Seven Melbourne Venues Are Transforming Into International Holiday Destinations for Summer

Any plans for Bali escapes, treks across Mexico or food-filled Japanese getaways have been put on ice for 2020 and into 2021, but that doesn't mean you can't indulge in a bit of escapism. And, no, we're not just talking about daydreaming and spending hours scrolling through Pinterest.

As first announced back in October, Australian Venue Co is helping to ease the wanderlust a touch by transforming a heap of its pubs and restaurants into some of the world's most popular holiday destinations for summer. It's giving more than 20 sites around the country a getaway-themed makeover, with Sydney and Brisbane venues already reaping the benefits — and, with summer officially here, the same thing is now happening at seven Melbourne watering holes.

That means Melburnians can sip frozen margaritas surrounded by cacti, eat karaage chicken under cherry blossom trees and wear flower crowns (if that's your thing) on a Coachella-inspired rooftop. Called Summer Staycations, the transformations are taking place until February and March at The Smith in Prahran, The Duke of Wellington in the CBD, Imperial South Yarra, The Provincial Hotel in Fitzroy, Prince Alfred Hotel and Fargo & Co in Richmond, and Newmarket Hotel in St Kilda.

Of course, the visual makeovers — which include giant teepees, citrus-themed decor and flowers aplenty — are being paired with appropriate food and drink menus. On the Amalfi Coast, you'll find bottomless pizza and sorbet spritzes; in Mexico, there are unlimited tacos and many margaritas; and in Bali, you'll find bottomless satay and buckets of Bintang.

SUMMER STAYCATION LINEUP

Amalfi Coast

• Prince Alfred Hotel — December 1, 2020–March 2021
• The Provincial — December 1, 2020–March 2021

Spring in Tokyo

• The Smith — December 1, 2020–March 2021
• The Duke of Wellington — December 1, 2020–March 2021

Mexico Fiesta

• Imperial South Yarra — December 1, 2020–March 2021

Coachella, Palm Springs

• Fargo and Co — December 4, 2020–February 28, 2021

Beach Club, Bali

• Newmarket Hotel — December 1, 2020–March 2021

For more information about Australian Venue Co Summer Staycations, which run from December 1, 2020–March 2021 at Melbourne's Prince Alfred Hotel, The Provincial, The Smith, The Duke of Wellington, Imperial South Yarra, Fargo and Co and Newmarket Hotel,  head to the website.