How to Spend Mother’s Day Weekend on the Mornington Peninsula

As a holiday spot, Mornington Peninsula is all about pampering, relaxation and indulgence – which makes it an ideal destination for Mother’s Day. Whether the mum in question prefers spa treatments and hot-spring soaks, winery tours and cheeky pinot gris, or fine dining and French gastronomy.

The best part? Right now, Broadsheet Access is giving away a weekend stay for Mum in partnership with the newly revamped Hotel Sorrento – and you can still enter to win by joining Access today.

The historic coastal hotspot is a one-stop-shop for relaxation, says hotel director Bridget Bailey. “For guests wanting to unwind and recharge, we’ve created everything onsite so that they can do as much or as little as they please.

“Our rooms have been designed to be a sanctuary for guests, whether it be cosying up with a book by the fire, bathing in one of the private outdoor marble baths or simply staying in bed watching the weather roll in, there is no reason to leave.”

Still, if you do want to venture forth, there’s plenty to indulge in. Save this list for your next weekend in Mornington Peninsula.

Eat

Hotel Sorrento has two restaurants on-site – the modern Australian Dining Room and the Cantonese-inspired Shihuishi – plus bars and al fresco dining spots, so guests needn’t look too far for top-notch eats. Nearby, in the township of Sorrento, gorgeous seaside diner Bistro Elba serves a taste of the French Riviera. Or grab cafe-style meals and providore goodies from St Pauls General Store or coffees (or mimosas) at Buckley.

Further afield, the Hot Listed (and tough to book) Tedesca Osteria offers slow-paced seasonal lunches from celebrated chef Brigitte Hafner. Or try the farm-to-table menu at Barragunda Dining, set inside a glasshouse on a regenerative farm. For something more casual, Store 360 in Rye offers coffees, pies and toasties alongside a well-curated range of products from local makers. And Hobson in Rosebud is worth it for the charming art deco facade – and all-day brunch classics.

Drink

Wine mums will be happy to note that Hotel Sorrento has more than 100 drops to choose from on its in-house menu. And that the Mornington Peninsula has over 200 vineyards, with many offering cellar-door experiences and top-tier dining. Head to Quealy Winemakers – from the couple who introduced an entire generation to pinot grigio – for less common Italian varieties in a lo-fi setting. Or Moorooduc Estate for an education in pioneering natural wines.

For a quintessential Mornington Peninsula experience, there’s the single-vineyard operation at Polperro, whose 80-seat bistro offers panoramic views and European-inspired dishes. On the flashier side of things, try Point Leo Estate with its vast restaurant, cellar door and wine terrace – plus a sculpture park containing 40 works from renowned local and international artists.

Relax

As with food and drink, Mum doesn’t even have to step foot outside Hotel Sorrento for luxury pampering – in-house wellness centre Marlo Spa offers a range of treatments including massage, facials, pedicures and a calming steam room.

Aurora Spa & Bathhouse – a 1000-square-metre relaxation destination – is also local to Sorrento. Here guests can immerse themselves in four steamy, interconnecting hydrotherapy pools; block out the world in a magnesium float room; warm up in a timber-clad sauna or aromatherapy steam room; try halotherapy by inhaling tiny salt particles; or relax in one of eight treatment rooms.

For even more Rancho Relaxo, send Mum to Alba Thermal Springs. Set on 15 hectares, it’s home to 31 different bathing pools, 22 elegant spa treatment rooms and a restaurant curated by celebrity chef Karen Martini. Or the award-winning geothermal waters at Peninsula Hot Springs, which boasts seven hot mineral pools, an ice cave and saunas. 

Log in or join Broadsheet Access today and enter to win a weekend for two at Hotel Sorrento including accommodation, dining and spa treatments. You can also learn more about our exclusive member events, discounts and fab giveaways.