A unique destination located on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Jackalope is indeed a timeless venue of prime luxe, design, comfort and convenience, and certainly a revered icon of the Australian hospitality industry. We were super elated that we are going to stay in a one-of-a-kind boutique modern curated hotel right in the heart of the Geothermal Springs region of Mornington, during the winter season and the fact that many folks do not know that this region boasts an array of hot springs - makes it fascinating for story-telling and definitely an escapade from everyday urban life in global cities.
Our experience and views after our amazing stay...
DESIGN - ART - CUISINE - SERVICE - INSPIRATION - NATURE
Artist Emily Floyd’s 23-foot-tall sculpture of a cute-looking jackalope is depicted right at the entrance to this beautiful destination, which a part-rabbit, part-antelope. We like this humble winery township, that focusses on food and wine, time-forgotten spaces, wine tastings together with a huge display of over 10,000 light bulbs - the epitome of bubbles from champagne or bubbly from their Doot Doot Doot and the fact that they change their menu fornightly, and also a nice welcome drink at Flaggerdoot, inside an old-fashioned modern stylo cocktail bar...right opposite a door facing the reception.
With the rooms facing a private terrace, views that encapsulate bucolic lengths of vineyards and bushland right next to a 100-foot long pool; we love the fast wifi, toilet vanities, the rain shower and the room lighting design and switches-flow was amazing - well planned. There is free wine-tasting over at cellar door, along with free minibar with an assortment alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, milk, juices and nutritious snacks, along with free popcorn and chocolate ice-cream (aka choc tops), so that you can have your own movie nights along with bottomless hand-deliveries of Jackalope popcorn and locally-sourced choc tops, which you can order from the reception.
One can enjoy unlimited access to their vine-facing wet spaces: the infinity pool, heated spa and infrared sauna; also, the room services team will set the tone for rest with a sensory routine, including light and linen preparation and a take-home gift each evening.
Every guest is entitled to a complimentary tasting at their Cellar Door for a select range of current wine releases with their expert team.
Breakfast was just stupendously amazing with the right concoction of perfect blending textures, temperatures, and flavours on the morning breakfast menu dishes; classique and I had the Spanner Crab Omelette 2 mornings in a row - that's how brilliant and consistent is their breakfast expression.
We just love the landscape gardens, the lush vineyards, the amazing flora, the timely expressions of the architecture and the brilliant use of various dimensions surrounding the Jackalope nomenclature - cleverly curated and displayed for modern tourists and locals alike..
The juxtaposition of a lovable fuzzy jackrabbit with a ferocious antelope is the source of allure for Jackalope's founder, Louis Li. Coincidentally encountering the mythology during a trip to Germany, where a figurine in an unassuming antique store stirred research into the rare hare, Louis became absorbed by its fabled past and mysterious existence and along with it, the creation of the LL Vineyard equation.
LL Vineyard is home to Jackalope, Rare Hare, Flaggerdoot, their cellar door, and the boutique winery where all the Rare Hare wines are created. Planted in 1989, the 11-hectare LL Vineyard has taken root in the deep volcanic soils typical of the slopes of the Mornington Peninsula, and is known for producing fine, cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With over 30 years’ experience, they have refined and honed their practices to grow the very best wine from this unique site. Winemaker, Geraldine McFaul works closely with viticulturist, Ant Davenport, who hand-tends each vine, to maximise quality each season.
We simply adore the layout of the Rare Hare, where diners get to mingle in an open-space for 90 pax; a hand-crafted wood-fired oven takes centre-stage in the dining space, adding character to the mood, lights, ambience and food. Food is delivered through a fine balance of heat, acidity, depth of flavour and texture to each plate. We sampled the Oysters, comprising rare hare sparkling and cucumber mignonette, as well as the Fried Barramundi Wings consisting almond skordalia and Nduja butter. The Curried KingFish was indeed special with cauliflower, Bulgur wheat, pine nuts and capers whilst the slow cooked blade of beef, inclusive Cime di Rapa, pumpkin, shallot and salsify delighted our taste buds with the yummy Shrimps.
Room features All rooms feature comforts, such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, as well as thoughtful touches, such as laptop-compatible safes and air conditioning. Other conveniences in all rooms include:
Bathrooms with free toiletries and hairdryers
Flat-screen TVs with cable channels
Balconies or patios, fridges and free infant beds
Facilities:
24 hour reception
Bar
Car park
Conference/convention facilities
Day spa
Family friendly
Gymnasium
Laundry
Non smoking
Open fireplace
Alfresco / outdoor dining
Outdoor furniture
Restaurant
Spa/sauna
Other amenities include:
An outdoor pool
Access to a nearby health club, babysitting (surcharge) and meeting rooms
Tour/ticket information, a front desk safe and a 24-hour front desk
A lift, concierge services and massage treatment rooms
Surroundings
Just an one hour drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula has long been known as Melbourne's weekend playground and so for international guests, the Peninsula is a wonderful and perfect addition to a Melbourne city visit, offering some of Australia's best food and wine, golf, adventure, beach, hot spring and leisure activities.
With a moderate, coastal climate, the Peninsula offers year-round opportunities to explore the region's wineries. Over 50 cellar doors and restaurants dot the rolling hills around Jackalope's own 11-hectare vineyard, while 20 outstanding golf courses, of which three are rated in Australia's top 10, have cemented the Peninsula's position as Australia's number one golf destination and the presence of geothermal hot springs will now elevate the Peninsula to be an "Australian-Onsen" Destination.
Jackalope Hotel Mornington Peninsula
Located in: LL Vineyard
Address: 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North VIC 3926, Australia
Website : https://jackalopehotels.com/
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