There’s nothing quite like devouring a few well-chosen book on holidays, especially in an inspiring setting and curling up on the window seat overlooking the Great Ocean Road, might just be the perfect spot for a bit of drama or romance…
Choosing which books to take on holidays is a serious business, one that gives pleasure and angst in equal measure. Do you take the weighty tome you’ve started, or pack the iPad full of options? While electronic readers make sense when travelling, I still love curling up with a real book. Then having crammed the entire Miles Franklin literary award list into your luggage, I’ll buy the latest travel or a gossip magazine and spend the holiday happily reading the latest on Kimye and more often than not the books will return home unread.
Not so, on a recent trip to the idyllic Great Ocean Road where I’m road testing Points South newest addition, a luxe lodge with contemporary style and drop dead gorgeous views to add to their existing cottage collection.
Located 2 ½ hours southwest of Melbourne, just 30 minutes from Lorne and 10 minutes to Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, the cottages are set into the cliff to fit with the natural surroundings and far enough apart to remain private.
Stepping into the cottage, I notice the impressive open plan space is thoughtfully designed and the simplicity of the décor allows the panoramic sea view to take centre stage.
Drift off to sleep with the sound of crashing waves, surely the most relaxing & restful sound on earth. Wake from a sensational nights sleep in the uber comfortable bed and be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colour as the sun emerges from the Southern Ocean.
At the foot of the bed is a stylish stick artwork which doubles as a clever room divider, providing a little privacy between the bedroom and living area while still keeping an open plan feel. Thanks to a welcome hamper including breakfast provisions and goodies, you can prepare breakfast in the fully equipped kitchen including full size fridge, mini bar, Nespresso machine and everything you could possibly need to cook up a storm.
Take breakfast inside at the funky dining room table, or outside on the expansive deck with chic outdoor furniture complete with BBQ. Inside, the lounge area décor is all fresh green and earthy tones blending harmoniously with the natural setting. Creature comforts include large flat screen TV, DVD’s, games, Sonos entertainment and free WiFi but really, it’s probably best you disconnect and kick back.
But it’s the window seat that’s my favourite. With loads of indulgent, scattered cushions it’s the perfect spot to curl up with a good book. Although the view is so distracting, either watching cars navigate the twists and turns of the Great Ocean Road, be mesmerised by the ocean or from May to November, keep your eyes peeled during whale season.
Warm hosts Bryan & Joan James reliably informs me they’ve installed a fireplace since our visit, getting ready for cosy winters. While the new cottage is built for two, the original cottages have rollaway beds and can cater for young families.
There’s a private beach across the road, where you can stroll the coastline, collect shells, pick wild blackberries or simply relax and reconnect. There is also an abundance of wildlife on the property, including koalas, kangaroos and birdlife.
Points South by the Sea provides the perfect base for exploring the surf coast & the Otways. However with games, fireplace and that heavenly window seat, you almost hope for overcast weather for an excuse to stay in read and come home refreshed and inspired.
Points South by the Sea
5260 Great Ocean Rd, Wongarra (Apollo Bay) VIC 3221
Rates from $280 per night
The writer was a guest of Points South by the SeaYou Might Also Like: Great Ocean Road edit: The best places to dine, drink, sleep & see
