THE LOCATION  As the largest coastal wilderness area in Victoria, Wilsons Promontory attracts visitors year-round for swimming, walking, kayaking and camping. The beautiful beaches of the national park also extend to seaside villages such as Inverloch, its position at the mouth of Anderson Inlet making it an excellent spot for fishing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. It also draws jazz lovers to its annual festival in March. This area offers peaceful rural and dramatic water views.

THE PLACE  Owners Hess and Jennie Strengers have built three Asian-style villas on their farm, a short drive from Inverloch. Zenergie was named after their aim to provide guests with both Zen (stillness and minimalism) and energy (the life force). The villas are stylish but cosy, with double-glazed windows providing lovely views over Powlett River flats to Wilsons Promontory. Each has elegant oriental furniture and ornaments from the ownmers' other business, a gift shop. The villas are also practical, with well equipped kitchens and sheltered courtyards.

THE EXPERIENCE  Zenergie can be a place to rest or to practise yoga (including supervised partner or lovers' yoga) or to enjoy a massage (including Hess' specialty of "raindrop massage", which includes essential oils being dripped on the back like raindrops), meditation, drumming or djembe drums and other activities at a purpose-built studio in the Strengers' home. Vegetarian or vegan meals can be ordered, with cooking classes also offered in retreat packages. Feng shui, ying yang (balance) and environmental principles such as worm-waste system have been carefully integrated into the villas, and each has different decor. Our villa, named My Mantra, had vibrant red furniture and fursnishings to represent fire, energy and exuberance. This lively decor did not detract from the soothing view of lush green paddocks. Zenergie is a great place for rest and reflection.

DON'T MISS  Zenergie is a few minutes drive from the former coalmining town of Kongwak, now best known for its vintage and second-hand market every Sunday.

NEED TO KNOW  COST: villas $180-$205 a night off peak; $195-$220 peak. DISTANCE: 130 km south-eat of Melbourne. CHILDREN: no. WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: limited.

DENISE RYAN

Good Weekend Magazine in The Age
(Melbourne Cup weekend 2011) feature.