Pack your bags folks, this new luxury hotel opening on the Mornington Peninsula is a destination in itself. Situated at the crest of a gently sloping hill overlooking the stunning surrounds, the boutique hotel is nestled amongst the pristine vineyards at Willow Creek Winery.
Set to open in April 2017, the meticulously conceived Jackalope Hotel is unique in both destination and design. Comprising 46 luxurious rooms, a 30-metre infinity pool, art commissions and installations, destination dining and an on-property winery and cellar door – a conceptual approach to art, design, dining, and storytelling comes to life through boldly curated installations and collaborations with some of the world’s principal designers.
Clad in dark zinc with charred timber and black metal detailing, Carr Design Group have created a bold and modern interpretation of the local architectural language of agricultural buildings and barn-like structures.
Floor to ceiling windows and private terraces connect guests to the picturesque surrounds, while inside the room furniture is hand-crafted by Melbourne designer and manufacturer, Zuster. Bathrooms include black Japanese tubs, double vanities, and bath products made exclusively for the hotel by Hunter Lab.
Why Jackalope you ask? A creature of legend best described as a rabbit with horns, the “jackalope” is a portmanteau of “jackrabbit” and “antelope”. And it doesn’t stop there, the eyebrow-raising names continue throughout the hotel. The hotel bar, Flaggerdoot, is the collective noun for a group of jackalopes, while the fine dining restaurant Doot Doot Doot is also known as the leader of a Flaggerdoot. How’s that for a mouthful!?
This is the first hotel for owner Louis Li, but definitely not the last! He purchased Willow Creek back in 2013, along with the Maria George Building in the Melbourne CBD, which just so happens to be the site for a second property under the Jackalope Hotels umbrella.
It truly is luxury reimagined. A design-driven experience and sensory overload, Jackalope is much more than just a hotel room. Are you ready to escape reality?
Photography by Sharyn Cairns.
