Sand & Sauna Retreat - A seaside home for the senses
Recharge and reconnect on the Otway Coast in an absolute waterfront location with incredible ocean views and surrounded by an amazing garden. Sand & Sauna Retreat beach house is both cozy and full of light - perfectly suited for one or two couples.
Only the Great Ocean Walk separates the house from the sea, so you can be in the water in seconds or relax on the outdoor lounge and just enjoy the view with a cold drink in hand. If the weather is cooler then the fireplace, fire pit and sauna come into their own. The sauna comfortably fits four people and will heat up in twenty minutes, just about enough time for a quick plunge in the ocean.
Everything from quality beds with bamboo linen to kitchen knives, coffee machine and glassware have been specially chosen to make your stay perfect. With many extra features provided for you to enjoy drawing, reading, cooking, or a game of chess by the fire - settle in and you won't want to leave. Once the sun goes down, the house takes on a warm cocoon atmosphere, assisted with thoughtful lighting and comforting layers.
The large kitchen is fully equipped and a joy to cook in, or if the sun is shining, why not fire up Heston's BBQ on the deck overlooking the sea, or enjoy an evening of grilling on the outdoor fire pit in the garden. Where else can you be preparing dinner while keeping an eye out for one of the 25 species of whales that migrate past this stretch of coast? The abundant garden also has a huge variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables and there’s almost always something in season that will add some interest to your meals.
Two bedrooms, both with quality queen size beds and plush linen, have direct access to the North facing deck. The bathroom retains a retro nod back to the history of the house and the original seaside beach shack, but with new shower and fixtures. There’s an outdoor shower (hot and cold) near the sauna - perfect for a rinse off coming back from the beach, and as part of hot and cold therapy with the sauna. Outdoor furniture makes the most of the multiple deck areas, with the couch a perfect spot for morning coffee, and bar chairs providing a higher vantage point to watch the waves or happy hour in the afternoon sun looking over the garden. The garden features a wide array of birdlife visiting the surrounding banksias and fruit trees.
If you do happen to bring your fury friends with you, they’ll be safe on the large, enclosed deck to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean or watch the walkers go by on the Great Ocean Walk.
The shops and restaurants of Apollo Bay are only a half hour walk away (or five minute drive), but they may as well be in another world. Sand and Sauna Retreat is a peaceful place where you can enjoy beach, birds and books without missing out on any of the creature comforts. Be awed by the extraordinary location, explore the beach at your doorstep, be inspired by the edible garden, soothe in the sauna and be lulled to sleep by the waves. It really is a retreat for all Seasons. Yoga, pilates and massage available in house (or on the beach) - let us know if you would like to include in your retreat.
Important: No parties, events or gatherings of excess people No smoking, vaping or illegal activity Quiet hours between 10pm - 8am
Please Note: Please be aware that there are security cameras at the entrances of the property, for the safety and security of both the house and guests.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Marengo
Located in Marengo, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Apollo Bay Museum and Old Cable Station Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Great Ocean Road Waterfront and Apollo Bay Harbour. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and ecotours nearby.
Marengo Nature Conservation Reserve - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Great Ocean Road Waterfront - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
Great Otway National Park - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
Elliot River - Addis Bay Coastal Reserve - 7 min drive - 6.4 km
Getting around
Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 130 min drive
Restaurants
George's Restaurant - 5 min drive
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse - 4 min drive
Apollo Bay Hotel - 4 min drive
Chopstix Asian Noodle Bar - 4 min drive
Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Sand & Sauna Retreat - A seaside home for the senses pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Sand & Sauna Retreat - A seaside home for the senses?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sand & Sauna Retreat - A seaside home for the senses on 31 May 2026 start from AU$669, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Sand & Sauna Retreat - A seaside home for the senses?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sand & Sauna Retreat - A seaside home for the senses?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sand & Sauna Retreat - A seaside home for the senses?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Sand & Sauna Retreat - A seaside home for the senses located?
Nestled on the beach, this Marengo holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Apollo Bay Coastal Reserve and Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary. Marengo Nature Conservation Reserve and Elliot River - Addis Bay Coastal Reserve are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We loved everything about this property! The view was spectacular, the ability to just walk out the back and turn left or right depending on which beach we wanted to go to was awesome, star gazing at night with minimal light pollution was epic, feeding the birds, reading a book on the deck, sleeping with the sound of the waves, enjoying a sauna at the end of a ‘hard’ day! The house was spotless and so well provisioned - the manual was as well thought out as the house. Thank you - we hope to be back again!
Priscilla S.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Dec 2024
Fabulous to hear Priscilla - sounds perfect to us!
Verified
6/10 Okay
Roisin A.
8 Sept 2025
Roisin A.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
About the host
Hosted by Sea Houses
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests