This week on our Home Life Series, say hello to Sunnymead Hotel, your new go-to destination for sun AND fun in Aireys Inlet! From the moment you step into this freshly revamped retreat, the vibrant energy at Sunnymead is impossible to ignore.
Owners Damien Cerantonio and Graeme Harris have breathed new life into the former Lightkeepers Inn Motel, transforming it into an iconic, bold space that's as welcoming as it is lively. Think poolside cocktails, colourful design, spa days, and endless good vibes.
Whether you're lounging by the sparkling pool or sipping cocktails at Sunnies Bar, Sunnymead is everything you’ve dreamed of for your next getaway. The colourful, retro-inspired space is bursting with personality, while the Indie Spa offers the perfect balance of chill and cheeky fun (hello, bath cocktails!)
Keep reading for all the sunkissed details.
Hi Damien, thank you so much for having us at Sunnymead Hotel in Aireys Inlet. We’re beyond excited to have experienced the energy and vibe of this vibrant property! To kick things off, could you introduce us to the people behind Sunnymead Hotel and how did you come to find this incredible space?
Our pleasure, we love sharing the sunny vibes! The opportunity came about to take over the property, previously known as ‘Lightkeepers Inn Motel’, which struggled to stay in business after Covid. Myself and co-cowner Graeme Harris, decided to take on the project and bring it back to life. Our Marketing and Brand Manager Lucy Cameron was responsible for rebranding the property and creating ‘Sunnymead’, working alongside myself and our department managers.
Sunnymead is such a refreshing twist on a classic motel.
Can you tell us a bit more about how you’ve breathed new life into the property? What inspired you to transform this space into the colourful, fun-filled destination it is today?
The property had really great bones, like rammed Earth walls with beautiful curves that leans into the retro feel. There was ample space around the existing pool to add ‘Sunnies Pool Bar’ and the fire pit area. And we converted what was previously the manager’s residence into a day spa and bathhouse to add another attraction for the town.
Being the only hotel-style accommodation in Aireys Inlet, we really wanted to create a destination to encourage people to stay longer than one night, to really experience the local foodie and art scene. The town has so much to offer and for a lot of travellers, it was just a day trip or stopover on the way to Lorne. The vibrant Aireys community really inspired the colourful, fun brand that is Sunnymead and we’ve been able to boost local tourism businesses in the process!
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The design of Sunnymead Hotel is full of personality - bold, bright colours, and a really joyful atmosphere. How would you describe the overall design concept for the hotel, and what were some of the key elements you wanted to bring to life in the renovations?
There’s something to fall in love with in a classic motel that has good old-fashioned customer service. We wanted a friendly personality to translate through the entire property, from the warm welcome greeting you at reception to the feeling of the rooms, so a warm colour palette of sunny mustard and burnt orange definitely helps to achieve this. The palette was easy - it was inspired by the name of a local beach. It makes the place feel sunny all year-round, as coastal destinations are most popular in the warmer weather, but there’s just as many reasons to visit and stay cosy in Winter!
The addition of Indie Spa and Santara Restaurant make Sunnymead just as appealing in the cooler months. Spa and wellness continues to grow in demand so the steam room is perfect for a cosy couples getaway, and dining options can be limited when some businesses close in Winter so Santara brings the warmth for spicy nights-in with room service and a movie.
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One of the standout features of Sunnymead is the Indie Spa, relaxing yet full of fun. Can you share the story behind creating this beautiful spa space? What was the inspiration behind the day spa and bathhouse and how do you balance the indulgence of a traditional spa with the unexpected, sunny touches?
The former manager’s residence was an unused space, quite dark and with lots of corridors. The idea to convert the space into a day spa just made sense! Indie is all about being unique, the space is non-traditional and inclusive but also playful where ‘indie-viduals’ can be themselves.
We wanted to offer something different to the softly spoken, calming neutral palette of a traditional spa. While relaxation is always front of mind, this is a spa where you can also have a social experience and sip cocktails in the bath with friends - like a hen’s day vibe! There is something for everyone though, with a choice of private or communal steam sessions, unique body treatments like our signature ‘Immerse Me’ in the Rasul, and more traditional botanical facials - all with our signature sunny touch.
We worked with Cera Stribley on the interior design. Some of the features include arched doorways, a colourful lounge, and a skylight-filled bathhouse where you can watch the clouds above you.
Hanging out by the pool never looked so good. What’s your favourite way to kick back and relax at the outdoor pool and Sunnies Bar?
With a cocktail in-hand of course! Sunnies Pool Bar is the place to be, you can enjoy a drink or two and listen to our curated Spotify playlist #SunnyVibesAhead. It’s perfect for lounging in the afternoon after a day at the beach or exploring! Sunnymead is a true haven for fun-seekers and sun-seekers alike.
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What are some of your favourite activities or experiences that guests can enjoy during different seasons at the hotel? Do you have any hidden gems around the property that might surprise visitors?
Sunnymead has its own yellow VW kombi ‘Daisy’ available for tours. Who wouldn’t love sightseeing the Great Ocean Road in a kombi! And we have custom-made surfboards available for hire, or included in select hotel packages, with some great surf beaches nearby.
There’s definitely activities to keep you entertained when you’re not at the beach or when the weather isn’t as sunny as we are! One of the most unique experiences at Indie Spa is our ‘Let’s Get Steamy’ private Rasul experience. Or a great option for couples at Indie is our Vichy, a two-person steam shower with individual controls to customise your own temperature and settings for the most indulgent shower you’ll have! Available year-round but just a tiny bit more enticing in Winter when you want warmth, finishing with a chai tea by the fire.
There’s sunny touches in the rooms too - like card games and a cocktail-making set, so whenever you feel like a night in you can snuggle up in our signature bathrobes and play Never Have I Ever!
