WHERE WE STAY IN MORNINGTON

Jackalope Hotel

The Peninsula’s newest, hottest, most-awarded boutique hotel. There are 46 designer rooms each with king-sized beds, complimentary minibar, complimentary breakfast, rain showers, deep Japanese bathtubs, and more. Outside the rooms, hotel amenities include a 30-metre infinity pool overlooking the Willow Creek vines, a bar (Flaggerdoot) complete with gold armchairs and a neon-blue pool table, and two restaurants: inside the hotel it’s fine diner Doot Doot Doot, and just outside is the more casual Rare Hare.

At a minimum of $650 a night, it’s not cheap. But if you can manage it, it’s absolutely worth it.

166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North VIC

The Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate

There are three self-contained villas onsite at Crittenden Estate. Each one has a fully-functioning kitchen, a comfortable living area with a wood fire and TV/DVD player, a spa bath, laundry facilities, a king bed (that may be separated into two singles upon request) and a deck, with a barbecue, that hangs over the Estate’s lake.

On the first morning of your stay you’ll wake up to a breakfast hamper full of local eggs, bacon, bread, muesli, fresh milk and apple juice. If you stay for two nights or more, you’ll also receive a complimentary bottle of the Estate’s sparkling.

The Lakeside Villas are a really great option for a group – book all three villas between you, and you’ll have run of the grounds.

A great base for exploring both Crittenden Estate and the wider Peninsula.

The Villas are wheelchair accessible and prices start at $380 per night, although the rate is reduced if staying for more than two nights.

25 Harrisons Road, Dromana VIC

Polperro Villas at Polperro Winery

The bistro at Polperro Winery is one of our favourite places to eat in the region, and staying onsite is a sure-fire way to make your experience even better. Each of the four studio apartments features a king bed, open fireplace, a spa bath and a private deck with views of the vineyard and the grounds. Room four also has a private sauna.

A complimentary continental breakfast is provided each morning of your stay, and there are options to level-up your booking with bistro and Hot Springs add-ons.

Prices start at $385 per night – a reduced rate applies for bookings of two nights or more.

Port Phillip Estate

Each of the six modern suites at Port Phillip Estate has vineyard and coastal views, private terraces, king-sized beds, walls clad with Bill Henson artworks, Missoni bathrobes and Aesop soaps. There is one two-bedroom suite which also comes with a self-contained kitchen and is completely wheelchair accessible.

With easy access to the Estate’s fine-dining restaurant and more casual cellar door, you won’t even need to leave the premises.

Prices start at $540 per night.

Trofeo Estate

In the middle of a functioning farm, just three minutes’ drive from Trofeo Estate, sits quaint, affordable cottages. Each has a two-night minimum stay, and is available as one, two or three bedroom configurations. A welcome platter from the restaurant at Trofeo Estate and a bottle of wine will be waiting when you arrive, plus there’s an outdoor bath, a self-contained kitchen, comfortable living space and more.

A more subdued and rural – although no less pleasant – offering.

Prices start at $150 per night.

635 Dunns Creek Road, Dromana VIC\