You won’t find any Best Westerns on the Bellarine Peninsula. There’s nothing like a Hilton, and even the nearest major hotel chain (a Rydges) is in Geelong. But what you will find are some incredible boutique stays that will make it more than hard to go back to the standard bed and bathroom shoebox. Enter the Nest.
The Nest isn’t big. At the time of writing it consisted of just three self-contained pods, though plans are already underway to build more. But while there aren’t a lot of units, the units themselves are spacious, modern and extremely eco-friendly. The pods are made out of recycled materials, use filtered rainwater and are powered by solar during the day. But don’t be fooled into thinking the Nest is the kind of place where the sheets are hemp and the mini-bar snacks all vegan (they are all complimentary with your room, though).
It might sound strange, but staying at the Nest really does feel like staying in a nest, albeit one with plush carpeting, spa and an oh-so-comfortable king bed. Ditch your bags as soon as you get in and dunk yourself in the outdoor spa. Sunk into the back porch, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a glass of bubbles while watching the sunset – or the friendly family of cows next door. Shy? Each pod at the Nest is designed to be private, with guests staying the adjacent pods unable to peep next door. So unless the aforementioned cows make you bashful, you really are in your own little world.
If you’d rather stretch out indoors the Nest’s pods have their share of bells and whistles: a flat-screen television, Bluetooth speakers, a dining setting, kitchenette (with microwave, bar fridge and pod coffee machine), Aesop amenities and a rain shower. With floor to ceiling windows it’s easy-as to watch the pastoral bliss from the comfort of your plush bed.
The Nest isn’t far from Bellarine Peninsula hotspots like Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove. Having said that, you do need a car to get around, and you can park your vehicle directly outside your pod. It is self-catered accommodation, so bring your own snacks or (better yet) try out some of the region’s top wineries, distilleries and restaurants. Don’t fret about breakfast, though – the Nest offers a basket of breakfast goodies delivered to your door.