Dark, Dramatic Vineyard Hotel is Perfect Australian Getaway

Just an hour from the busy avenues of Melbourne, Australia lies a relaxing and chic boutique getaway called the Jackalope. Its prime location on the edge of stunning vineyards is situated on the Mornington Peninsula, known as Melbourne’s weekend playground. The dramatic hotel is a stunning modern retreat that offers all the amenities a guest might want.

Refined architecture and modern works are a stunning combination.
Refined architecture and modern works are a stunning combination.

Before you enter the hotel, the artful drama is apparent from the seven-meter Jackalope sculpture by artist Emily Floyd that sites out front. It’s just one of the commissioned pieces that focus on the “seemingly magical processes of transformation, creation, or combination” that make up the hotel’s collection.

The sculpture fits well with the surrounding dramatic landscapes.
The sculpture fits well with the surrounding dramatic landscapes.

The vineyard landscape and century-old native plantings seemingly flow from the site of the new luxurious 46-room boutique hotel. The wide open back of the building with its large windows makes the most of the beautiful landscape and views.  It’s the perfect location for enjoying the spa services, gourmet food and relaxing guest accommodations.

The Vineyard Vines Landscape
The Vineyard Vines Landscape

Created by the Carr Design Group, the building and interiors are contemporary and daring. While the guest rooms are eminently luxurious and comfortable, the public spaces are attractive enough to lure the most reluctant guest out to enjoy the comforts. Lounging on the deck by the 30-meter black infinity pool provides a prime place for taking in the view and for taking a calming dip before dinner. The pool deck also includes a heated plunge pool, sunbed service, wireless internet, pavilion that can be used for spa treatments or a romantic private lunch or dinner for two.

The location exudes tranquility and serenity.
The location exudes tranquility and serenity.

Tribu’s Tosca outdoor chair, which is rounded with tapered legs, is a comfortable seat on the hotel deck. The shell is powdercoated stainless steel, woven with extra-wide upholstered tubes. The weather-resistant seamless fabric tubes are filled with foam mousse.

Comfortable seats were made for lingering to take in the view.
Comfortable seats were made for lingering to take in the view.
The feel of the view changes with the daylight that hits the 21-hectare vineyard.
The feel of the view changes with the daylight that hits the 21-hectare vineyard.

The private dining area features a stylish gray table with a unique base that is paired with Illum chairs from Tribu. The collection has lines that are reminiscent of classical Scandinavian furniture, created from the latest materials suitable for the outdoors. Light and durable aluminum is used in place of wood.

Casual private dining can be arranged.
Casual private dining can be arranged.

 

The same space can be used for massages.
The same space can be used for massages.
Inside the Geode, private dining has a view.
Inside the Geode, private dining has a view.
Dramatic angles enhance the equally dramatic views.
Dramatic angles enhance the equally dramatic views.

Fine food is a central draw for most resorts and the Jackalope is no exception. Doot Doot Doot is the property’s premier dining space and the dishes are said to focus on seasonal menus that highlight the hotel’s kitchen garden and top producers from the Mornington Peninsula. Fittingly, wine is an important part of the dining experience here and the menu has a full range of matched wines from Willow Creek and international vintners.

The entryway for Doot Doot Doot puts the wine on central display.
The entryway for Doot Doot Doot puts the wine on central display.

Tall, quilted leather banquettes sit underneath a magnificent lighting installation by Jan Flook, a Melbourne-based designer. The eight-by-ten meter chandelier comprises 10,000 amber-hued lamps that are meant to evoke the sensation of fermenting wine bubbling. The undulating surface of glass globes helps create a one-of-a-kind ambiance that is even more dramatic after dark.

The spectacular ceiling is one of the avant-garde art pieces that grace the hotel.
The spectacular ceiling is one of the avant-garde art pieces that grace the hotel.
The spectacular ceiling is one of the avant-garde art pieces that grace the hotel.
Dramatic decor is enhanced with dark, minimalist table accessories.
The spectacular ceiling is one of the avant-garde art pieces that grace the hotel.
Another seating area includes a ceding-full of more casual lighting globes.

The Jackalope also has a breathtaking bar — the Flaggerdoot — that sports a modern design in a very historic location. The Edwardian McCormick House has stood at the end of the meandering driveway since 1876. When the hotel was created, the house was reincarnated as the hotel’s bar — a perfect reminder of the history behind the scenic property. Wood floors in a herringbone pattern, edgy furnishings and a ceiling full of linear neon lights make for a cool bar that has a gutsy cocktail menu with experimental creations as well as standard classics.

The eclectic vibe is simultaneously relaxing and exciting.
The eclectic vibe is simultaneously relaxing and exciting.

When it’s time to turn in for the night, head for dark and dramatic, neon-lit hallway that leads to the guest rooms. The hotel offers a selection of rooms and suites that all have different levels of luxury.

Low lighting is enhanced by the neon ceiling.
Low lighting is enhanced by the neon ceiling.

Guest rooms that face the vineyard have private balconies where you can dine, sip, read or just enjoy the view. Floor to ceiling windows provide plenty of natural light and a glimpse the vineyards from inside the room. The furniture in the room is custom made, all in shades of zinc gray and variety of textures. The color palette is bold and the minimalist style serene.

The dark space is offset by the plentiful natural light.
The dark space is offset by the plentiful natural light.

The open plan room includes an optional deep-soak Japanese style bathtub situated between the bed and the rest of the bathroom area. The spa feeling of the bathroom is intensified by rain showers, double vanities and custom-made bath products. The design elements in the space come together to create a totally relaxing retreat.

Modern lamps and a lighted shelf that runs the length of the wall are angular elements.
Modern lamps and a lighted shelf that runs the length of the wall are angular elements.
Terrace rooms that have a woods view are set up in the same manner.
Terrace rooms that have a woods view are set up in the same manner.

Studios are lavishly larger spaces that have oversized terraces. The rooms are furnished with the same style custom-made pieces and can be had with either a kitchenette large dining area for six or an extended lounge configuration. The bathrooms are generously sized and have double vanities, custom-made Hunter LAB amenities, and a separate rain shower and a dressing room. Even better, they can connect with a Terrace Room to make up a combined 100-square meter two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite.

The studios also have an open plan.
The studios also have an open plan.
The bed faces the roomy private terrace.
The bed faces the roomy private terrace.
Bathroom fixtures are major design elements in the room.
Bathroom fixtures are major design elements in the room.
The vanity is large and extra functional.
The vanity is large and extra functional.
A dark color palette and matte surfaces are modern and extravagant.
A dark color palette and matte surfaces are modern and extravagant.

For the ultimate in luxury, the Jackalope has Signature Suites, which feature high ceilings and a huge 30 square-meter terrace overlooking the vineyard. The extra-large space has a double sided indoor/outdoor fireplace, indoor dining table, kitchenette, cocktail bar and a personal wine cellar. A dramatic light fixture in crystal and copper by Christopher Boots is a focal point over the table, lighting up the space and the custom Zuster furniture.

Fur covered chairs add texture to the minimalist decor.
Fur covered chairs add texture to the minimalist decor.
All parts of the suite can see out the floor-to-ceiling windows.
All parts of the suite can see out the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The space offers plenty of room for lounging and dining.
The space offers plenty of room for lounging and dining.
The indoor/outdoor fireplace can be enjoyed from the bedroom area of the living space.
The indoor/outdoor fireplace can be enjoyed from the bedroom area of the living space.
The lavish bathroom has a deep Japanese soaking tub.
The lavish bathroom has a deep Japanese soaking tub.
The neutral palette is very relaxing.
The neutral palette is very relaxing.
Overlooking the sculptural landscape of vines
Overlooking the sculptural landscape of vines