An Exceptional Experience at Jackalope, Merricks North
Launch into a journey towards the extraordinary with a visit to Jackalope, Merricks North. This innovative concept sprouted from the imaginative mind of Louis Li, a 30-year-old Chinese entrepreneur, who dared to defy the norm. Taking a scenic drive an hour south of Melbourne, guests will find themselves amidst a sprawling 27-acre vineyard laden with a conference of artistry, design, premium wine, and exquisite culinary delights. The architectural prowess of Carr Design Group is evident in the striking dark structure that dominates the landscape with profound significance.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by an imposing glossy black rendering of a jackalope, a magnificent creation by Emily Floyd. The adventure continues as guests are immersed in the rustic charm of the refurbished 1876 farmhouse that houses the ethereal whimsy of the David Lynch-inspired Flaggerdoot bar where you can sip on cocktails aged in clay pots. New additions to this farmhouse, now featuring the Rare Hare restaurant, include the unique barrel room and winery, characteristically adorned in blackened zinc and burnt timber.
The journey continues within the hotel corridors adorned with captivating artwork and vibrant neon lighting. The hotel's bedrooms, in contrast, offer a peaceful retreat with their minimalist monochrome design, furnished with Japanese soaking tubs and metallic curtains. Gaze out the window and take in the mesmerizing views of the green vine-laden hills and the iridescent sheen of the infinity pool.
Conclude the day with an unforgettable gastronomical experience at Doot Doot Doot. The restaurant's menu evolves every fortnight under the guidance of renowned Chef Guy Stanaway, ensuring a constantly refreshing and seasonal dining experience. The restaurant's dazzling ceiling, illuminated by 10,000 lightbulbs is an artistic representation of the effervescence created during Champagne fermentation. In anticipation of the future, Louis Li's creative journey continues as plans for a second Jackalope in Melbourne's Flinders Lane are afoot, with its grand opening slated for 2020. By Carrie Hutchinson
Address: Jackalope, 166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North, Victoria, 3926 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 5931 2500
Website: available at tophotels.com
Prices: Average rate £360 per night
The United Places Hotel, located in Melbourne’s prestigious South Yarra neighborhood, shatters the conventional hotel setup with its avant-garde concept. Its almost-severe external façade conceals an exclusive and intimate world within, deviating from the typical hotel grandiosity with no check-in desk or grand foyer usually present. The hotel instead greets you with an entrance accessed through a personalized code, taking you to a corridor with black steel fins and textured concrete – a tribute to brutalist architecture - with beams of light performing a celestial dance over Laura Woodward’s kinetic sculpture. A calming scent of sandalwood envelops the stillness, making you feel at home and yet augmenting the feeling of exclusivity.
Only housing 12 vast suites, United Places redefines luxury and comfort. Rooms provide panoramic views of the Royal Botanical Gardens and the city’s historic edifices. The interior design and amenities demonstrate an artful blend of sophistication and homey delights. Release your day’s stress on the terrace with local brands of refreshments, such as the Two Birds golden ale or a Sullivans Cove single malt from your mini-bar, or bask in the living room’s luxurious comfort with the Patricia Urquiola Redondo sofa. Every detail astounds, from personalized kitchen crockery by ceramicist Shari Lowndes to the Le Labo-stocked bathrooms. With a push of a button, you can retreat into your own private sanctuary as lush moss-green velvet curtains enshroud your bedroom. Sumptuous breakfasts served whenever you want are the cherry on top; you will love the culinary masterpieces available from fresh quinoa salad with goat’s curd to chicken rillettes with sourdough.
If this level of luxury is too much for your tastes or budget, consider staying at the more affordable Rosebud Motel at https://rosebud-motel.hotelsinvictoria.net/en/. Located in Victoria, it offers comfortable accommodations with a down-home atmosphere that makes anyone feel welcome. You may not find the sophisticated opulence of the United Places Hotel, but the incredible warmth and friendly service will have you feeling at home in no time.
Providing top-tier service and ultimate privacy, United Places forsakes queues and invasive services. For those seeking a more private and personalized hotel experience, this may very well be the accommodation of the future. By Carrie Hutchinson
Address: United Places, Botanic Gardens, 157 Domain Road, South Yarra, Victoria, 3141 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9866 6467
Website: unitedplaces.com.au
Prices: One-bedroom suites from around £360
MELBOURNE'S EXQUISITE MITCHELTON HOTEL, SITUATED IN THE GOULBURN VALLEY
Wine connoisseurs across Australia have been raving about Mitchelton Estate for years, yet the locale offers much more than just a glass of Merlot. Boasting a vision that started five decades ago, the newly unveiled Mitchelton Hotel snuggly fits within the serene Victorian heartlands, nested on a horseshoe curve of the tranquil Goulburn River. It coexists harmoniously with the river red gums and weeping willows, their brilliant white branches dramatically illuminate the landscape - a setting reminiscent of a life-sized, pulsating watercolour painting.
The responsibility of designing the inn's interiors laid on the expert shoulders of Hecker Guthrie studio, noteworthy Melbourne minimalists. A fusion of subtlety and sophistication is the result, dominated by natural elements enriched with darker hues: lavish American-oak panels in rich cocoa, soft marble floors and counters in delicate dove-grey, buttery leather armchairs in a warm toffee shade to match, and luxe linen curtains in a powdery slate tint. The interplay of textures is an interpretation of the landscape, further enhanced by the generous amounts of sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The design philosophy of Mitchelton Hotel reflects the same values that many of the top Melbourne Hotels adhere to – an elegant blend of nature and luxury, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere for guests. Its captivation of the wild Australian landscape coupled with its contemporary interiors, echo the ethos of some of Melbourne's best accommodations.
While the design ethos leans towards Zen minimalism, space at Mitchelton stands out for its warmth and inviting feel, borrowing a Nordic touch. This Scandinavian influence seamlessly complements Mitchelton's already majestic buildings with unique architectural features like the iconic white tower and the distinctively asymmetrical pitched roofs of the winery and dining room, which were conjured in the 1960s. However, the most enticing aspect of this haven, nestled in a wine lover's paradise, is that it remains largely undiscovered. Text by Chloe Cann
Location: Mitchelton, 470 Mitchellstown Road, Nagambie, Victoria, 3608 Australia
Contact: +61 3 5736 2222
Online Presence: mitchelton.com.au
Rate: Room tariffs start at approximately £160
LINDENDERRY AT RED HILL: A Tranquil Escape
In the idyllic expanse of Mornington Peninsula, the Clark family set down roots with their tasteful retreat, Lindenderry at Red Hill, twenty-three years ago. It was the pioneer in offering a high-end experience amidst the sweeping vineyards. Fast forward to the present, the retreat continues to maintain its original charm, with the homely white villa and the enchanting silver-birch-lined driveway, but has evolved into a more modern, comfortable rural getaway. The quaint, comfortable ambiance is backed by a design scheme that mirrors the soothing greens and soft neutrals of the local flora. This sophisticated aesthetic is a nod to acclaimed designer Ilse Crawford, with heavy-duty linen, cozy wooden finishes, and artful lighting making up the core elements.
During the colder months, the warmth and crackling sound of log fires in opulent marble fireplaces infuse the air. The modern, minimalist arrangement doesn't undermine the authenticity of the place; it's actually augmented by well-placed family antiques like antique cabinets, artwork, and vintage dining chairs. The culinary offerings, curated by Chef Paul Witherington, who has graced renowned kitchens like Port Phillip Estate and Soho House London, accentuate the local flavors. Notably, the deliciously sweet and briny blue mussels sourced from Western Port Bay enjoy a great reputation among guests.
The dining room transforms from a bright, blond wood, and reeded glass area during the day to a softly lit, enigmatic space once dusk falls. The bedrooms reflect a whimsical side with diverse elements like wall mirrors, candy stripe details, and most have fireplaces for warmth. Each room promises a view – be it the meticulously maintained gardens or the charming, Provençal-style courtyards. While outdoor activities like bocce and croquet convey an old-world European charm, the essence of the Australian wine country is experienced in the eucalyptus-scented trails, the bright red rosellas, and the pale rolling hills on the walk down to the cellar door.
Other luxurious villas and swanky hotels may have spread across the region, Lindenderry manages to remain unpretentious while consistently enhancing both its facilities and services for the modern traveler. The Clark family has created a place where history, originality, and modernity perfectly blend, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience. By Katya Wachtel
Address: Lindenberry at Red Hill, 142 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill, Victoria, 3937 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 5989 2933
Website: lancemore.com.au/lindenderry
Prices: Doubles from about £175
A Tranquil Escape: Lon Retreat
A hidden gem nestled within the oceanfront dunes, Lon Retreat bears a unique story with a deep connection to the land it stands on. Over a century ago, the family of current owner Claire Gemes discovered a natural resource right beneath their land - mineral springs. They delved 30 meters deep into the earth to uncover these hidden springs, initially using the distinct 40°C water to fill livestock troughs. Today, guests can enjoy the naturally heated water straight from the tap, flowing directly into their baths. Spanning 200 acres on the Bellarine Peninsula, the property has been part of the Gemes family lineage for six generations and is just a 90-minute journey southwest from Melbourne.
The retreat successfully captures the essence of true escapism, offering an incredibly grounding and serene experience for its visitors. The centerpiece, a sandstone homestead, boasts seven modern, warmly designed rooms with careful attention to detailing - featuring elements like Tasmanian oak finishes, handcrafted pendant lighting, fireplaces, and soothing egg-shaped tubs. The homestead is carefully designed to make full use of the stunning panoramic views, with expansive windows and leather-based sling chairs arranged for stargazing.
The amenities of the retreat are varied and finely curated - a mineral pool and spa with three rooms for facials and body treatments, using oils inspired by age-old Ayurvedic principles, provided by Subtle Energies. The adventure is never far-off, with farm trails woven across the vast retreat, leading through native forests, alongside a serene lake, and extending to the beach.
The plethora of outdoor spaces, replete with hammocks and seating areas, offer quiet contemplation. An on-site heritage orchard and landscaped gardens offering seasonal delights such as home-grown strawberries or hand-picked pale-pink proteas to add a touch of nature to your room. Their honesty bar and pantry, called Makers and Growers, serves a curated selection of regional favorites including Jack Rabbit wines, Teddy and The Fox gin, and biscuits from the local Annie’s Provedore. Additionally, a short one-minute drive will lead guests to a village boasting an array of restaurants, cafés, and stores. The soothing and minimalistic ambience of Lon Retreat presents a refreshing coastal addition to your Melbourne adventure. Review by Carrie Hutchinson
Address: Lon Retreat, 25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale, Victoria, 3225 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 5258 2990
Website:lonretreat.com.au
Prices: Starts at approximately £200 for a double, with a minimum two-night stay required.