beach. For an extra fee, the staff will deliver a breakfast hamper to enjoy in your room (or on a sun lounger by the pool).

One of the refurbished rooms in what was once the Lightkeeper’s Inn (Sunnymead is the name of a nearby beach).

Out and about

Daisy, the travelling Kombi.

On-site Indie Spa, which boasts one of the few rasul steam baths in the state (if not the country), offers a cleansing steam bath and scrub that can be taken solo or with a group of friends. The pool and firepit can also be booked for small groups and functions. Split Point Lighthouse, made famous in Round the Twist, is just a stone’s throw away and offers guided tours. Being sandwiched between Torquay and Lorne means there are ample beaches to visit for a picnic or swim. The surf can be unpredictable, so swim between the flags near one of the surf clubs. If you’d prefer to hand over the reins to someone else, reception can arrange private tours along the coast in Daisy, the yellow Kombi.

Food + drink

Drop in at the Sunnymead’s hotel restaurant, Santara, where Indian-Australian chef Adam Cooke conjures pomegranate-studded curries and pani puri topped with caviar in a contemporary take on Indian cuisine. Head to Aireys Pub for live music, comedy nights and local beers from Salt Brewing Co., drop in at Great Ocean Road Gin for a tasting, or browse the tempting picnic options at French deli, Le Comptoir.

The verdict

Effervescent and easy-going, the restored Sunnymead Hotel can be a happy pit-stop on your Great Ocean Road trip or a relaxing place to linger a little longer.

The essentials

Sunnymead Hotel, 64 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet, Victoria. PH: [phone]. See sunnymeadhotel.com.au Rooms from $150 per night.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

Highlight
Sipping herbal tea and eating chocolates in the cosy spa lounge after a rejuvenating steam in the rasul steam bath.

Lowlight
As inviting as the pool looks, I take a raincheck on taking a dip until the weather is warmer.

Justin Meneguzzi travelled as a guest of Visit Great Ocean Road.