Romantic getaways in Victoria
From reconnecting at restful retreats to liaising in luxury at Victoria’s world-class hotels; these amorous escapes are guaranteed to set hearts aflutter.
Whether you consider yourself a romantic or otherwise, there’s something to be said for an intimate couples getaway. Victoria, with its myriad destination stays ranging from deluxe city hotels and rustic abodes to wellness resorts and cutting-edge homes, offers countless opportunities for romance to blossom. If you’re looking for that special place to start or rekindle that flame, here are 12 getaway destinations to spoil you and your loved one.
Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm, Daylesford
Brimming with a country-chic feel, this guesthouse is perfect for those looking to spend an entire weekend living it up in a rural manor. Owned by Alla and Allan Wolf-Tasker, this lodge elevates the seemingly simple side of rural living with luxurious comfort. Plush furnishings paired with classy design and fixtures make it every bit the five-star hotel it is, with the elegance of freestanding tubs in guestrooms, king beds and large-scale artworks adding to its charm. There are four guest rooms in the main residence and two vineyard suites in an annex near chardonnay and pinot noir vines. The fully functional farm is also available for guests to wander, along with the surrounding Macedon region and the fabulous Hepburn Springs. Travel & Luxury’s associate editor Susan Kurosawa said the Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm is the perfect place to “splurge on a romantic weekend”. Alternatively, there is enough space to for a companionable crowd of 12 for a sole-use stay.
The Lake House, Daylesford
Nestled along Lake Daylesford, this lovely accommodation with its country allure and beautiful, light interiors is a sure way to revive the romance. Each room is a nod to its rural surroundings with a contemporary design cocooned within the property’s rambling estate. But according to Annie Brown, style editor at The Australian, perhaps the biggest draw card is that it’s run by Allen and Alla Wolf-Tasker, who’s hatted Lake House Restaurant celebrating regional cuisine has been a major attraction for gourmands flocking to the area for the past 30 years. A hit of tennis is also available for guests, as well as a glass of wine by the fire in the Argyle Library Bar. A visit to the spa is also a must, along with a dip in the mineral springs found in Daylesford.
Drift House, Port Fairy
This hip-heritage hotel in the coastal town of Port Fairy features four cutting-edge suits set inside a colonial two-storey house; its striking design elements unusual for the former whaling station and fishing port. Bursting with character and style, Drift House, located less than four hours’ drive from Melbourne, has a guest salon made of recycled timber and sandstone, with a wood fireplace making it the perfect place to unwind surrounded by beautiful, cosy interiors. The salon is also where breakfast and supper are served, prepared by owner John Watkinson, while a heated plunge pool and lush landscaped surroundings are there for guests to explore.
Portarlington Grand Hotel, Bellarine Peninsula
A 134-year-old coastal gem, Portarlington Grand Hotel on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula boasts 18 rooms and several dining options following the completion of its multimillion-dollar transformation last year. Remodelled by Melbourne-based architects Techne Architecture + Interior design, who transformed the historic landmark into a boutique seaside escape and restored the building‘s heritage accents, the hotel offers sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay. There are four unique dining areas: the Front Bar, the Bistro, the Atrium and the Lawn. Perfect during the warmer months, the Lawn is dotted with picnic tables and yellow and white striped umbrellas, while the Atrium offers a greenhouse feel, perfect for enjoying a refreshment with seaside views. The Front Bar and Bistro, with roaring fireplaces to cozy-up to during the cooler months, are ideal spots to reconnect with your significant other away from the hustle of everyday life.
Jackalope Hotel, Mornington Peninsula
This design-led dwelling in the Mornington Peninsula features 46 guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, king size beds, luxury spa-style bathrooms with rain showers, double vanities and the option of a deep Japanese-style bath. Need we say more? Contributing writer Christine McCabe says taking a dip in the 30m infinity pool overlooking the neighbouring vineyard is a must-do, along with “an experimental cocktail in the hotel bar, Flaggerdoot (collective noun for jackalopes, apparently)” housed in the property’s 19th-century homestead. Jackalope also boasts a “destination” restaurant called Doot Doot Doot, run by chef Guy Stanaway. Private dining options are also available, along with massages at the poolside pavilion. This avant-garde stay is in proximity to the region’s 50 cellar doors and restaurants, like Red Hill Vineyard and Willow Creek Vineyard.
Lon Retreat, Bellarine Peninsula
Set within a sprawling sandstone homestead on an estate in Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula, this adults-only accommodation is the epitome of sophistication. It features seven suites, each named after a cloud formation and offering ocean views of the nearby Bass Strait, Indian Ocean or Lake Victoria. Opened in 2018, the sandstone retreat is the epitome of contemporary comfort; with its cathedral ceilings, open fireplaces, warm, earthy tones and touches of stone and timber. Slowing down and switching off is part of the hotel’s doctrine, and the mineral pool and spa certainly makes this easy to do. There are also a variety of in-room dining options for those looking for some privacy. Oh and if the kids beg to come along, you’ve got the best excuse; it’s for adults only.
W Melbourne
If you’re looking for the wow factor, then the W Melbourne is for you. The 294-room hotel, which has taken design cues from Melbourne’s laneway culture, has four restaurants under its belt, along with a suite of bars, including the underground bar Curious and restaurant Lollo, helmed by chef Adam D’Sylva. Guestrooms, which are categorised as WOW, Extreme WOW and Fabulous, are sure to up the ante when it comes to impressing someone special, with views of the Melbourne skyline from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The pool, located on the 14th floor, is also a showstopper with its golden ceiling and cool Miami vibe. “This is art, design and Melbourne mixed together and turned up to full volume,” says Milanda Rout, deputy editor at WISH magazine.
The Langham, Melbourne
It’s hard to ignore the air of romance in The Langham in Melbourne’s Southbank. With its signature pink tones, grand staircase and glistening chandeliers, the hotel is brimming with old-school glamour and modern comforts. Rooms are traditional in their interiors, while a concierge service will help you reserve tables and whatever restaurant you choose. Not to be missed is The Langham’s bespoke version of high tea, served every afternoon, with fresh pastries including lychee custard tarts and scones with strawberry jam clotted cream, sipped down with specialty teas.
The Pole House, Fairhaven
Suspended 40 metres above the ocean at Fairhaven Beach, this luxury stay is perfect for couples which share a penchant for unique architecture. Each room comes with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of the sea. It also features a full-sized kitchen for couples to cook-up each other's favourite meals, while enjoying the warmth from the statement hanging fireplace in the expansive living area.
Mitchelton Hotel, Goulburn Valley
Overlooking the award-winning Mitchelton Wines vineyard, this unique stay is a popular destination among wine lovers. Located just outside of Nagambie in the Goulburn Valley, the Michelton Hotel has 58 rooms which offer views of the winery or nearby river. The property also has a private pool, a five-star cellar door and restaurant, Muse, which focuses on farm-to-table cuisine.
Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld
The humble bluestone workers cottage on the main strip of Dunkeld in the Grampians Ranges has been revamped extensively since its purchase in the 1980s, including the opening of the deluxe Mt Sturgeon one-bedroom cottages, just 3km from town. Dripping with rustic authenticity, the cottage is fitted out with leather couches and linen curtains, a soft comparison to the stone and timber beams on the ceiling. A dinner at the two-hatted Wickens restaurant for a 12-course degustation menu is a non-negotiable, and is sure to win over that special someone.
The Continental, Mornington Peninsula
This 145-year-old limestone-clad landmark in Sorrento is bursting with restaurants, bars, a day spa and an elegant 108-room hotel. Following a $100 million renovation, the lifestyle precinct has been abuzz since its opening last year. At the hotel, guests can choose between seaside views or pool deck vistas. The interior is elegant and sleek, while in-room features include a bar stocked with locally sourced wines, small-batch spirits and craft beers. “Nipped, tucked and spruced, The Conti is the cynosure of the Mornington Peninsula,” says managing editor George Epaminondas.
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