Sun, Fun and Spa in a Revamped Retro Motel, Sunnymead Hotel on the Great Ocean Road

Sunnymead Hotel is part of a growing trend of old motel’s getting a glow up, and it now embodies the sunny disposition of a great beach break.

Located in Aireys Inlet, Sunnymead feels like driving into a sunny summer afternoon with all the hues of a Bellarine sunset, a pool bar straight out of Barbie (with wholesome firepit gathering spot) and fine diner and an unexpectedly versatile spa all on the premises.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

The small coastal town of Aireys Inlet is a peaceful entrée to those tackling the Great Ocean Road with a pub that doubles as a craft brewery, a famous Greek tavern and a small set of shops and cafes serving locals and travellers. Aireys Pub is home to Salt Brewing Co, a beach-brewed craft joint with a pale ale that can you help you save a whale (part of the profits go to helping the Sea Shepherd). The pub itself is a lively local, just across the road from Sunnymead Hotel, and has a huge back deck for sipping in the sun. Local restaurant A La Grecque features fresh and seasonal dishes beloved by the Greek-Australian community and excellent local seafood.

Where am I sleeping?

Ostensibly in a motel room, but one with bags of style; decorated in ambers, oranges and yellows it is like opening the door to a ray of beachy sunlight. Smart wooden floors, petite mushroom shaped lights and 70s-esque ceramics as well as a mid-century cocktail gear give it a (stylish) homely feel. The mini bar is so local it might as well be wearing boardshorts with Great Ocean Road gin, Timboon whisky from the Otways and beers from Bells Beach Brewing. There is also a special adults-only Sunnies secret intimate box for those looking for some fun as well as sun.

Check your in-room compendium for an upbeat summer playlist you can blast from the speaker.

What’s on the menu?

Santara is the on-premises modern fusion restaurant that leans towards India. Fill your table with small plates like pork momos (dumplings), Indian-style halloumi sliders or pani puri filled with tamarind prawn and Yarra Valley caviar, while the Goan ling curry comes swimming in fragrant coconut sauce. There is always a seasonal Cocktail of the Day to be had or try one of the regulars like a Masala Sunrise with Pimm’s, OJ and spiced simple syrup or a Spicy Marg.  

What are the facilities like?

The spa would feel more at home in a boutique hotel than a roadside beach stay such is its attention to chilling out. Tucked behind reception Indie Spa offers a bathhouse with four deep tubs for friends who like to bathe together (or hens’ parties or pre-wedding spas). There is a beautifully tiled steam room with steam, scrub and detox packages, or you can cool off in the snowflake shower. Treatment rooms offer a range of traditional therapies like facials, massage and body treatments. The pool bar is made for mates’ weekends away as is the accompanying firepit.

What sets Sunnymead Hotel apart?

It’s the permanently sunny disposition, from check-in to check-out with meticulous retro styling, great food, thoughtful drinks in a beachside locale – and the whole thing feels like permanent beach party worthy of a visit from Gidget and friends.

Who will love Sunnymead Hotel?

Sun’s out, fun’s out, if you want to head to the Surf Coast to relax, chill with friends and have a cheeky sense of humour, this is the place for you.

The writer was a guest of Sunnymead Hotel.

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out The Best 5-Star Hotels in Australia.