Drawn from the legend of the mythical creature portrayed as a rabbit with horns, Jackalope is an imaginative hotel concept from Melbourne-based creative Louis Li that endeavours to fuse art, contemporary design, dining and storytelling into an idyllic luxury escape.
Set to open in early 2017, the 46-room property has been crafted by architectural firm Carr Design Group and Fabio Ongarato Design with a specially commissioned seven-metre tall namesake sculpture by Melbourne artist Emily Floyd at the entrance.
Located in the rolling hills of Mornington Peninsula, Jackalope offers guests the option of either Terrace or Vineyard view rooms, with the larger, 85-square-metre suites branded as Lairs. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces and handcrafted furniture by Melbourne designers. The signature of Jackalope’s bathroom lies in the luxurious black Japanese tubs and bath products made exclusively for the hotel by The Hunter Lab.
As well as a contemporary art collection, a 30-metre infinity pool with views over the vineyard and a private pavilion for spa treatments, the hotel also has two on-site restaurants. Headed by Executive chef Guy Stan away Doot Doot Doot is a fine-dining destination that draws menu inspiration from the land, while the cellar door Rare Hare is the site for the hotel’s winery and a range of tastings and culinary experiences.