Myth and luxury: this regional hotel wins our vote as one of Australia's best

One of Australia's most stylish hotels, Jackalope was founded by Chinese entrepreneur Louis Li in 2017. With an eye for art, Li's vision around the mythical jackalope and alchemy has resulted in a true destination stay with two award-winning restaurants. Li, a former film student, has a passion for storytelling and always wanted his hotel to be in a regional area.

Set within a 10-hectare vineyard in Merricks North, in the heart of wine country and apple orchards, the hotel is close to the larger town of Balnarring. But there's no need to leave Jackalope during your stay as everything is at your fingertips. Pop into the spa for a relaxing massage or a facial before taking a dip in the infinity pool and then nipping into the sauna, all overlooking the vineyard. And if there's something you need, the helpful staff will accommodate it - including popcorn delivered to your room while you watch a movie from the comfort of the giant bed or even the deep bath.

The moody, dark architecture of Jackalope draws you in and makes you feel a part of a cosy, secret and exclusive venture. The hotel has an artistic focus with stunning pieces dotted throughout the site and gold trinkets also hidden around the thoughtfully-designed grounds. A seven-metre-tall sculpture of a jackalope by artist Emily Floyd sits smack bang in the middle of the entrance, perfect for an iconic Insta-worthy shot to showcase where you are. Make sure you check out the Rick Owens Stag Bench seat in the Flaggerdoot bar. An iconic, rare piece by a well-known American fashion designer.

The lairs, as the stylish rooms are known, offer deep-soaking Japanese bathtubs and a great view across the vineyard. At night, slip into the provided pyjamas for extra comfort and if you're tempted, you can even purchase them to take home, while you dream of your Jackalope stay. Hot tip: book a room overlooking the pool and vineyard.

You won't go hungry with the two Good Food Guide-hatted restaurants on-site. Check out Rare Hare for a casual lunch featuring attentive service and LL and Rare Hare wines overlooking the vineyards for lunch. Don't skip the signature wood-fired choc-chip cookie, served warm in a skillet with ice-cream. Then roll in to Doot Doot Doot for two-hatted, fine-dining indulgence for dinner. Breakfast is available in Doot Doot Doot. With these two outstanding restaurants on the property, plus a cellar door for wine tasting, there's no reason to leave to dine elsewhere.

Take a walk among the vineyard and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings - at 5pm clock in for marshmallow hour and treat yourself to a complimentary s'more. Cook it yourself on the wood fire overlooking the vineyard and relax in the deep seat while enjoying your tasty snack with a glass of bubbles. Then head in to the Flaggerdoot bar for a pre-dinner drink or even a casual meal.

Exceptional service at a five-star hotel would, of course, be expected, but the staff at Jackalope truly do go above and beyond and it's the little touches that I keep thinking about. At one point of my stay my notebook gets wet - and after a quick conversation with the front desk staff, a beautiful leather bound replacement is delivered to my room. As I am leaving early on the final morning I am presented with a boxed breakfast and a coffee in a branded Jackalope to-go mug that is mine to keep.

The writer was a guest of Jackalope