Looking for an Airbnb accommodation in the region of Margaret River, I found Lola – a light-filled, well-decorated cocoon of a comfortable guest suite that comes with bathroom floor heating and a bathtub, a beach walk-away and friendly hosts that strive for the best.
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Often, when I plan a trip, the first thing I might organise is the accommodation. Where I stay matters to me greatly. It’s not about how luxurious is the place or how low is the price. What I care about is if the place has a ‘soul’, a character, does it make a statement, am I going to take back home its story with me?
Packing for our three-day trip to Broadwater, I felt upset. It did strike me like a heart attack on a family picknick – I have forgotten how to pack! It’s been so long since I last travelled, anywhere. The three-country expat woman and travel blogger has turned into a sedentary creature. I feel like a stranger to myself.
Later, it came out clearly I was wrong. I got my travel instincts back as soon as we took the road and I did pack well. But I didn’t actually need much! Lola had everything we needed.
The Accommodation
An absolute winner in terms of location, Lola by the Bay is just off the Bussell Highway, and very easy to find.
Arriving in the middle of a winter afternoon, we are greeted by the sunny veranda. From the first step we feel the Nature-connectedness of the place. Two French-café-style chairs are waiting for their next guests. Between them, a little table is adorned by blossoms, their colour spanning from white ends to magenta-red.
Opening the door, the first thing that makes an impression on us is how crisp clean and bright the space feels. White walls and high ceilings add to the feeling of spaciousness. The warmth of the abundant natural light fills the rooms, including the bathroom and the toilet.
The hosts are obviously champions on putting their thoughts to what often is overlooked but tremendously counts in hospitality – the little details. There are block-out curtains and blinds for privacy and light/temperature control. Candles and bath tea, as well as the puffy and warm bath robes, make our stay especially snug and relaxing. I see the generous quantity of coffee capsules on the benchtop and for my delight – a handful of multicoloured Lindor truffles! My easily critical mind goes directly to all the stays I had where hosts were doing it for the money not for actually caring for their guests.
This is not the case here. In addition to the beautiful setting, the guest suite is clean like the first snowflake of the season. Believe me, I did look everywhere, even behind the bathtub!
The Stay
There is a bottle of cabernet sauvignon from one of the local wineries humbly siting on the kitchen benchtop, with a hand-written-note necklace on it. The red wine adds a special comfort to our evening. A very fragrant, yet not too heavy bodied and Australian Certified Organic. Soli 2020 from Churchview Estate in Metricup.
Sitting on the couch that first evening, enjoying the red and watching a movie from one of the multiple streaming services on the large tv, we become acutely aware how inviting to relaxation this home is. It is tastefully decorated but also well organised. It does make you whisper that ‘Ah, I can relax now’ instead of the ‘Wow, I am so impressed’ sort of reaction. I appreciate it, because this is what I strive for in my interior designs and styling.
The suite is so well set up that immediately invites you to do nothing, just relax. Normally, you would say that small kitchenette like this is a shortcoming, but here is a positive. The roomy and comfortable bathroom draws the attention. It entices you to rather spend your time going out exploring or enjoying your bathtub. This is a place to repose!
What I loved about Lola the most was the abundance of plants inside and around the unit. There are pot plants everywhere. A small banana tree is placed in just the right high outside the bedroom window so that we can enjoy its tropical vibe every time we look out. Even the neighbours’ orange trees are adding to the biophilic envelope of the guest suite with their laden with fruit crowns.
What’s Around
From Lola, you have access to Busselton and Margaret River regions. Both are easily and quickly accessible by car. The beach and a coastal walk trail are at a walking distance.
There is an abundance of activities to choose from. You can walk section of the longest coastal walk in Australia – Cape to Cape Track or visit the ‘exquisitely decorated” Ngilgi Cave. Of course, one of the musts is a sightseeing the Busselton Jetty – known to be the longest wooden piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. There are also surf lessons, helicopter rides, whale watching and whatnot!
On the side of Margaret River, you have dozens of wineries and breweries to pick from, some pair as art galleries as well. To try something different, especially if you want to eat healthy, go to our favourite Mano Wraps that now have a permanent restaurant in Busselton. Or maybe you would fancy a drink at the old fire station in Busselton?
The Verdict
An affordable guest suite for two with luxurious setting in a quiet locale. Perfect for a couple’s getaway or a single traveller, feels safe and offers all the amenities that might be needed. Would be great for both – active exploring and for guests that need a quiet downtime.
Click here if you want to book Lola
