Jackalope Hotel

The high-design Jackalope Hotel, located in Australia's bucolic Mornington Peninsula (a wine region with the understated elegance of Provence and the wine and food culture of Napa), is the perfect hideaway for foodies and art lovers who want to experience an up-and-coming destination.

• The futuristic spa treatment room that overlooks Jackalope's vineyard
• Dining alfresco at farm-to-table bistro Rare Hare
• The hotel's proximity to other great wineries and sculpture parks

Located a little over an hour by car from Melbourne, the boutique Jackalope Hotel is putting the Mornington Peninsula on the map for high-end travelers. Outlandishly stylish, it has an incredible contemporary art collection and serious culinary cachet. At the end of the hotel’s driveway, guests are greeted by a more than 20-foot-tall aluminum sculpture of a Jackalope (a mythical animal that is a cross between an antelope and a jackrabbit), a whimsical symbol for the highly unique property.

The low-slung main building spans two floors and was designed by Melbourne-based firm Carr Design, who selected a mostly black-and-gold color scheme for the public spaces and rooms. The neon-lit hallways lead to 45 minimalist rooms and suites, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, terraces and spartan but chic décor, from the deep-soak Japanese stone baths to the sheer gold curtains. All come with complimentary mini bars, which are stocked with craft chocolate bars and snacks, plus a wide array of on-demand movies and TV shows—and the option to order popcorn for in-room movie nights. For the ultimate in luxury, book one of the signature suites, which come with complimentary daily Champagne and caviar service and 30-minute massages.

The culinary offerings at Jackalope are on par with what one might expect from a top property in esteemed wine regions like Napa Valley or Bordeaux. The degustation restaurant, Doot Doot Doot, is located in a striking black dining room with a 10,000-globe golden chandelier that covers nearly the entire ceiling. The seasonal five-course tasting menu changes constantly, but patrons can expect dishes including beef with turnip, miso eggplant, nori, king brown mushroom. Next door to the restaurant is the Flagerdoot bar, which looks like something out of Alice in Wonderland, with an electric-blue pool table and furniture by fashion designer Rick Owens. A destination for both hotel guests and those visiting the area is Jackalope’s bistro, Rare Hare, which offers daily lunch service. With beautiful views of the hotel’s vineyard and a canopied alfresco dining space, Rare Hare serves towering charcuterie platters and exquisite farm-to-table dishes including charcoal eggplant with red miso and furikake and brisket with pumpkin, seeded mustard and roasted onion.

Travelers who appreciate good food, good wine and good art. Plus, those who like to experience under-the-radar destinations that are on the verge of hitting it it big. Jackalope is better suited for couples than travelers with children.