how it happened

Mornington Peninsula’s Paul and Lisa Dempsey were inspired to create their famed big blue backyard luxury gourmet B&B hideaways to share their ‘slice of paradise’.

“It was ultimately a lifestyle choice for us”, Lisa said. “We wanted to offer our vision of a great holiday experience. Our hideaways are tucked amongst the ti-trees and creatively designed to offer a relaxed escape in a simple, secluded setting”.

about Paul and Lisa

South African born Lisa’s passion for people and the warmth and generosity of her personality has taken her around the globe. She has a natural ability to create inspirational guest experiences.

Paul who grew up in Victoria, is the face of big blue backyard’s famed kitchen. He has worked as executive chef in some of Australia and New Zealand’s leading hotels and his wealth of experience continually inspires him to create dining adventures that are literally world class.

A fortuitous meeting in the winter snow of the French Alps led to the couple joining forces and ‘hot footing’ it to the warmth and sunshine of Greece. Here their work in a luxurious resort gave them invaluable experience for their next adventure … one which changed their lives!

World renowned eco safari lodge ‘Phinda Resource Reserve’, on the East coast of South Africa, sets an international standard for ‘bushland’ luxury. Here the couple learnt that, when it comes to hospitality, anything is possible. Lisa said, “No day was the same and each guest experience had to be new and exciting. We were continually inspired by this challenge”.

imagine their dream...

This inspiration led the couple to begin to dream about fulfilling their own vision to create a luxury beach hideaway for couples on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Set in a gloriously secluded acre of bushland abutting the National Park and the sensational St Andrews Ocean Beach.

Tucked away in the ti-tree and secluded from the rest of the world the big blue backyard dream has become a reality. Paul and Lisa’s unique gourmet B&B hideaway retreats have captured the imaginations and loyalty of couples, many who return again and again to experience what can only be referred to as paradise!