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Curating the perfect late-winter staycation at Jackalope Hotels
What to do, drink, eat and wear on your Jackalope jaunt
When there aren’t enough long weekends in the midyear calendar for our liking, we take matters into our own hands. And after years spent cooped up at home, the rationale behind taking a weeknight or two of leave and hitting the road is music to our ears. With more and more Australians embracing the concept of a ‘DIY long weekend’, we checked in at Jackalope Hotels on the Mornington Peninsula to put the mounting trend to the test.
As winter (finally) wanes and a hint of spring imbues the air, there’s no better time to pack your overnight bag, put together a decadent outfit and indulge on the backdrop of undulating vineyards. Harrolds can confirm, it looked good on us.
There’s no better time to pack your overnight bag
Jackalope’s fashionable late-winter stays are encouraged in the name of self-indulgence, escapism and a much-needed midyear reset. Whether you’re planning a special occasion trip with a lover, a solo stint to catch your breath, or a gift to a VIP person in your life, it seems all the great ingredients of a good staycation are ticked off at Jackalope. Cue spectacular style, food, wine, vistas, spa treats and slick accommodation.
This peninsula-based paradise is tucked away from the throng of the city, and even feels removed from the hive of fellow wineries in nearby Red Hill. If you so pleased, you could spend a night or two in its own divine bubble without leaving the premises at all. Harrolds has put together a tried-and-tested guide to doing just that, and the corresponding outfits you might wear for each element of the stay.
What to Wear for: Your Grand Arrival
What to Wear for: Your Grand Arrival
An oasis of food and beverage is contained onsite at Jackalope, giving you no reason to leave during an overnight visit. Arrive for check-in around 3pm and drop your bags to your moody, deeply sophisticated vineyard (and pool) view room. Toast to your arrival with a bucket of in-room champagne, and raid the minibar for a quick snack. You’ll want to snap an Instagram-worthy photo of that five-star view, before heading next door to Jacakalope’s neighboring attractionst: Willow Creek Vineyard Cellar Door and Rare Hare restaurant. Perhaps you’ll knock back a few oysters there, to be paired with a crisp Brut, or your favourite pour from a luxe wine tasting experience.
What to Wear for: Daytime dalliances
What to Wear for: Daytime dalliances
After donning your robes and rewarding yourselves to a couple’s massage or expert facial at Jackalope’s in-house spa, you’ll consider taking a plunge in the outdoor, heated spa overlooking a blanket of green. If you’ve forgotten swimmers, maybe you’ll run a bath inside and take in the scenery from the privacy of your own room, complete with a fresh glass of bubbles. Oh and remember, popcorn and choc tops are complementary at Jacaklope from any time until 11pm, delivered to your room in a matter of moments. Why not factor in a small pre-dinner snack? After all, holiday mode has been activated.
Your booking at Jackalope’s fine dining destination Doot Doot Doot will be coming up next. It’s time to dress up in whatever Harrolds ensemble you prepared earlier. And if you’re running early, meticulously-crafted cocktails can be found just next door to the main attraction in Doot Doot Doot’s brother bar and lounge: Flaggerdoot. Jackalope’s Executive Chef Toby Marks has walked us through some of the showstopping dishes on the menu at Doot Doot Doot right now, so that you can come to the dinner table prepared.
A heady combination of truffle treats abounds at Jackalope this August
“A heady combination of truffle treats abounds at Jackalope this August. For one moreish month, freshly foraged Périgord black truffles are paired with select dishes in Doot Doot Doot, Rare Hare and Flaggerdoot. Unearth the beauty of our bounty below. Doot Doot Doot is featuring Western Rock Lobster, Herbed Beurre Blanc, Black and Sea Gold. An indulgent surf and earth dish: fresh rock lobster is finished on the hibachi, served with a splash of velvety beurre blanc, bubbles of salmon roe, succulent ice plant, and black gold of the earth, shaved tableside.”
What to Wear for: A Superb Soirée
What to Wear for: A Superb Soirée
While your agenda may be filling up, there’s always room to fit in fireside s’mores at Jackalope. Truth be told, the ultimate way to unwind and recline after an early date night or in your late-afternoon downtime, is with a winter-exclusive offering: the terrace firepit.
“We have a large terrace on the western side of the property, perfectly located to catch the final rays of sun as they set over our vineyard. In summer, the big drawcard is our pool deck, but winter on the peninsula is arguably just as beautiful,” says Food & Beverage Director Tanguy Charbonnet.
“The firepit allows for guests to come together at the end of the day to share stories and a cocktail or glass of wine. The s’mores are an indulgent extension of the Jackalope experience. We partnered with Koko Black to develop a custom chocolate that is melted with an oversized marshmallow and then sandwiched between two malt biscuits”.
What to Wear for: Your Laid-back Lounging
What to Wear for: Your Laid-back Lounging
Well, you’ve now been successfully walked through an entire day-to-night of wining and dining at Jackalope. The changing of seasons and easing of winter’s icy blast has leant to an array of bounties at this premier institution. If there weren’t already endless reasons to take a day or two away from the desk and embark on a romantic retreat, we hope this teaser itinerary (and packing list) has piqued your appetite now.
Escape from reality at Jackalope Hotels today.