The expression ‘treat yo self’ will become somewhat of a mantra during a weekend away on the Mornington Peninsula – where a justification for enjoyment is not required. The easy one-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD alone will help you shed the shackles of the week, preparing you for rest, relaxation and replenishment.

Replenish
 

A light lunch at Tucks, in Red Hill, should be the first stop on your weekend itinerary. Sit overlooking the vineyards and olive groves of neighbouring Montalto winery and sample the produce grown just a stone’s throw from your relaxed position. A bowl of flavoursome estate olives, followed by crunchy rustic house bread, with dukkah and home-grown olive oil for dipping, will pair with a Tucks NOW Pinot Noir or a lighter Tucks Savagnin.
 

If an indulgent lunch is on the cards, then Montalto Restaurant is a clear winner. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the refined country-style interior in sunlight on a clear day or provide a moody backdrop to a rainy afternoon. Prepare to (reluctantly) share the à la carte menu or book in for the Taste of Estate menu, which will take you on a culinary tour of the winery and garden. The Sher 9+ wagyu striploin and cheek is a standout on the menu, and a dessert of sesame parfait with orange and praline will be the much-anticipated encore to your meal.
 

While no special occasion is necessary, a visit to Jackalope’s Doot Doot Doot will certainly gain you brownie points for an anniversary of some sort. Treat your tastebuds to a dinner reservation and experience the expertly curated five-course tasting menu. Matched wines or non-alcoholic pairings from a mix of local and international locations are a necessary accompaniment for dilettantes of food and drink.

Rest

Allow the worries of your week to slip out of reach as soon as you check into Jackalope Hotel. The sleek exterior of this five-star accommodation seamlessly continues through to the chic, modern interior.