australian PLACES...great weekends away in Victoria
accommodation review
HILLTONIA HOMESTEAD
RYE, MORNINGTON PENINSULA
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Hilltonia is tucked away on eight scenic hectares of undulating farmlands a few minutes from Rye beaches – apart from beaches, this central location is ideal for those who want to explore Mornington Pensinsula’s wineries, golf courses and restaurants. It also happens to be opposite Peninsula Hot Springs, so head down this way if hot mineral baths and massage treatments suit your weekend agenda.
Hilltonia Homestead is a grand Victorian style house with two poolside suites but my personal recommendation - for a touch of extra romance and total privacy - is one of the five self-contained cottages.
These well-separated cottages are individually decorated to a theme – nautical Coral, deepest Africa, classic Victoriana, cheerful Mediterranean. Settlers Cottage has elevated views across the rural hinterland to Arthur’s Seat. All cottages and suites are luxuriously appointed and well maintained, and include double spa, ensuite, queen or king beds, kitchenette, TV and stereo. They have minibar, tea and real coffee, and quality soaps in the bathroom.
Suites have cooked breakfast delivered to the door, while the cottages have a huge hamper of breakfast ingredients ready to cook when preferred. There’s a tennis court and pool if you can tear yourselves away from cottage and room comforts.
A few minutes drive will take guests to dining venues in Rye, and it’s a fifteen-minute drive to Sorrento. Spa treatment packages can be arranged with Peninsula Hot Springs, or private massages are available in the decadence of your cottage. Amiable Hilltonia hosts Anthony and Jo-Anne can point you in the right direction for the best places to tour, visit and imbibe on the peninsula.
WHERE: Lot B1 Browns Road, off Dundas Street, Rye. 75 km or 1 ½ hours from Melbourne. Melway 169 A11.
HOW MUCH: poolside suites $190/nt mid-week, cottages $250 mid-week and $330 at weekends.
CONTACT: Tel: (03)5985 2654
copyright PETER ROBINSON 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED