Victoria’s River Drive Motel latest retro motel to be revamped

Explore the past at a retro motel in Victoria’s South Gippsland, then explore further afield and retreat to the Greek Islands or relax in Malaysia.

River Drive Motel, South Gippsland, VIC. Photo: Supplied

RIVER DRIVE MOTEL

River Drive Motel, South Gippsland, VIC. Photo: Supplied

River Drive Motel, South Gippsland, VIC. Photo: Supplied

The transformation of Australia’s much-maligned motels into retro design-led accommodation is continuing, with the latest in Victoria’s South Gippsland. Located near Venus Bay, the River Drive Motel has five rooms, and is decorated with beautiful Australian-made furniture and works from local and Indigenous artists. The property was rescued by designers Kate Hannaford and Dic Coates in 2021 and resurrected as a place that reflects fondly on their own memories of family holidays.

DATAI LANGKAWI

The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia. Photo: Supplied

The Datai Langkawi resort in Malaysia is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of events that pays homage to fabulous food, the environment, local community and art. Set within 10-million-year-old rainforest, the resort overlooks one of the most iconic beaches in the world – Datai Bay – and has 121 rooms, villas and suites. The anniversary celebrations are running all year and will culminate in a dinner featuring Michelin-starred chefs Michel and Sebastien Bras in December.

GREEK ISLANDS

Cyclades Islands Serifos Araya, Greek Islands. Photo: Supplied

Cyclades Islands Serifos Araya, Greek Islands. Photo: Supplied

The Thinking Traveller is known worldwide for its luxurious villas throughout Italy and has now joined forces with White Key Villas to launch new properties on the Greek Islands of Serifos and Patmos. These destinations don’t only boast sunshine, great food and stunning beaches – there’s also a plethora of mythology and ancient history, and fewer tourists compared to other islands.