The Mornington Peninsula has become known for the abundance of things to do and draws visitors back time and time again. But what if your trip is to refuel your soul, to spend quality time, maybe just on you or with your loved one(s)? What if all you need is once you have turned off your car at your Mornington Peninsula accommodation, you only need to start it again once it's time to leave.
Here, we uncover four of the Mornington Peninsula's best destination hotels. Made for those moments when exploring more is not traipsing here and there. These destination hotels have made it easy to put an escape on the schedule.
Old World Seaside Glamour
The grand old dame, better known by generations of locals as The Conti, has emerged as one of the Mornington Peninsula's most prized possessions. Set high up on Constitution Hill in the heart of the Sorrento peers, The Continental Sorrento. Where a perfectly planned destination break awaits you. We recognise that destination hotels are generally not set alongside townships; you will likely make an exception once you have discovered this beauty.
The InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula accommodation rooms are immaculately appointed and are reminiscent of an old luxury liner. Do not shy away from their Heritage rooms. With most hotels, a heritage room usually signals small and disappointing but not here. They are a gracious nod to the past, appointed with luxurious fittings within the walls of the original part of the hotel, built in 1895.
Beyond your room awaits all the moments to swim, eat, drink, relax and be pampered. In the precinct, you will also find the pool deck for exclusive use by those who stay. Restaurants and bars provide plenty of choices when hungry, and for those needing some extra encouragement to relax, there is Aurora Bathhouse and Spa.
The newly hatted restaurant Audrey's makes the don't-miss list. The food styled by famed Chef Scott Pickett who pays homage to his beloved grandmother - Audrey. Audrey's superior service and wine list make the perfect accompaniment to a superb seafood dinner.
Although you may leave the precinct and wander the main street of Sorrento, taking in all the charm of the seaside village, The Continental has thought of every facet of your stay. The top tip is to book some of the more popular aspects of your visit in advance and then leave the rest to chance - disappointment will not be on the list for this escape!
Imagine Staying Here
Jackalope, in Merricks North, is where the luxury of your imagination can be set free. The hotel is named after the mythical character the Jackalope and is set alongside 28 acres of vines of the award-winning estate Willow Creek. Your stay here will have you refreshed and refuelled in the finer things.
The location was reimagined in 2017 as a destination perfect for a quick escape. You will be spoilt here by not one but two restaurants awarded hats in Doot Doot Doot and Rare Hare. The edgy cocktail lounge, Flaggerdoot, is where you can sit back and relax with a drink in hand. Be daring and sample an in-house creation here!
Spend time relaxing by the infinity pool, and immerse yourself in one of the most Instagrammable poolside locations while taking in the views overlooking the vineyard. Sunsets are also amazing from this viewpoint.
Though tried and true guarantee a stay that you would expect, a stay at Jackalope encourages you to be daring and try new things. The promise with a visit here is that you will be treated like a rockstar and will leave reset for the days ahead.
Retreat To The Solitude Of The Hills
Heading to the hinterland hills, laced with the vines of working vineyards, provides an essence of Mornington Peninsula romance. There is no better place to capture that than Lancemore’s Lindenderry Red Hill.
Built originally in the 1980s and set on 34 glorious acres, this is a perfect location to retreat and spend a few days. The venue was stylishly refurbed in 2017 and is located within range of the onsite vineyard and Cellar Door. Although boutique in size, Lindenderry packs a punch for onsite amenities.
Lounges throughout the venue provide places to find solitude, enjoy a drink, chat with your companion, read a book or have a moment to daydream and float away in your thoughts. Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill is an amazing getaway at any time of the year. The seasons sing here, where the gardens and vines change in a Kaleidescape of seasonal colour. In the warmer months, there is shade beneath the canopy of trees to find cool refuge. However, it is the cooler months when lounge and in-room fireplaces are lit and signal a cosy abode awaits you - making it a favourite time to visit this destination hotel.
The final accompaniment to your stay is The Dining Room. The team prepares full-flavoured local produce dishes in their celebrated seasonal menu.
No stay here is not welcomed and sees guests returning, season after season.
With The Kids In Tow
A destination escape should always be possible with the whole family! And in this instance, RACV Cape Schanck Resort has won the kids' vote.
Positioned on the grounds of its renowned golf course, the $160m rebuild in 2017 remembered the little ones. There is a kids' playroom, trampolines and playgrounds to keep them entertained. Combine this with a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, making a dip year-round possible for any water baby.
For golf lovers, there is the 18-hole, par-70 Championship course providing outstanding opportunities to book a tee-off time and enjoy a hit. For those searching for pure relaxation, look no further than One Spa – RACV's day spa. Here you can immerse yourself in relaxation of treatments, including massages and facials, a bathing hammam, and various water therapies.
There are various bars and restaurants onsite for you to sample. The newly hatted Cape Restaurant is inspired by European traditions and ensures that the Mornington Peninsula's spirit is present in every dish. Whilst Cape Restaurant embodies finer dining, Matellina, is where you will discover a more casual and family-friendly experience. The stone-baked pizzas are a great hit and are served all day.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse and boardwalk is a short trip 10-minute drive away from the doorstep of the RACV Cape Schanck. Renowned as a must-see attraction along the Mornington Peninsula, providing outdoor free fun for the whole family!
Staying at RACVCape Schanck Resort will have the kids chattering about all the family fun they had here all the way home.
So there you have it — Mornington Peninsula accommodation, where your arrival is your destination. If a destination stay does not entice you, you can check out all the places to stay here.
Looking for even more things to do on the Mornington Peninsula this summer?
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