The Female Diamond Entrepreneur Award recognises exceptional women who are making their mark in business and driving entrepreneurial success. This award celebrates female entrepreneurs who demonstrate vision, resilience, innovation, and leadership within their field. Heather Kolb, owner and creator of Qii House Lorne, has been awarded the Diamond Distinction Award 2026 for Female Diamond Entrepreneur 2026, recognised by Diamond Distinction Awards for transforming a once-private 1977 property into an award-winning eco-meditation and relaxation retreat set high in Victoria’s Otways rainforest near Lorne. Her work blends purposeful hospitality with nature-based wellbeing, creating a destination built around calm, restoration, and meaningful escape.
A Vision Turned into a Sanctuary
Heather’s entrepreneurial strength is her ability to see potential and then build it with intent. Qii House was carefully reimagined into a “secret sanctuary” designed to help guests reconnect with nature through serenity, stillness, and thoughtful design choices. The retreat offers an architecturally distinctive Eco Lodge experience, alongside complementary retreat spaces that feel immersive, grounded, and intentionally peaceful.
Wellbeing in Every Detail
Under Heather’s direction, Qii House has become known for Japanese-inspired gardens, tranquil outdoor spaces, and a wellbeing-led guest experience that encourages forest therapy and meditation. The property includes an internationally certified Forest Therapy Trail, reflecting the depth of Heather’s commitment to wellness that is authentic, structured, and experience-driven rather than surfacelevel.
Purpose-Led Entrepreneurship
Heather’s leadership also carries a charitable dimension. Qii House publicly states that for every booking, a donation is made to the Cancer Council—embedding giving into the business model and reinforcing values-led entrepreneurship. This combination of commercial excellence and genuine social contribution reflects the kind of modern leadership we aim to highlight with this award.
Recognition of Excellence
The Female Diamond Entrepreneur 2026 award celebrates Heather Kolb’s outstanding vision, resilience, and leadership—creating a distinctive eco-retreat that merges design, wellbeing, and nature with consistent quality, while setting a benchmark for purpose-driven hospitality in Australia.
Diamond Distinction Awards
Celebrating Female Entrepreneur of the Year – 2026
Heather Kolb – Founder of @giihouse “
Some entrepreneurs build businesses. Others build experiences. Heather Kolb has built both — and that’s exactly why she has been awarded Female Entrepreneur 2026 by Diamond Distinction Awards. As the visionary behind Qii House Lorne, Heather has redefined what a wellness retreat can be. Nestled in the breathtaking Otway rainforest, Qii House is more than accommodation — it’s a sanctuary shaped by Heather’s creativity, intuition, and deep respect for nature.
Every detail, from the architecture to the atmosphere, reflects her belief that people heal, reconnect, and transform when they’re immersed in beauty and tranquillity. Heather’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in courage and imagination.
She took a bold idea – to create an eco-luxury escape that blends sustainability, spirituality, and design – and turned it into one of Victoria’s most distinctive retreat experiences. Her leadership is hands-on, heart-led, and fuelled by a passion for helping guests slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover themselves.
Heather’s award recognises not only her business success, but the way she has infused her values into every corner of Qii House – creating a place that inspires, nurtures, and leaves a lasting imprint on everyone who visits. A heartfelt congratulations to Heather Kolb – a visionary, a creator, and a truly deserving Female Entrepreneur of the Year.”
Post by Diamond Distinction Awards