IN THEIR SPACE: Claire Gemes

Meet Claire, a source of warmth and light to all who know her and co-founder of Lon Spa, an oasis hidden amongst coastal views on the Bellarine Peninsula.

After 20 years of dreaming, Claire and her husband, Rob, began creating, planning and building Lon Spa in 2017. An escape in Point Lonsdale, Claire transformed the property into a retreat focused on slowing down.

Claire has thoughtfully curated the the accommodation and spa, with each suite featuring unique artworks and Australian-made furniture. Guests at Lon Spa are treated to locally sourced produce and picnic hampers, and a spa with soaking tubs fed by mineral water from local springs, which overlooks the ocean, lighthouse and surrounding coastscape.

In addition to providing a space to find the beauty in simplicity, Claire and her family regularly work with local land care and agencies on conservation efforts on the property, including restoring and maintaining sand-dunes and protecting reserve areas for birds.

Marnie, our Brand Director, met with Claire to learn more about her creative and business journey.

I GREW UP IN:

By the beach in Point Lonsdale and amongst the trees in the Otways in a place called Pennyroyal.

MY CHILDHOOD IN 5 WORDS:

Dancing, Saltair, Resilience, Big Dreams & Family Roasts.

WHAT BRINGS ME JOY:

Sharing a belly laugh, food made with love, exploring the world with my husband Rob and our 2 children.

MY BUSINESS IN 3 WORDS:

Space, Breathe, Connect.

I AM CURRENTLY READING:

Ash Barty's Memoir & Ikigai - the Japanese Secret to a Long & Happy Life - I alternate between fiction and non-fiction and love my book club of local ladies.

MY TOP 3 DINNER GUESTS:

Apart from my long-term friends... if I'm reaching for the stars... Ben Crowe (leadership mentor) or Brene Brown, Roger Federer (love) & maybe throw in Adele for a good laugh (I find her hilarious!).

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE TO WATCH WITH THE KIDS:

We loved 'The Adam Project' and 'Paper Planes' and recently watched 'True Spirit' the Jessica Watson story together (wow).

MY 2 BEST TIPS FOR HEALTH AND BALANCE:

A moment of fresh air and nature every day - whether it be a walk, dip in the ocean or simply a moment of deep breath in a garden or near a plant!

Focus on gratitude and a gesture of kindness to someone else in every day - it can be simple but can change my day entirely from inward self-talk and negativity/perfectionism to looking more at what I can control and positively change/effect in my day and others.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE SOMEONE HAS GIVEN ME:

Can I have a few?

Just because I can, doesn't mean I should.

Focus on what you can control.

You are enough.