Approaching the awe-inspiring building of Mansion Hotel & Spa is like stepping back in time. The landmark hotel looms large in all its Italian stone glory, surrounded by manicured gardens and steeped in history. Mansion Hotel is just 30 minutes from Melbourne city, but feels a million miles away.
The light filled lobby is bursting with blooms and I'm offered a welcome drink on arrival. It's definitely the kind of lobby you can sit, sip, ponder and plan your weekend itinerary. The bar is also brimming with pink hydrangeas accompanied by bottles of Moet & Chandon Rosé, it's all rather tempting to indulge in some bubbles overlooking the manicured gardens.
My suite overlooking the grand entrance appears even more impressive as twilight strikes and the building positively glows at night, highlighting the impressive architecture. As I watch a couple cycle off, it feels like we've been transported to another era.
Welcome bubbles from sister property Lindenderry and chocolate dipped strawberries are a nice touch and provide a sense of occasion. The room features an enormous king size bed, desk, lounge chair and ottoman. The overall ambiance is refined and appealing to the discerning traveller. The bathroom features a deep soaking spa bath and stainless steel vanity with plenty of indulgent Appelles amenities. The suites neutral tones of beige and dark wood complete the sophisticated look.
Take time to explore the 10 acres of formal gardens that are found on 135 hectares of Crown Land. The Werribee Park Precinct is also home to the largest rose garden in the Southern Hemisphere, so be sure you stop to smell the roses. You'll also find Victoria's largest picturesque Parterre Garden, a French style formal round symmetrical garden.
A tour of the museum is a fascinating look at the past. The beautifully preserved house has an eerie feeling and I sneak in just before closing and have the house to myself. The grand staircase, the formal dining table set ready to entertain guests, it all feels rather ghost like and a magnificent restoration. Entry to the museum is free for guests of Mansion Hotel and Spa.
Unfortunately, a self-guided tour of the sculpture walk was a bit of a disappointment, with the sculpture park feeling a bit neglected and lonely. Perhaps I missed something, a printed guide or audio tour? It wasn't really explained on check-in in detail. I wandered around but struggled to be inspired by Karen Ward's 'Hut ' sculpture (pictured below) – art is subjective after all, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Speaking of tea, high tea is more up my alley and Mansion Hotel & Spa host a sumptuous high tea every Sunday afternoon. T2 Tea and a lavish spread of sweet and savoury delicacies served fireside in the historic library in winter or on the Mansion's balcony during warmer months. Now you're talking!
Dining at Joseph's signature restaurant is an indulgent experience, located in what was once the Old Catholic Seminary overlooking the stunning formal gardens. The menu is comprised of tiny plates, small plates, large plates and sweet plates. I start with a small plate of Artichoke, cavolo nero chips, eggplant, pomegranate, nuts which is by no means petite. It's a perfectly balanced with the pomegranate providing a satisfying crunch.
For main I choose the Risotto of grains, garden vegetables, zucchini flower and ricotta. The Homestead Community gardens were originally dormant until Parks Victoria saw potential for a refugee program. The Karen community has transformed the sleeping grassland into a kitchen garden full of colour, full of flavour and full of life. This association with the Karen refugees shows a great sense of community and environment, creating sustainable produce. The risotto dish is the perfect representation of this fresh, garden produce.
For dessert, it's hard to resist the Valrhona chocolate, sherry, coffee and flowers extravaganza (pictured above) – it's almost too pretty to eat! But I do, and the sorbet balances the rich chocolate for be a superb finish.
Despite the divine dinner on offer, leave room for the morning's breakfast buffet, one of the most impressive hotel breakfasts we've seen for some time. There are trays and trays of salmon, cold meats and associated condiments, cheese plates, yoghurts and smoothies, cereal and fruit plus hot items all perfectly presented in small portions and replenished efficiently befitting the boutique hotel experience.
After all the grazing, you may choose to laze by the indoor pool or book in for a spa treatment. While the site was once host to St Joseph's Seminary, a spiritual retreat and college for the Catholic Church in Australia, it's a very different retreat and spiritual journey today. Relax in the luxe surrounds and be pampered rejuvenating mind, body and soul in the exclusive Day Spa.
Mansion Hotel & Spa combines the heritage charm of a bygone era with the contemporary style and facilities you come to expect of a 5 star boutique hotel. Just 30 minutes from Melbourne, it's luxury within reach for romantic getaways and corporate retreats.
Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park
320 K Road, Werribee VIC 3030
Book Mansion Hotel here.
