Dress to the nines, pop the champagne, and put a bow on that bouquet of roses. Romance and Melbourne go hand-in-hand (or should we say, ring-on-hand) and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start planning your ultimate romantic getaway.
When it comes to romantic stays, Melbourne truly takes the wedding cake. With stunning scenery, indulgent restaurants, buzzing bars, and twinkling nightlife, a weekend in Melbourne is sure to be an affair to remember.
Treat your loved one to something extra special with our must-do romantic retreat ideas in the heart of Melbourne.
Table of Contents
| Romantic Retreat | Where | Distance from Dorsett Melbourne |
| Dorsett Melbourne Club Lounge | Inside Dorsett Melbourne, 615 Little Lonsdale Street | On-site |
| Jin Bar | Inside Dorsett Melbourne, 615 Little Lonsdale Street | On-site |
| Steam Room & Sauna | Inside Dorsett Melbourne, 615 Little Lonsdale Street | On-site |
| The Terrace in the Royal Botanic Gardens | Inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, with entry via the corner of Alexandra Avenue and Anderson Street, South Yarra | 15-20 minute drive |
| The Lume | 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf | 10 minute drive or 20 minute tram |
| High Tea on the Yarra River | 880 Bourke Street, Harbour Lights Landing, Docklands | 10-15 minute drive or 10 minute tram and walk |
| East End Theatre District | Various streets in the East End of Melbourne CBD | 10-20 minute drive or 20 minute tram and walk |
| Nick & Nora’s Champagne Bar | 80 Collins Street | 10-20 minute drive or 15 minute tram and walk |
| Vue de Monde | 55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins Street | 5 minute drive or 10-15 minute walk |
Why Melbourne is Perfect for a Romantic Getaway
Melbourne, with its enchanting blend of cosmopolitan flair and old-world charm, sets the stage for an unforgettable romantic escape. The city exudes a captivating atmosphere that ignites passion and sparks connection.
From its iconic graffiti-art laneways to its vibrant floating bars on the Yarra River, Melbourne offers a multitude of romantic settings that will have you and your loved one beau spoiled for choice.
Whether you're strolling hand in hand through the lush Royal Botanic Gardens or savouring a candlelit dinner in a hidden gem on Little Bourke Street, Melbourne encapsulates the essence of romance in every corner.
Discover the city's cultural richness by exploring world-class art galleries, attending captivating performances, or taking leisurely walks through picturesque parks. Melbourne's vibrant city-fringe neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character, provide endless opportunities for shared moments and shared laughter.
Best of all, however, is the romantic accommodation Melbourne has to offer. At Dorsett Melbourne, you’ll be treated to the height of romance with our alluring decor, plush rooms, delicious Jin Bar, and an array of indulgent wellness amenities. We know how to treat you right, and we’ll make sure your Valentine’s, honeymoon, or anniversary is one for the books.
The Club Lounge Experience
A Valentine’s or couple’s getaway isn’t complete without the perfect hotel. We might be biased, but of all the romantic places to stay in Melbourne, we think Dorsett Melbourne simply can’t be topped – especially when you elevate your stay with the Club Lounge experience.
Located on Level 2, our Melbourne Club Lounge offers understated splendor and an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by thoughtful touches and modern design, providing a private space to unwind and enjoy the many privileges the Club Lounge has to offer.
Throughout the day, a light and carefully considered menu and beverage service will satisfy your cravings and quench your thirst. From homemade snacks to coffee and tea, the Club Lounge offers a delightful selection of refreshments. In the evenings, enjoy a glass of bubbles and complimentary canapés while taking in the urban laneway views of the city.
To unlock access to our Club Lounge during your stay, simply book one of our Executive Rooms or Suites. This will guarantee you and your loved one entry for the duration of your stay with us.
Savouring Moments at Jin Bar
Let us serve you the very best in Melbourne’s food and beverages at Jin Bar. Situated within the hotel's lobby entrance, Jin Bar invites you into the rich history of Victoria's gold rush (the name 'Jin' means gold in Mandarin). Sink into plush seating surrounded by gold-laced decor as our staff expertly craft cocktails or recommend the best wines in the house.
With moody lighting, relaxing music, meticulous service, and delicious drinks and appetisers on offer, Jin Bar is the perfect place to indulge with your special someone.
To enhance your experience, Jin Bar offers a tantalising happy hour from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Sunday to Thursday. Cheers to that!
Wellness Facilities for Ultimate Relaxation
In search of honeymoon hotels in Melbourne? Maybe you’re just searching for the perfect place to unwind and reconnect. Look no further than Dorsett Melbourne and our exquisite Sauna and Steam Room, where tranquillity and rejuvenation await you.
Step into a world of indulgent relaxation as you enter our sauna and steam room. Designed to provide a haven of serenity, these wellness facilities offer the ideal space to let go of everyday stresses and embrace a peaceful state of mind.
Allow the heat to work its magic, releasing tension and promoting a sense of deep relaxation. The sauna's inviting ambience is the perfect setting for couples to unwind together and enjoy moments of blissful tranquillity.
For a truly indulgent experience, venture into the steam room. As the steam envelops your body, you'll feel your senses awaken. The steam's heat has numerous benefits, including stimulating blood circulation, detoxifying the skin, and promoting a sense of well-being.
Ask our friendly team upon your arrival about access to our wellness facilities.
They’re truly the perfect way for couples to immerse themselves in a rejuvenating escape and emerge feeling refreshed, revitalised, and more in love than ever!
Valentine's Day in Melbourne
Looking for the perfect restaurant for Valentine’s Day in Melbourne? Maybe you’re on the hunt for a surprise activity, or you’re seeking a range of special places to go for the ultimate Valentine’s weekend. If that sounds like you, we love your style.
Check out these intimate and quintessentially Melbourne venues for the picture-perfect dinner, lunch, or entertainment experience. Or, if you’re feeling extravagant, wind your way through all the activities for a simply exquisite weekend of romance.
Credit: The Terrace
The Terrace in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Begin your Melbourne love affair with a scenic stroll through Melbourne’s sprawling Botanic Gardens. Wander through lush plant life, exotic flowers, and stunning monuments as the dappled sun warms you and your loved one.
Make your way to The Terrace, an otherworldly dining experience in the heart of these treasured gardens. Step through the ornate gate and find yourself in a different realm as the fresh seasonal produce wafts from the kitchens and the tranquil lake glimmers in the sunshine.
The Terrace is open for breakfast, lunch, and drinks. When it comes to romantic stays in Melbourne, this is the perfect way to start things off!
The Lume
Treat your artistic side to a day at The Lume, one of Melbourne’s premier galleries and a true sensory delight. Touted as the world’s largest digital art gallery, The Lume hosts stunning visual displays and art installations year-round that instantly immerse you in another world.
The astonishing scale of the projections and installations alone is enough to spark wonder. Set inside a multi-story 3,000-square-metre space, you’ll be in awe as you stroll through captivating lights, moving pictures, and all sorts of digital masterpieces.
Discover what’s on at The Lume for your romantic stay in Melbourne.
High Tea on the Yarra River
Wind your day down (but dial up the romance) with a cruise along the picturesque Yarra River while dining on a delectable high tea.
This ultra-relaxing experience is run by Magic Charters, which boasts a fleet of stunning catamarans with lounge and table seating.
Glide along the harbour from the Docklands through to Williamstown and down to Hobson Bay as the crew serves canapés, gourmet sandwiches, freshly baked pastries and, of course, complimentary sparkling wine. Tea or coffee is also available.
High Tea on the Sea runs for around two hours during weekend afternoons, the perfect pre-dinner or pre-show activity.
East End Theatre District
Put on the Ritz for your special someone with a fabulous night out in Melbourne’s East End Theatre District. Home to some of the city’s grandest and most lavish theatres like The Regent Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre, there’s always a spectacular show that can’t be missed in this hub of theatrical grandeur.
Catch Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the gorgeous Regent Theatre until the 4th of February for an early Valentine’s gift and let the dazzling enchantment of this world-renowned musical sweep you off your feet.
Feeling a little more freaky? Get rambunctious at The Rocky Horror Show at the Athenaeum Theatre showing from the 9th of February to the 10th of March 2024.
If you want to surprise a real musical theatre lover, book the best seats in the house for Wicked. Everyone’s favourite magical musical is back at The Regent Theatre from the 1st of March 2024 for a special 20th anniversary revival.
Finally, for a daring and dangerous night at the theatre, Chicago and its sparkling cast will make your romantic getaway a feast for the senses. Showing at Her Majesty’s Theatre from the 23rd of March 2024, this sensual stage show is the perfect romantic experience.
Credit: Visit Victoria
Nick & Nora’s Champagne Bar
Enjoy a slice of the 1930s speakeasy scene with a visit to Nick & Nora’s, one of Melbourne’s best champagne and cocktail bars and the ultimate spot for a romantic aperitif.
Take your pick from the lengthy champagne list, which includes everything from Victorian prosecco to decadent bottles of Mumm Petit Cordon.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, the cocktail menu is truly something to marvel at. Some of our favourites include:
- The French Cannon: Hendricks gin, Cocchi Americano, yuzu, elderflower, Chardonnay, and passionfruit pearls.
- Belle of Barbados: Plantation pineapple rum, absinthe, dry sherry, pineapple caramel, coconut cream, orange juice, and lime.
- The Golden Slip: Martell VS cognac, yellow Chartreuse, chocolate bitters, yuzu, and nutmeg.
Vue de Monde
Finally, for the perfect romantic dinner in Melbourne, we can’t recommend Vue de Monde enough. Located high up in the stunning Rialto building on prestigious Collins Street, this fine dining establishment is a must-visit.
Drink in panoramic city views from an intimate indoor setting complete with twinkling hanging lights and romantic music. Indulge in exquisite food presentation and impeccable service as you toast to your best romantic escape yet.
The menu at Vue de Monde is sure to impress, with an ever-changing seasonal menu that champions fresh, locally sourced Australian ingredients and dishes with a distinctly European flair.
While the menu evolves frequently, you can view a sample menu with delicacies like mud crab and Victorian saffron, lamb sweetbreads, Blackmore Wagyu, and chocolate souffleé with billy tea ice cream.
Indulge in a Romantic Stay With Dorsett Melbourne
As you embark on your romantic sojourn through the enchanting streets of Melbourne, each moment becomes a chapter in your own love story. From intimate dinners to leisurely strolls, the city unfolds as a tapestry of unforgettable experiences.
Reserve your room or suite at Dorsett Melbourne for one of the best romantic stays Melbourne has to offer. Nestled in the heart of the city, you'll be treated to a sanctuary that perfectly marries elegant indulgence with urban Melbourne charm.
Here’s to the next unforgettable chapter of your love story!
