{"id":8520,"date":"2012-04-10T08:07:47","date_gmt":"2012-04-09T22:07:47","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=8520"},"modified":"2018-05-15T07:07:03","modified_gmt":"2018-05-14T21:07:03","slug":"whats-hot-mornington-peninsula","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/whats-hot-mornington-peninsula\/","title":{"rendered":"Mornington Peninsula: The Hit List"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Shhhh! lastminute lovelies Angela and Louise discover why the Mornington Peninsula is Melbournians coveted weekend escape. <\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We\u2019re going to let you in on a secret. It\u2019s a hush hush fact those pesky Victorians have been trying to keep on the down-low. But it\u2019s time everyone knows the truth about their coveted weekend getaway destination – *whisper* the Mornington Peninsula is THE perfect weekend escape: relaxing, romantic and effortlessly chic.
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Eat, drink and be merry<\/strong>
\nLet\u2019s start with the basics \u2013 food and wine. You\u2019re on holiday and that means culinary indulgence is imperative. The Mornington Peninsula is a gourmet hotspot crammed with over 200 wineries and an abundance of yummy restaurants and local food produce outlets. From fresh strawberry picking<\/a>, to breezy beach town cafes, to high-end hatted restaurants – the region has it all.
\nIf you\u2019re after something a bit special and want to treat a loved one, try the breathtaking seven course degustation dinner at Woodman Estate<\/a>. Set in a classic country hotel (more of that later) the dinner showcases excellent local produce with high-end culinary flair and skill.
\nOur faves:<\/strong> the barramundi with mushroom gateau and truffle foam and the strawberry compote dessert with lavender panna cotta, sorbet and rose water mini macaroons \u2013delish!
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The Yarra Valley might be your first choice for a boozy weekend away in Victoria but the Mornington\u2019s culinary hinterland has some superb wineries that should be on your hit list. Plus, many of them have excellent restaurants attached so you can really make a day of it.
\nWith the maritime ecosystem, pinot noir and chardonnay varieties are the favoured drops. Let the friendly cellar door staff walk you through the drops \u2013 we think you\u2019ll be very pleasantly surprised.
\nOur pick of the wineries include:<\/strong>
\nFoxeys Hangout<\/strong>
\nRun by brothers, Michael and Tony Lee, the small cellar door has a slick, contemporary fit-out and commands gorgeous views across the winery\u2019s vine\u2013strewed valley. The relaxed joint, filled with Melbourne hipsters, serves delicious tapas plates including zucchini fritters and blue cheese with figs in port.
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A unique bonus to Foxeys<\/a> is that they offer visitors the opportunity to create their own sparkling wine; a delicious keepsake to remember your weekend away. Note: the cellar door is only open at weekends so make sure you plan a visit into your trip.
\nMontalto<\/strong>
\nYou could easily loose a whole day to Montalto Winery<\/a>. There\u2019s the award-winning fine dining restaurant, the cellar door, the casual al fresco woodfired pizza caf\u00e9 and, when we visit, a fabulous sculpture exhibition in the winery\u2019s grounds.
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Our hot tip, grab a bottle of the pinot, a mate or two and sit amongst the winery\u2019s kitchen garden on a sunny day. Relaxation is most definitely the name of the game here.
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Red Hill<\/strong>
\nRed Hill is more your classic, well-established winery. The panoramic views of the Mornington are beautiful and the resident restaurant, Max\u2019s at Red Hill<\/a>, has floor to ceiling windows that showcase the landscape. The hatted restaurant is another must-do for all foodies. We recommend the pan fried salmon with the sweet potato puree and the rich chocolate mouse with crunchy honeycomb and shiraz sorbet. Delicious\u2026.
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Boutique stay<\/strong>
\nGetting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you\u2019re probably seeking a slice of country relaxation with a side of luxury and maybe a serve of romance. And the Mornington Peninsula has a whole range of accommodation to suit the fussiest of fusspots. From country manor chic, to breezy seaside hotel, to cute family owned B&Bs.
\nWe stayed at the Woodman Estate<\/a>, in the Mornington hinterlands. If you fancy being a princess in your own country manor for the night this is for you.
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The hotel has a beautiful aspect overlooking a private lake and farmland and the resident spa has a whole heap of great treatments. We recommend loved up couples stay in the Spa Suite room for a ridiculously fabulous four-poster bed and humungous jacuzzi bath. Ooh and don\u2019t even get us started on the breakfasts \u2013 home cooking at its best. Mmmm.
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Get outdoorsy (but not too outdoorsy)<\/strong>
\nWith a maritime climate, the Mornington Peninsula is perfect for getting out and about all year round. Take a gentle waterside stroll along the coast or if you\u2019re feeling a little more active, climb Arthur\u2019s Seat for awesome views of the region. If you want to get a glimpse of how the other half live, do the two hour waterside walk from Sorrento to Portsea \u2013 the phenomenal properties surrounded by cute white picket fences are tres Cape Cod chic.
\nFor the kids or (let\u2019s be honest) the big kid in you, get lost in Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens<\/a>. Word of warning the famous Hedge Maze is actually quite tricky (maybe we\u2019d had one too many vinos the night before\u2026)! The attraction\u2019s woodland gardens and lavender displays are really pretty and perfect for working off those culinary delights you\u2019ve been enjoying.
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Luxuriate and be pampered<\/strong>
\nThe Peninsula Hot Springs<\/a> are a must-do for any visit to Mornington. Australia\u2019s only natural hot mineral springs, they have over 20 bathing pools (ranging from icy cold to a scorching 42 degrees!) and include unique experiences like a reflexology walk, massaging mineral showers and Turkish steam baths.
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There is a private section to the complex (no children under 16), which we\u2019d highly recommend, with more tranquil pools and a selection of pampering treatments. We went for the full-body Kodo massage (their signature treatment) in our own private section of the Arabian Marquee. It\u2019s 60 minutes of pure bliss.
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Hot tip:<\/strong> the springs make a perfect girls break away or a romantic tryst and with the spas being open from 7.30am to 10pm, \u2013 you can plan your visit around sunrise or sunset for a very magical outdoor experience. Plus, during your visit don\u2019t forget to stop by the onsite caf\u00e9 which has great juices, fresh salads and heartier meals.
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The secret\u2019s out<\/strong>
\nThe Mornington Peninsula has long been the getaway of choice for Melbournians. The chic food experiences, beautiful hotels, pampering and lush natural environment keeps them coming back.
\nIt\u2019s time to get in on the action Australia. The Mornington Peninsula is very fabulous and we\u2019re planning our next relaxing break there already.<\/p>\n

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