One of the highlights of my trip to Melbourne for the launch of the Lexus LC 500 was the beautiful dinner we had at Doot Doot Doot restaurant at the Jackalope Hotel. The dress code was cocktail and I wanted to go for something a bit different, so instead of a dress I opted for a black long sleeved turtleneck and a floral maxi skirt. I thought it was just the right level of dressy for a formal dinner and was also incredibly comfortable so it ticked all the right boxes. My minimalist studded Alaia heels were the perfect shoes to complement the outfit and when paired with the black top it really allowed the bold print of the skirt to take centre stage.
Last week I went on a whirlwind trip to Melbourne for the launch of Lexus’ new LC 500 coupe. It was a quick 24 hour getaway which started with me jumping on an 8am flight and then making my way down to the new Jackalope Hotel in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula. I was looking forward to staying at Jackalope as it recently took out the award for New Hotel of the Year and Regional Hotel of the Year at the Gourmet Traveller Australian Hotel Guide Awards and had heard amazing things. It didn’t disappoint—it was a luxurious, modern oasis nestled within the picturesque surrounds of Willow Creek’s 11-hectare vineyard and I felt super lucky that I was going to be calling it home for the night.
I was dying to try out the new LC 500 which is Lexus’ all-new flagship coupe so was pleased that we were treated to a drive experience which involved cruising around the Mornington Peninsula with a changeover point at Flinders Golf Course and then a lovely lunch at Rare Hare, one of the on-site restaurants at Jackalope. Being able to drive around in such a sporty car was definitely an experience (very different to driving my girls around at home!) and I was impressed that the LC 500’s sleek design in no way compromised driving comfort. It had some definite zip to it so I had a great time behind the wheel.
Later that day we sat down to a beautiful dinner at Doot Doot Doot, a fine dining restaurant at Jackalope. The interiors are incredible and the meal we had was absolutely delicious. Afterwards there were post-dinner drinks at the on-site bar, Flaggerdoot and an optional wine tasting in the Barrel Room with Willow Creek Vineyard winemaker Geraldine McFaul which was a nice way to toast the trip.
The next morning it was bright and early start once more but it was made just that little bit easier with a relaxing breakfast at Doot Doot Doot. Post-breakfast it was time to race back to Melbourne to catch my flight home. Whilst it was short and sweet the trip definitely lived up to what I had imagined and I loved being able to come along for the ride.