Highlights

Stay in a a superbly conceptualised and crafted architectural gem

Less is more, state-of-the-art, high-design furniture and fittings

Unparalleled views back up the Great Ocean Road coast

Marvelous isolated setting on a unique headland

Bespoke activities exploring the natural and historical wonders of the region

Smith tip

We most fancy the idea of day-long horse treks into the adjacent Great Otway National Park. Life-long locals and horse-lovers Neil and Jenny Henry lead bespoke tours that can follow the coast or take you high up into the hills of the Otway Ranges.

More photos

Moonlight Head Private Lodge

Great Ocean Road, Australia[view map]

Style: Architectural ascetic
Setting: Majestic clifftop

Like a giant concrete crested lizard, sitting high on a bluff off the Great Ocean Road looking out to sea, Moonlight Head Private Lodge is a high-design architectural gem from Australian legend Glenn Murcutt set in some of the most stunning coastal wilderness on Victoria's southern coast.

Need to know

Rates

From AU$3,500 a night for two to AU$5,000 for up to eight, including breakfast, dinner, a range of drinks and tax at 10 per cent – the first two kids under 12, sharing with an adult, stay for free.

Sleeps

2–8 (at each of two villas).

Ideal for

Special occasion couples, groups of friends or families – anyone who appreciates nature or modern architecture.

Minimum hire

Two nights.

Booking process

Smith deposit taken when you book. To confirm a reservation a 25 per cent deposit of the total charge is required, secured with credit card details. Payment must be made in full 45 days before arrival. If you cancel a reservation within 30 days of your stay, and the lodge can't replace your booking, you won't be entitled to a refund. Reservations cancelled within 30 to 90 days prior to arrival will receive a 50 per cent refund. Cancellations made 90 days or more before will receive a full refund, after any bank changes incurred.

Property style

Pared back high-design – simple rather than fussy luxury.

Grounds

Grass merging to wild, cliff-top bushland.

Also

Earliest check-in, 3pm, but notify staff if you'd like to arrive earliier. Your luggage can be stored at the Lodge until villas become free. Check-out: 11am. Smoking is not allowed, nor are pets.

In the know

Eating and drinking

Both lodges have a fully kitted-out kitchen if you really want to go DIY, but there's a personal chef and host on hand 24-hours a day, so why not be looked after? Moonlight Head prides itself on its 'just ask' philosophy – breakfast in bed, champagne picnic on the beach, cheese-tasting on the veranda – and will tailor menus to the pleasures and phobias of its guests. A strong regional and international wine cellar is also available. Local, organic produce is used wherever possible.

Housekeeping

The two properties are serviced daily, with staff on hand throughout your stay to look after your every need.

Entertainment

If you really need an alternative reality, state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen televisions grace the family rooms, complete with satellite channels (plus there are Bang & Olufsen music system both here and in the more formal living and dining areas). There are also iPod docks and Xboxes for the kids. Bedrooms are 'entertainment-free', except for what's outside and what you bring with you.

Provided

Handcrafted telescope and binoculars for star-gazing or whale-watching, sturdy wet weather gear for exploring if it rains, and 50 toy ducks for playing with in the bath. Kiehl's toiletries throughout.

Packing tips

That difficult but rewarding novel you've been meaning to read for years.

Eco policy

With thick recycled brick walls and clever skylight roof features, architect Glenn Murcutt's design maximises heat in winter and coolness in summer.

For a detailed description of all the rooms and grounds, click here

Also worth knowing

Children: Children are welcome (the first two under the age of 12, sharing with an adult, stay free) and special kiddie needs – think scooters or the latest Harry Potter – can be catered for on request.

Smith card offer

Breakfast one morniing at the lodge with Spike the koala and his keeper Dean, who'll fill you in on the habitat and lifestyle of koalas in the nearby Otway Ranges

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member