Situated at the crest of a gently sloping hill overlooking the sculptural landscape of vines and nestled within a matrix of century old native planting, the new 46 room Jackalope boutique hotel clad in dark zinc with charred timber and black metal detailing, provides a bold and modern interpretation of the local architectural language of agricultural buildings and barn like structures. Complete with a 30-metre infinity pool, the hotel represents luxury redefined unique in both destination and design.
Set to redefine the term destination hotel and representing one of Victoria’s few boutique establishments, Jackalope offers a new-concept hotel, fuelled by a dynamic and truly design-driven experience. Representing architecture and interiors by local firm Carr Design Group, the design successfully embraces its origins but celebrates the future, creating a sensory experience that is distinctive and genuinely true to place.
Guests can try Rare Hare, an immersive casual restaurant, but Doot Doot Doot could well be the hotel’s highlight: the four- or eight-course degustation menus lean heavily on Mornington Peninsula produce and are artfully prepared by chef Guy Stanaway, a former star at the luxe Aman resorts. The 1200-bottle cellar only includes wines from vineyards 11 hectares or smaller, while the adjacent cocktail bar, Flaggerdoot, is decked out with furniture by fashion iconoclast Rick Owens among others.
The hotel’s 46 rooms range from 38-square-meter “Terrace” studios with outdoor views to 85-square-meter “Lair” suites that include a kitchenette and their own dining area. Black and grey dominates all the interiors, illuminated with shiny details of gold, silver, bronze and copper. The all-black background also functions as a neutral canvas for the several art installations and signature design pieces scattered throughout the hotel, such as the golden Leather Works armchair by Edra.
Rates start at $650 a night and include a la carte breakfast, in-room mini bar, wine on arrival and Wi-Fi. See jackalopehotels.com
all images © Sharyn Cairns