We’ve survived another lockdown! But understandably, yet another round of cancelled holiday plans may have killed your confidence of ever being able to get away. But, Victoria is open and we really are spoilt for travel choice, with a beautifully diverse range of landscapes, coastlines, boutique accommodations and travel experiences all within easy driving distance of Melbourne.
From indulgent country escapes in Daylesford and Nagambie to cosy coastal retreats in Port Fairy, Mornington Peninsula and along the Great Ocean Road, below are some top picks from our expert travel advisor’s winter wish lists of accommodations that are ready to welcome you back to the regions.
With access to inside knowledge, last minute availability at sold out properties and special extras, we can help you get the most out of your regional escape, so reach out today to start planning on enquiries@jigsawtravel.com.au and don’t give up on those holiday dreams!
We hope this inspires you…
Lon Retreat & Spa
What’s an ideal antidote to being cooped up at home? Fresh ocean air and a luxury spa retreat set on 200 acres of remote rural land, hidden up on a hill by the sea.
Lon Retreat and Spa in Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula, 90 minutes from Melbourne offers a truly sublime escape. Just seven suites are spread throughout the sandstone lodge – each individually designed as a private sanctuary and inspired by their natural surroundings, combining earthy tones with contemporary luxury.
The adults only retreat is also home to a small and exclusive spa offering three treatment rooms and breathtaking views over the coastal landscape. Revitalising therapies, soaking tubs and a heated mineral pool are fed by the waters of natural springs found hidden in limestone caves beneath the farm.
The wild and woolly Point Lonsdale beach can be accessed via a private track and is both a relaxing and rejuvenating place to cloud-watch, star-gaze, wander and reconnect with the outdoors.
Enjoy food and wine experiences in the comfort of your suite with homestyle meals prepared on site that celebrate local, seasonal produce; or venture out to discover the award winning restaurants of the region – Merne at Lighthouse (15 mins away), degustation-only Geelong diner Igni (30 mins away), and some of regional Victoria’s best cafés and vineyard cellar doors.
Jackalope
Situated on a pristine vineyard and offering luxury, designer accommodation to complement two of the Peninsula’s best dining experiences, Jackalope Hotel is welcoming guests back with exclusive rewards for extended stays.
The perfect comfort for having to cancel yet another interstate or trans-Tasman adventure, relaxing poolside on the Peninsula with world-class food and wine at your fingertips is certainly no boobie prize. Book four-nights or more at Jackalope and receive a $250 hotel credit to be used across the property. Stay 7-nights and receive $500 hotel credit. With Australia’s best regional dining on-property and on our doorstep, and the beautiful Mornington Peninsula to explore, an extended stay at Jackalope is the vacay you’ve been needing all year.
Four-play package
UP TO $500 HOTEL CREDIT ON EXTENDED STAYS
Pricing
Starts from $2,600 per stay, for a 38sqm Terrace Room
Inclusions
- Four or more nights luxury accommodation
- $250 hotel credit (for 4-6 night stays) $500 hotel credit (7+ night stays)
- Complimentary breakfast daily served in Doot Doot Doot
- Complimentary mini bar
- Complimentary on demand movies, bottomless popcorn and WiFi
- Complimentary Classic Wine Tasting at the Cellar Door
Lake House Daylesford
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Daylesford, Lake House is home to a range of beautiful accommodations, a day spa and a multi-award winning restaurant.
Suites, studios and the property’s signature Atrium Villa are light and spacious, featuring plush and contemporary country interiors, sun-drenched courtyards, magical views over the lake and minibars stocked with regionally sourced sips and nibbles. Guests receive priority reservations to the spa and restaurant where Culinary Director Alla Wolf-Tasker AM and her team work from the ground up, producing virtually everything, from house baked breads to an extensive charcuterie range, on the premises. It’s a dining experience that won’t soon be forgotten.
It’s a wonderful place for peaceful exploring with easy walking tracks leading from the property, around the lake and into the Wombat State Forest, complete with local fauna and the abundant health-creating mineral springs the area is renowned for.
La Perouse Lorne
A small hotel located by the sea and within walking distance of Lorne’s main attractions, La Perouse has just four beautifully appointed and individually designed rooms – all beautifully appointed with ensuites. Breakfast is served daily in the La Perouse kitchen, or on the terrace (depending on the weather) before you head off to explore the magic of the Great Ocean Road.
Drift House Port Fairy
Set right in the heart of the beautiful coastal town of Port Fairy in south-west Victoria, Drift House sets a new standard of design for luxury holidays in regional Victoria. The boutique hotel is a 3.5 hour drive from Melbourne and an easy five minutes’ walk from Port Fairy’s main street, its surf beaches and riverside marina.
With an aim to build the best accommodation in regional Victoria, award-winning design architects Multiplicity, were engaged to create individual designs for each of the very private suites, as modern extensions to the original double story Victorian bluestone house and neighbouring single story Edwardian villa. The use of innovative materials, salvaged timber and beautifully designed fixtures results in a modern, cutting edge and superbly comfortable environment.
All suites have been appointed to an exceptional standard, with bespoke design and innovative use of materials. They have a beautiful modern bathroom, a relaxing lounge area and the very special Drift House Maxi-bar.
Mitchelton
One of Australia’s favourite wineries, the Mitchelton property now offers a range of wonderful experiences for a truly indulgent regional escape. With a cellar door, restaurant, day spa, hotel and a Gallery of Aboriginal Art, a visit to Mitchelton will allow you to fully take in the history, the beauty and the serenity of the Goulburn Valley.
The spectacular Mitchelton Hotel is 58 rooms of laid-back luxury on the banks of the Goulburn River. Designed by internationally renowned architecture and interior design firm Hecker Guthrie, the hotel features spacious rooms adorned with earthy tones, each of which opens to a generous private balcony overlooking the river or Mitchelton Vineyard.
The Muse restaurant features a rustic yet refined dining experience and a menu inspired by the fresh local produce found throughout the Nagambie Lakes district.
