Five luxury weekend escapes near Melbourne
If you live in Melbourne or are even just visiting the Victorian capital, sometimes it’s nice to get in the car and leave town for somewhere special.You know the feeling, the one that starts as an itch on Monday mornings at work. The need to get out of town, spend big on time away and wallow in luxury, wine and good food. Fortunately, there are a plethora of amazing escapes within an hour or two’s drive from Melbourne. Here are five we love.
Jackalope, Merricks North, Mornington Peninsula
The moment you arrive in Jackalope’s courtyard and are confronted by a five-metre sculpture that is part jackrabbit, part antelope, you know this is no ordinary hotel. The setting overlooking vineyards is country-idyllic, but Jackalope is edgy and modernist from the minimalist guest suites to the art installations and even the cuisine at Doot Doot Doot restaurant. The Rare Hare eatery and boutique across the courtyard is more casual and outdoorsy, the day spa is simply luxe and around you, the delights of the Mornington Peninsula await.
Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld, Southern Grampians
The Royal Mail was once Dunkeld’s simple country pub and while you can still enjoy a beer and bite in the main bar, this hotel has been transformed into a total luxury retreat. Food and wine are huge drawcards from Wickens restaurant’s much awarded menu, to the cellar of over 30,000 bottles. Most rooms have Grampians views, or there's the renovated shearers’ quarters at nearby Mount Sturgeon Homestead. Tour the amazing kitchen garden, check out the local wildlife but most of all, kick back and relax.
Mitchelton Hotel and Spa, Nagambie
Nagambie is a small town on the move and you don’t have to look further than the Mitchelton Hotel to see in which direction. That is, welcoming visitors to an established wine region with cutting-edge luxury, dining and entertainment. Part of the Mitchelton Winery precinct on the banks of the Goulburn River, the hotel is an architectural wonder, and the rooms offer cool, laid-back elegance inspired by the natural surroundings. Book into The Muse restaurant, take a day spa treatment or for something completely different, stay in one of the Airstream luxury-retro caravans instead.
Peninsula Hot Springs Glamping, Fingal, Mornington Peninsula
Lying back in the warm and healing waters of Peninsula Hot Springs the thought might come to mind: wouldn’t it be good to bed-down nearby and continue the rest and relaxation? Thankfully, this natural geothermal springs facility has thought of everything. There are 10 individual glamping tents: big canvas suites with private decks and bathrooms, giving exclusive after-hours access to bathing and spa treatments. Brekky is included, a chef’s selection dinner is available and “camping” doesn’t come much more luxurious.
The Oak & Anchor Hotel, Port Fairy
The beachside town of Port Fairy is certainly historic, and since 1857 the hotel now known as The Oak & Anchor has been right in the middle of it. Reborn by local couple Blair and Sally Robinson, this bluestone pub is now a luxurious retreat with light-filled suites featuring rustic stone and timber and ethereally earthy soft furnishings. Try the Chef’s Menu in the restaurant, something simpler at the bar and explore this gorgeous old port town.
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