Jackalope Hotel in Mornington Peninsula by Carr Design Group.

Nestled within a matrix of century old native planting at the crest of a gently sloping hill overlooking the sculptural landscape of vines, Jackalope is a new 46 room boutique hotel in Mornington Peninsula. The buildings are clad in dark zinc with charred timber and black metal detailing, providing 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.

The hotel is a personal project of 29-year-old Melbourne-based entrepreneur, Louis Li, who moved to Melbourne in 2006 to study filmmaking. Rather than tell stories through film, hotel design is now the creative platform. In addition to luxury accommodation and idyllic vineyard views, Jackalope invites guests on a sensory journey—a delicate interplay between the ideal and the surreal—by reimagining the role of art, design, dining and storytelling in the hotel space.

Joining Li’s “production”, Architectural and design firm, Carr Design Group, was instrumental in the creation of the hotel’s bold and contemporary form; while Fabio Ongarato Design conceived the brand’s identity.

Jackalope’s 46 rooms introduce guests to a reverie of relaxation. 38sqm ‘Terrace’ or ‘Vineyard View’ categories range through to 85sqm ‘Lairs’. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces connect guests to the rural surrounds while, inside, bathroom features include deep-soak, black Japanese tubs, rain showers and double vanities. The spa-like setting is complete with bath luxuries developed exclusively by Melbourne’s Hunter Lab, including a pinot grape skin and seed bath soak and body scrub, made using grapes from the hotel’s vineyard.

A dining destination in its own right, two restaurants take their place on the site under the culinary direction of Executive Chef, Guy Stanaway. Refined dining, Doot Doot Doot, presents the region’s nest produce in a series of tasting menus intrinsically linked to the land; while winery restaurant, Rare Hare, designed by Projects of Imagination, celebrates the surrounding Willow Creek vineyard through immersive casual dining and wine experiences.

The hotel’s bar, Flaggerdoot, delights in the alchemic process of distillation. An experimental spirit stirs a daring cocktail menu of both classic and in-house creations. e space itself is an infusion of forms; herringbone floors and open res warm the room, while commissions and installations from the likes of Peninsula local, Andrew Hazewinkel, and international icon, Rick Owens, create a sense of curated cool.

Outside, a black 30-metre infinity pool laps up to the surrounding vineyard, while a poolside pavilion offers sun lounge service and is also available for massage treatments or private dining. A seven-metre-tall namesake Jackalope sculpted by Melbourne artist, Emily Floyd, has taken tenancy at the entrance to the hotel.

[Images courtesy of Carr Design Group. Photography by Sharyn Cairns & Dan Hocking.]