Martina Gemmola 
Martina Gemmola 
Martina Gemmola 
Martina Gemmola 
Martina Gemmola This small but beautifully formed luxury guest house in historic Port Fairy at the end of the Great Ocean Road has just six individual suites. The passionate owners of Drift House describe their style as if “Frank Lloyd Wright, Issey Miyake and the Dalai Lama got together.” It’s a tasteful beachside stay with soul.
The rooms
Built around the bones of an old Victorian house and an Edwardian villa, each suite has its own personality boasting innovative contemporary design and heritage details. King-sized beds are swathed in Cultiver linens, some bathrooms feature bathtubs for soaking, and a ‘maxi bar’ is stocked with local treats (we loved the country-fair yoyo biscuits served under a glass cloche).
Food & drink
There’s a shared Salon, where a Ploughman’s-style breakfast with boiled eggs, toast and preserves is included each morning, and dinner is available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights from 6pm. Expect an elevated Spanish-style à la carte menu including locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce from the on-site kitchen garden. In town, try lively pizza spot Coffin Sally, Poco Artisan Gelato for ice-cream, or The Stump for top-notch pub grub.
The service
Sea-changers John Watkinson and Colleen Guiney opened Drift House in 2013 and you can feel their passion and verve in every detail. Self-taught chef Watkinson is behind the food, while Guiney manages the property from first welcome to final check out with no-nonsense flair.
Ideal for: A boutique coastal getaway with heart and history
Why we love it:
- The aesthetic. The considered design and intimate vibe make it feel like a glam private home.
- The food. The delicious tapas-style Spanish cooking has big-city polish.
- The location. The quirky-chic town of Port Fairy on the Great Ocean Road offers stunning beaches, heritage buildings and a dramatic lighthouse walk.
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