Drive south to the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia and switch off in style at the Jackalope Hotel. Sitting within a beautiful vineyard, the tastefully designed boutique hotel has it all from luxurious lodgings to innovative dining.

See …
Aside from panoramic vineyard views seen through floor to ceiling glass windows, there’s a lot not to be missed at the hotel. Driving up to the reception entry, a seven-metre namesake Jackalope by Australian artist Emily Floyd stands tall to greet us. From there the focus on design quickly becomes apparent - from the contemporary architecture designed by Carr Design Group to unique furnishings by Melbourne furniture makers, Zuster and branding by Fabio Ongarato Design.

An impressive black 30 metre infinity pool stretches across a minimalist poolside pavilion overlooking the vineyard which was the perfect spot to sit and take in the property over welcome drinks offered at reception on check in.

Stay …
The Jackalope hotel has 46 rooms, made up of three types – Terrace, Vineyard View or, the most luxurious, the 85sq Lair. The rooms are designed in a spa-style to make for total relaxation with an open-air deep soak, black Japanese tub and Hunter Lab products including a pinot grape skin and seed bath soak. Everything about the Jackalope exudes a sophisticated approach to design and careful consideration to create the perfect stay. Tranquility and complete privacy were unexpected perks that made a long overdue weekend getaway everything I was hoping for.

Take …
You don’t need much – Jackalope pretty much has you covered in the way of robes and beauty products – but a good book and a chic swimsuit will come in handy for all the hours you will want to spend by the pool.

Taste …
The hotel’s restaurant Doot Doot Doot was one of the highlights of our stay. The menu had recently changed to be a five-course seasonal set menu that will change fortnightly. The focus is seasonal ingredients at the peak of their prime combined to create beautifully balanced flavours, locally sourced from the hotel’s own garden and neighbouring friend’s farms.

It seems like a strange choice given we were staying in wine country but we opted for the non-alcoholic juice pairing, which was so delicious and completely unexpected. Flavours like pear with sparkling water and thyme, cold tomato with lemon and wafu, miso with shaved walnut, and warm tea with chive and honey had us more than pleasantly surprised. Don’t go past it.

Shop …
Go for a drive to neighbouring town Flinders and wander through boutiques and well-stocked general stores with all the best local ingredients. My favourite purchase was homemade apple cider tonic with turmeric and $3 vintage 70s sports socks from Flinders General Store.

Insider Tip …
Don’t miss the opportunity to soak up the silence over a long, relaxing bath. Best enjoyed with a glass of Pinot.