2022-08-01
01 Aug 22

Woods Bagot revives seaside glamour with Victoria’s first Intercontinental Hotels Group resort

The centrepiece of Woods Bagot’s sweeping hospitality precinct, Continental Sorrento, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula has today been unveiled to guests.

The Woods Bagot design draws inspiration from one of Melbourne’s most beloved seaside location and some of Europe’s top summer destinations. It is Victoria’s first InterContinental Hotels Group resort.

“We had to instil new energy through the existing fabric of the building,” said Woods Bagot CEO Nik Karalis, noting that the 1875 character of the former Hotel Continental and the modern composition of The Continental Sorrento would “collide together” in tribute to late entrepreneur George Coppin, who developed the venue as a seaside destination during summertime.

The hotel’s 108 rooms represent this meeting of contemporary and classic – modern interiors with a soft, nostalgic colour palette appear in the Heritage rooms with a more colonial aesthetic and coastal charm in the Contemporary rooms.

A definitive revival of seaside glamour, guests can select from an array of rooms or one-and-two-bedroom suites, either within the beautifully restored 1875 limestone building or a newly built wing that features private outdoor terraces.


Guests booking premium rooms and above will be treated to a complimentary in-room bar featuring a seasonal line up of locally distilled spirits, wine or boutique brews to toast the start of their stay.

An exclusive, guest-only Mediterranean pool deck provides a sought-after destination for lounging, swimming and imbibing from sunrise to sunset, with views out across the sparkling waters of Sorrento and Port Phillip Bay.

A carefully designed selection of drinks and eats are available to enjoy under cabanas or perfectly placed poolside chaises. A 24-hour Fitness Centre also allows for round the clock workouts.

Particular attention has also been paid to curating an extensive art collection to bring further dimension to the play between old and new, nostalgia and contemporary.

A roll call of Australian artists’ works on display throughout the hotel’s public spaces and guest rooms range from stylised fashion photography, hedonistic Guests have been a given a sneak preview to the Intercontinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula.

“Sorrento’s heritage as a place to escape to has been reimagined with a serious dash of glamour and an array of ways to unwind, celebrate and retreat, but we can’t wait to welcome our guests from both near and far with our service,” says General Manager of InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, Adam McDonald.

Headlined by Audrey’s – acclaimed Melbourne chef Scott Pickett’s seafood led elevated-diner – guests of InterContinental Sorrento can choose from two restaurants, a beer garden, front bar, and speakeasy venue to enjoy breakfast, high tea, lunch, dinner and late-night entertainment during their stay.

Aurora Spa & Bathhouse (due to open later in 2022 within the precinct) offers a further sanctuary for revival and recharging within an expansive thermal bathhouse and wellness centre.

As Mr Karalis explains, the ambition was to create a series of experiences that unify so that the InterContinental guest feels no need to leave the venue as their itinerary is already filled by what is at their doorstep.

“Generally, when people travel Australia, they stay in one place for a while and then move on. But this was about creating a destination that makes you linger in total enthrallment at the pleasures that it offers,” said Mr Karalis.

“My dream is you’re going to stay at the InterContinental and get stuck there in a new kind of hedonism.”

Read more about the project

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Tili Bensley-Nettheim
Content and Communications Specialist (Australia & New Zealand)

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