Escape the city for a weekend filled with life’s greatest pleasures: food, fresh air and free time.

It’s no secret that regional Victoria boasts some of the best places to eat, stay and play. From extraordinary estates to destination dining, you don’t have to venture far for a one-of-a-kind experience.

In partnership with Lexus and its Encore program, we’ve handpicked some of Victoria’s best spots to give you some inspiration for a luxury escape like no other. So, block out some dates in your diary and make plans for an unforgettable weekend away.

For an experimental menu: Jackalope

Set on a pristine vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula, Jackalope is truly a bucket-list for culinary experiences. The tasting menu at restaurant Doot Doot Doot promises to take diners on a creative journey as they sit in a sleek, moody venue set underneath hundreds of illuminated vintage light bulbs. For a more casual affair, its wine cellar and food store Rare Hare serves up rustic yet innovative meals with breathtaking views of rolling hills. Then, finish up at Flaggerdoot, the property’s luxe cocktail lounge. The experimental menu features both classics and house creations while eclectic artwork and installations surround the contemporary space.

For farm-to-table dining: O.My

Nestled deep in the heart of Melbourne’s southeast, O.My in Beaconsfield is a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on minimal waste. There’s an abundance of fruit, vegetables, eggs and honey grown and harvested on the property that supplies the entire kitchen, and the seasonal menu changes daily. Knowledgeable and passionate staff will guide you through a personal culinary journey, serving a tasting menu and paired drinks with a focus on small production and sense of place.

For fresh seafood and pasta: Tedesca Osteria

Take a drive out to the Mornington Peninsula to visit Tedesca Osteria, set in an early 20th-century weatherboard house overlooking 27 acres of farmland. The fixed menu promises fresh pasta and seafood but changes with the seasons, with everything prepared in a kitchen built around a woodfired oven and open grill. Personal touches like bottomless filtered rainwater from the farm and house-made Vietnamese coffee are included in the experience, making it one of Victoria’s most unique and acclaimed dining destinations.

For low waste and high luxury: Brae

Best known for its award-winning and immersive restaurant and organic farm, Brae also offers considered guest suites filled with luxurious details for a relaxing stay. Settle in and enjoy the vinyl collection, cocktail bar and secluded bathtub overlooking the property. Wake to a room service breakfast of organic, woodfired sourdough, pastries, preserves and seasonal produce, served with fresh juice and coffee. The best part? The building has been constructed using recycled materials, solar energy, harvested rainwater and a worm farm waste system, resulting in a zero-net emission.

For spectacular mountain vistas: Royal Mail Hotel

Located at the base of Gariwerd (Grampians National Park), the Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld captures and celebrates the beauty of its natural setting. The property also boasts both fine and casual dining, a kitchen garden and 30,000 bottle wine cellar only a short stroll from accommodation. Warm tones and timber finishes enhance the contemporary design of the rooms available. The hardest part will be deciding whether to snooze in one of the deluxe mountain view suites or a secluded cottage in this cosy sanctuary in regional Victoria.

For outdoor baths and ocean views: Ocean House

Surrounded by nearby world-famous beaches, waterfalls and forests, Lorne’s Ocean House is truly a stay like no other in Victoria, featuring grandiose views of the Great Ocean Road and Loutit Bay. By day, you can enjoy the property’s famous rooftop deck with an outdoor bath and panoramic views across the ocean. And by night, watch the glistening lights on the horizon as you drift off to sleep with the sounds of the surrounding wildlife and crashing ocean waves. The carefully considered, flexible floor plan of this secluded property allows it to accommodate several families or groups of friends, too.

For relaxation and picturesque scenery: Peninsula Hot Springs

The perfect place to unwind is at Peninsula Hot Springs — a natural hot spring, day spa and wellness centre on the Mornington Peninsula. Geothermal mineral waters at this coastal oasis provide an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Head up to the peak of the springs at sunset for breathtaking views of the surroundings, or book a private bathing session for some secluded self-care. At night, the property lights up offering a magical landscape to soak, swim and sweat in the sauna. Glamping accommodation is available featuring private decks, ensuite bathrooms and king beds for a truly luxurious and peaceful rest.

For cooking classes and luxe spa experiences: Lake House Daylesford

This hotel, restaurant, spa and more is a hidden gem situated on the shores of its namesake, Lake House Daylesford in northwest Victoria. Wander around the 38 acres of the Dairy Flat Farm, visit the on-site bakehouse serving up sourdough bread, book a cooking masterclass or unwind with a massage in the Lake House Spa. A visit to the Lake House restaurant and cellar at dusk will have you enjoying native birds circling the surrounding gumtrees for their evening perch.

For inspiring artworks immersed in nature: Tarrawarra Museum of Art

Named after a Woiwurrung word that loosely translates to ‘slow moving water’, Tarrawarra Museum Of Art is a public gallery situated in the Yarra Valley. Hosting both Australian and international works, the gallery pays homage and celebrates the First Nations context of the land. Throughout the building, windows offer bright light and stunning views of the surroundings, while the building arcs gently from the earth in concert with the contours and hues of the landscape. Just under an hour drive from Melbourne, this museum has been dubbed the perfect place to recharge and connect with both nature and art.

We believe the best way to finish up one holiday is to start plotting your next one. That’s why Lexus looks after the finer details, so you can sit back and savour the moments that really matter. Unlock exclusive access to lifestyle events, hotel partnerships, ticketing offers and more as part of Lexus Encore.

Images: Julia Sansone.