Since news first broke that Sorrento’s Conti Hotel was set for a multimillion-dollar makeover, anticipation has skyrocketed.

Rechristened The Continental Sorrento, the precinct’s redevelopment is truly one for the ages: six levels, five buildings, three parts.

The first, InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, will incorporate 108 luxury hotel rooms – with terrace and penthouse suites – and a sun-drenched, Miami-inspired pool deck. Second is Aurora Spa & Bathhouse, a state-of-the-art wellness centre with a float room, hydrotherapy pools and several thermal experiences (including an “igloo” ice room). And thirdly, a raft of hospitality venues – running the gamut from fun to entirely fancified – by acclaimed Melbourne chef-restaurateur Scott Pickett (Chancery Lane, Le Shoppe, Matilda, Estelle, Longrain, Smith St Bistrot) and publican Craig Shearer (Fitzroy North’s Terminus Hotel, Brisbane’s Plough Inn).

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Following a reno in excess of $100 million and a series of delays in approvals, today it was announced that the precinct’s food and drinks venues will begin opening in stages from late March. And we’ve finally got some more details around what to expect. (The hotel’s opening date is still to be announced.)

“After an extensive build and many months of planning, we are delighted to be lifting the curtain on what we believe will be one of Australia’s premier coastal destinations for travel and gourmet experiences,” Pickett said in a statement.

“For everyone involved, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we can’t wait to welcome guests across the threshold.”

The star dining attraction will be Audrey’s, Pickett’s first regional restaurant, named after his grandma, who he says inspired him to cook. With stunning Port Phillip Bay views, it’ll be all about old-timey opulence and seafood (there’ll be a marble raw bar).

Keeping the Conti’s nickname alive will be the expansive new public bar, which will feature a beer garden – with a soaring apex roof – that’s crawling with greenery. Adjoining it: an al fresco dining space channelling “Mediterranean seaside glamour”.

Elsewhere, the greenhouse-like, glass-ceilinged Atrium will be another space for wining and dining, while lobby bar Coppin’s Lounge will have cosy, private booth seating welcoming guests to the hotel. Barlow will be a lavish late-night speak-easy with all manner of live entertainment (think comedy, DJs and touring musicians).

Leading the cocktail charge across the precinct will be the Speakeasy Group, which is behind Eau de Vie, Mjolner, Boilermaker House and Nick & Nora’s. It’ll strike a balance between local and international with its wine and spirits offerings.

The Hotel Continental first opened in 1875 under the auspices of entrepreneur George Coppin, who was a driving force in early Australian theatre. The actor, philanthropist and businessman wanted to provide a venue close to the city where Melburnians could enjoy the seaside, and its development spurred a wave of business and activity in Sorrento.

The 147-year-old, heritage-listed hotel was bought in April 2020 by a consortium comprising the Victor Smorgon Group, the Kanat family and Trenerry Property. Architecture studio Woods Bagot is leading the redevelopment.

The Continental Sorrento’s food and drinks venues will open in stages from late March. The hotel’s opening date is still to be announced.

thecontinentalsorrento.com.au