A winter honeymoon isn’t for everyone.
But, then again, you two aren’t everyone.
There’s something unique about travelling together when the mercury dips. Perhaps it’s the extra element of cosiness that generous pours of rich red wine, crackling open fireplaces, and frosty vistas encourage? Or the opportunity to take a (foggy) breath out and truly connect with one another? Or perhaps it’s the extra excuse for plenty of cuddles that the season brings?
Let us whisk you away you to the atmospheric regional destination of Red Hill – situated in the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula. Our home base is Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill; a luxury boutique hotel styled like a European countryside estate. This area is so much more than the cool-climate wineries for which it is famous. It’s brimming with gourmet experiences, a secluded vibe, a smattering of refreshing nature, and endless chances to truly indulge yourselves. Don’t forget to pack a thermos.
Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill itself is set across 30+ acres of rambling gardens and vineyards, has its own cellar door, heated pool and spa, and even an upscale restaurant on site. So you could spend your whole mini-moon or honeymoon indoors at the estate. But the location is just about perfectly central to the bounty of travel experinces that the Mornington Peninsula offers. So hire that fancy car and venture out to explore moody coastlines, the natural beauty of the area, art exhibitions, retail therapy, the hottest new cafes and other winter-warmers.
Polka Dot Wedding has developed a three-day travel itinerary for a romantic mini-moon for two during an unforgettable stay at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill – based on our real life experience. Get set; things are about to get snugly around here…
Day 1 – Sunday
Pick-up your hire car and make your way down to the Mornington Peninsula
Enjoy lunch (or a very languid, late brunch) at Dreamer in Balnarring
Dreamer Mornington is a beloved cafe among peninsula locals. This is their brand-new, second venue. Styled in warm terracotta tones, you’ll feel as if you’re escaping the cold to brunch inside a roasted chestnut. Go a little bit Frenchy and order the Salmon Tartine alongside fragrant vanilla lattes made with beans from nearby roaster Commonfolk Coffee. Before you leave, stock up on banana bread for later.
Check into Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill
Settle into your room. We adore the Balcony Suites. You have to climb the central staircase to reach them which feels a bit grand. The rooms are huge; featuring a full-sized bathroom complete with tub and an open fireplace (they hotel even offers a fire-lighting service on demand) surrounded by comfy armchairs. Jump into the bath tub for a soak to unwind from your journey.
Visit The Cellar Door
The obvious first “stop” on your mini-moon. Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill’s own cellar door (5-star Halliday rated, of course) feels as if it is nestled amidst a miniature pine forest. This is cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay country. So sink into the sheepskins strewn about the place to sip on savoury or zingy drops to your heart’s content. Take note of your favourites now so that you can have them sent up to your room whenever the mood strikes.
Explore the grounds
There are acres upon acres of diverse greenery to wander while you work up an appetite for dinner. The estate encompasses a little lake, bushland, tennis court, an orchard, charming kitchen garden and, naturally, the vineyard which is home to gnarled, naked vines during winter. Bird-spotting opportunities abound so keep an eye out for flittering Fairy Wrens and yellow-bellied Robins. Plus, there are several nooks that feel as if you are strolling through an enchanted forest. Find a spot to sit a while, exhale after the big day, and chat about your favourite wedding moments.
Dine at Many Little
The Mornington Peninsula is so spoilt for hatted restaurants that it’s almost rude. Tonight you’ll dine at just one of them – Many Little Dining and Bar – just around the corner from the Estate. Don’t think too hard, simply order the chef’s tasting menu. It’s six-ish courses of Sri Lankan bites typically dotted with indulgent caviar, finger lime, and a plethora of spices; all the better to warm you up, my dears. Don’t forget a nightcap (before the second nightcap back in your room) of Ceylon tea-infused Old Fashioneds.
Retire to your room
Enjoy the crackling fire and pop open that bottle of Pinot that you no doubt snared from The Cellar Door earlier.
Day 2 – Monday
Get steamy
Today is about hydro and thermal wellness to balance out a whole lot of culinary indulgence. If you’re early enough to rise, jump into the bubbling spa or heated pool for a few lazy laps and get toasty before breakfast. It’s always steamy poolside at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, even if it’s ghostly pale and rainy outside.
The feasting starts here
Breakfast fare here is better-than-a-basic-buffet. Order from the al a carte menu first – we recommend their colourful take on avocado toast for the healthy fats and antioxidants to fuel your chilled-out day. We also recommend promptly ruining this virtuousness with multiple pain au chocolate from the buffet offering. Then jump back into the spa all satiated until you’re both wrinkly-skinned and warm.
A picnic among the vines
There’s a picnic rug and hot chocolate in your room for a reason. But first you’ll need gourmet supplies – and perhaps yet another bottle of wine from The Cellar Door (you can order via room service or reception when the cellar door is closed). Let’s go for a pretty rosé this time. Take the morning to gather goodies from Cellar & Pantry, Merricks General Wine Store, The Epicurean and Mumma Made‘s Kitchen Store. Nab some marshmallows while you’re at it. Unexpectedly, the not-so-humble local Ritchies IGA Balnarring is a snacking goldmine – it’s so upscale they even have a rotating caviar-on-ice-carousel! Lay out your rug amid slumbering winter vines and don’t forget to add the banana bread from Dreamers to your spread.
Well, well, wellness
While there’s no day spa on site, Lindenderry Red Hill often partners with thermal therapies. This year, during the slow season, Orans have set up their cedar-scented, designer saunas next to the vineyard for an extra toasty treat. The fluffy robe in your room comes in handy when making the bracing open-air dash from spa to sauna to open air fire pit and back again. They are also good friends with Alba Thermal Springs – and you should be too. Here, you can retreat to your own private hot spring pool overlooking sculptural architecture and landscaped gardens. Or be tempted by “The Jewel” spa experience. Luscious treatments involve Champagne, lime caviar and 24 carat gold as ingredients for the body, then finish with a chic Champagne and caviar blini service for your tastebuds.
Dinner at The Dining Room
Neighbourhood night is a fab steak frites night at – two-hatted – The Dining Room at Lindenderry Red Hill. But you’re going to ascend to a different “wow” level. Upgrade to the eye fillet feast to share when it’s on offer. It’s an impressive platter with various sauces doled out at your table and all sorts of roast-y accoutrements. Natural oysters – dressed in the estate’s own rosé mignonette – to start is a no brainer. And you’ll simply have to split a slice of rich chocolate tart laden with chantilly cream to end the evening on a sweet note.
Sweet Dreams
But the night doesn’t really need to end there. Those marshmallows you picked up earlier? Take advantage of the fire in your room and get to roasting them over the open flames. Or – if you’re feeling extra – surprise your new spouse and whip out the fixings for full-on sticky s’mores. You’ll just need to add chocolate and digestive biscuits to your earlier picnic haul.
Day 3 – Tuesday
A wake-up call
Sleep in or sip hot chocolate on your peaceful balcony verandah while overlooking the frosty grounds and listening to bird song. Then it’s off to a lovely late breakfast in the Dining Room (order the caramelised banana porridge to satisfy your sweet-tooth). And perhaps one final dip in the spa?
Late checkout
You won’t want to leave, so do pre-arrange late checkout to guarantee it before your stay.
Time to wine
You can always squeeze in a splash more wine. The Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill concierges are happy to dish out regional winery recommendations tailored to your taste. Among their recommendations is nearby Avani. A humble-looking cellar door from the outside leads to a rustic boutique cabin feel on the inside. Yes, you’ve found another cockle-warming fireplace. This welcoming, family-run vineyard offers truly distinctive wines with the winemaker often guiding you through an extended tasting of impressive, minimal-intervention drops herself.
Travel home to start your married life together
Want to extend your Red Hill honeymoon? We also love: Truffle hunting – and tasting – with the smartest, cutest hounds. / This hidden Japanese whisky speakeasy (ask for “Jane” on arrival than take a spirited flight). / A wintry coastal drive all the way down to Portsea capped off with grabbing a laden baguette and thermos-ful of lattes at Le Capucin and strolling the Millionaires Walk for breathtaking “us-sie” photo opps. / Cruising the Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail to see where famous painters would literally work and the scenery that inspired them. / The Dining Room “Experience“; a sumptuous five-course (really more like 7+ if you do it right and order the upgrades) chef’s tasting menu of farm-to-table fare.
Find more real-life winter honeymoon inspiration in our live Story right here.
Ms Fleur de Lys stayed in Red Hill as a guest of Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill. If you fancy a last-minute romantic escape they currently have an Embers & Wine offering until the end of the month which includes s’mores and mulled wine delivered to your room and an extra night’s stay. Or else there’s the Slow Season experience which includes time well spent inside an Orans Sauna set beside the vines. Winter warmers, indeed!
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