Mornington Peninsula’s Hotel Sorrento has unveiled the next stage of its multi-phase development, an all-new Rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic sea views of Port Phillip Bay.

Inspired by the sun-drenched rooftop bars found in Saint-Tropez and la Cote d’Azur, the new fully open-air offering is a destination for relaxed yet refined dining, complemented by a curated list of local wines, refreshing cocktails and a rolling music program of local and well-known DJs.

Staying true to Hotel Sorrento’s timeless charm, the Rooftop seamlessly blends old and new natural materials that speak to the heritage and identity of the building. Featuring sandstone tiles, a nod the existing facade, and repurposed dark stained timber columns from the original hotel, along with modern finishes including a fireplace, plush lounge seating and a fully retractable roof, Hotel Sorrento has created an inviting and contemporary destination that can be enjoyed year-round.

Designed by Six Degrees Architects and Jack Merlo Landscape Architecture, the Rooftop draws inspiration from the work of Italian photographer and furniture designer, Willy Rizzo and celebrates the golden age of Saint-Tropez. Rizzo’s work effortlessly showcases a time where the town’s rooftops would transform into cocktail lounges, and everyone would congregate under the sun for eating, drinking, and dancing. It perfectly captures the atmosphere that the Rooftop adds to the Mornington Peninsula.

The Rooftop’s menu, designed by Hotel Sorrento’s executive chef Beth Candy (Montalto, Balgownie Estate) is a blend of fresh and considered small bites, alongside larger plates ideal for sharing, showcasing the region’s extensive produce. Curated with leisurely lunches and social celebrations in mind, at the heart of the menu are light, Modern Australian dishes and flavours, that are both easy to share and snack on.

Guests can indulge in small plates including focaccia, crudites and house dip, oysters with fresh lemon, spiced kingfish crudo on cassava crackers, and a lobster brioche roll with pickled cucumber and watercress. For something larger, the menu features a selection of pizzas including a classic Margherita, a fresh summer tomato with basil and burrata, and prawn, alongside sides like the Peninsula salad, grilled zucchini and herb salad, with mint yoghurt, or French fries.

“We’re proud to introduce guests to our Rooftop, a unique open-air, versatile space that has been designed for year-round comfort, allowing guests to take in some of the best views the Peninsula has to offer,” Hotel Sorrento, Myles Pitt, said. “We feel like an offering like the Rooftop, is what has been missing from the Peninsula, so we’re excited to be bringing it to Sorrento locals and visitors alike.”

Open daily from 12pm until late, the Rooftop offers a stylish and versatile space for up to 320 guests across a wide range of seating, including high-top tables, lounges, and booths holding up to 10 people, making it a highly sought-after spot to enjoy a long lunch that extends well into the evening.

Hotel Sorrento’s ever-popular Salt has also been refreshed, reimagining the signature late-night hangout that guests know and love. Now with its own entry and complete with its existing charm. Salt features full-length windows that open to a north-facing terrace. Welcoming sunlight all day and breathtaking bay views, Salt will be a cocktail lounge by day, and transitions to a late-night spot for guests to enjoy a dance into the evening.

Offering an extensive selection of beverages, from premium wines to expertly crafted cocktails, and open daily from 12pm until late, Salt invites guests to socialise and celebrate in chic, moody setting. With revamped interiors, the space is low-lit, sleek, and modern, and of course, still features the iconic neon “Salt” sign.

Following the successful launch of Hotel Sorrento’s luxury accommodation suites in 2023, as well as its pool, spa, and wellness facilities, the addition of Rooftop and the refresh of Salt Bar is the exciting next step in the iconic hotel’s journey.

“Embarking on this next evolution of Hotel Sorrento has been one of our most exciting projects yet,” Hotel Sorrento finance director, said. “This next chapter marks a significant step in transforming our seaside hotel into Sorrento’s foremost holidaying and dining destination, and we’re so proud of how the Hotel has evolved, while staying true to its history and values.”

In addition to the luxury accommodation offering, Hotel Sorrento now offers six dining options for both visitors and in-house guests, encompassing the Dining Room, Front Bar, The Lawn, Poolside Restaurant, Rooftop, and Cantonese restaurant, Shihuishi.

Now offering the perfect destination to watch the sunset over the sea and enjoy live music on a summer afternoon or cosy up by the fire with a glass of wine in hand during the cooler months, the Rooftop elevates Hotel Sorrento to destination unlike anything else on the Mornington Peninsula.

The Rooftop and Salt officially opens this Friday, 13 December.