“It’s more than accommodation,” says Heather Kolb of her stunning Qii House.
“It’s the transformative travel component that adds to the Qii House experience; the therapeutic aspects that may benefit health and well-being.”
Heather’s “spiritual spa destination” Qii House is situated on two hectares at Lorne,
She purchased the property back in 2007 for its “calm and inspired energy”, transforming the house and grounds over the next 10 years.
Among the recent improvements is an outdoor Japanese-inspired bath house for “forestry therapy”, Heather explains.
“I always thought I’d like to have an outdoor bath because I ripped the bath out of the house and put a shower there instead to make more space.
“I’ve read about them in Japan and the Netherlands and the therapy surrounding an outdoor bath and engaging in nature, so I designed my own version of what I thought would be authentic.”
Big enough for two, the bespoke bath is encased in bamboo and with its lid embellished by a medallion depicting mermaids and fish, hand-made by artisans in Haiti from recycled oil drums. Oil-rubbed bronze Mooni waterfall taps add a further dash of style.
Partly covered, the bath house includes two day beds and is arranged around a giant tree fern.
“It’s actually coming through the floor,” Heather says.
She considers the bath house an “enhancer” to the existing experience at Qii House.
“In the hot tub you could meditate, use eucalyptus oil, even have a glass of champagne, lay back and inhale the aromas of the forest and just be in the moment – whatever floats your boat,” she laughs.
“It’s a perfect way to engage all your senses.”
Heather describes Qii House as an “innate, lived experience”, inspired by the “good energy” of its Otways environment.
The facility has been nominated for RACV’s Business Excellence Awards for Tourism, with Heather planning to submit an entry in the Unique/Eco Tourism category.
