Eco Retreat Spaces
“The people have learned not from books, But in the fields, in the wood, on the river bank. Their teachers have been the birds themselves, when they Sang to them, the sun when it left a glow of crimson behind it At setting, the very trees and wild herbs.” – Anton Chekhov, “A day in the country.”
We experience happiness as a series of pleasing moments…they come and go like clouds, unpredictable, fleeting, and without responsibility to our desires. Through honest self- work, reflection and meditation, we begin to string more of these moments together, creating a weblike design of happiness that drapes around our life. – Tara Styles
Heather has created some Japanese inspired, nature inspired “happy” spaces for guests to enjoy; to slow the pace and designed to develop a stronger connection to you.
Forest Bathing
In Japan, a popular practice is something called forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses. It is a researched based therapeutic modality with many health benefits, and is impacting the world.
The Bath House
As a global phenomenon, bathing and its health benefits go back centuries with each country having its own ritualistic approach. The commonality in thought is that water is sacred; having powers to cleanse the body physically, mentally and emotionally. All is needed is some good bath salts, which Qii House provides along with a handmade soy wax candle to set the mood.
Forest Walks
For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, there is a kilometer rainforest Forest Therapy Trail; on the property; “The Zaborin Walk” meaning a place in the forest to ‘sit to forget’.
This theme is a derivation of Japanese Zen terminology.
Japanese Inspired Gardens
The “Qii” gardens have been landscaped by Heather and are in harmony with the natural environment and have been designed and themed from locally sourced materials some from the surrounding bushland. Many bonsais are peppered throughout the property, whilst other plants surprise and just spring from the ground at random.
Japanese Tea House
Japan is known worldwide for its traditional arts. One of them is the Japanese Tea Ceremony or way of tea, a cultural activity which involves the ceremonial presentation of powdered green tea or “matcha.” The Japanese Tea Ceremony represents harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity which we must embrace in order to achieve the main purpose of the tea ceremony.
Regional Food & Wine
As if the Otway Forest Park isn’t feast enough for the senses, the Otway Harvest Trail indulges foodie whims with fine local produce and wining and dining options. Follow the trail to discover the best fresh produce at farm gates and provedores, restaurants, wineries and breweries. Enjoy meals and views along the trail or stock up on local riches to take back home.
Yoga & Meditations
The offering at Qii House Eco Meditation and Relaxation retreat is for a transformational travel experience and for developing self-awareness through nature. There are ample “sit spots “ as well as a large elevated sunset deck for soaking in the moment.
Forest Therapy Insights
Qii House Lorne: Honoured Among Australia’s Best Businesses by AUSBRB for setting unparalleled standards in innovation, operations and customer satisfaction.
Qii House Lorne is thrilled to announce its recent recognition by the Australian Business Review Board (AUSBRB) as one of the Best Businesses in Australia for 2024. This prestigious acknowledgment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Steve Hoffman and the AUSBRB for this honour, and we’re excited to continue serving our community with the highest standards of quality and service.
Cultural Exchange with Richard Collopy
Cultural exchange and being on country. I had a recent cultural exchange with Richard Collopy (gadubanud indigenous person from the Otways). It was amazing! For the Gadubanud indigenous people, Nyernilia means something like a deep respectful listening in quiet...
Stayz holiday home of the year awards 2023
Qii House Top 10 Finalist: 7th Place & Such a Proud Moment “WHEN YOUR HOLIDAY HOME FEELS LIKE A MOVIE” “…you better not be pretending your holiday home is in a WES ANDERSON movie again…” Hi Heather, Hope you’ve been well since we last chatted. I’ve got some really...
What makes Qii House the perfect setting for your eco wedding in the Otways?
Qii House is secluded within a lush, green rainforest canopy in the heart of the Otways National Park and is a honeymooners dream escape. The abundance in natural fauna and flora at your doorstep; exclusivity, stillness and romanticism is an eco-tourists paradise.
After the hustle and bustle of your BIG day it is the perfect space to wind down for an extended stay. Why not relax in simple luxuriance of the tree -tops on the under floor lit sunset deck sipping champagne with delicious chocolates or cookies from the deluxe Qii house gift -wrapped hamper. Drift into the night under the stars on the comfy daybeds listening to a bush orchestra and enjoy simple pleasures in stillness. Complimentary aromatic candles are included to add an extra touch. The “fan-shaped” deck is elevated and is the perfect platform for star- gazing and animal spotting through the Qii house giant red telescope. For those who love to go star crazy!
Eco-Tourism attractions in the area
There are ample eco-tourism attractions close by for an adventurous heart, including 10 waterfalls within a 10km radius, copious hiking and mountain bike tracks, canoeing at Lake Elizabeth, the Glow worms at Lavers Hill, berry picking farms, fishing off Lorne Pier; Lorne and the “Great Ocean Road” is 15 minutes away, Or for something more relaxing, board games and books are available for use at Qii house, nature hiking sticks, some basic gym items including skipping ropes, kettle bells and medicine balls. Or for the spirited alfresco cook there are outdoor cooking facilities; including a pizza oven and BBQ. In house catering can also be arranged.
Those special extras to make your day perfect
Complimentary spa vouchers for the Bride and Groom or a couple’s massage are available from Endota Spa, Lorne for extended stays of a minimum of 3 days. A mobile masseuse can also be arranged to come onsite. Why not indulge the moment and be pampered in the simple luxuriance of this Australian native bush hide away.
The meditative peace and tranquillity at Qii house is the perfect space for dreamers, for romance, to re-energise and to be one with nature.
Read – Our 10 tips for creating the perfect eco-wedding
Read – Eco Friendly Wedding Ideas
Read – Five Steps To a Sustainable Wedding
For some further needs on your special day, Qii house has some wonderful recommendations:
Wedding planners
ivorytribe.com.au
Celebrants
bellarinecelebrant.com
Catering
newearthcatering.com
therkgroup.com
fabulouscatering.com.au
hahlornebeach.com.au
Transport
starlimoservices.com.au
The Brides Diary
bridesdiary.com.au
Qii house is where the best in all worlds meet. In this world if you can dream it you can create it. Enjoy your stay!
Qii Classic Limousine Hire
Add some verve, sleek and spectacular; in star struck fashion and ride like the queen in the back seat of your dream limousine…the Qii house classic Bentley Mulsanne…be a superstar in a super car. The best performer in the world. Take centre stage. Make your day unforgettable, fun and surpass par excellence.
Feel the Vibe and Come Alive!
Qii house is an out of box experience. Savor the moment in fresh mountain air, in the ancient otways eco-system, where focus is shifted to the art of living in harmony with nature’s rhythm.