The many talents behind the remaking of the famous Continental Hotel of Sorrento have announced the massive makeover is to begin opening this month.
Built in 1875, the Hotel Continental heritage-listed hotel was bought in 2019 from parties including hotelier Julian Gerner, by a consortium comprising the Victor Smorgon Group, the Kanat family and Trenerry Property.
Publican Craig Shearer and his Kickon Group negotiated a lease to operate parts of the enormous Hotel.
Now renamed The Continental Sorrento, after a series of delays in approvals, the renovation led by architects Woods Bagot comes in at more than $100 million, and spans six levels across five buildings, in three stages.
One stage was the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, offering 108 luxury hotel rooms, including penthouse suites, beside a Miami-inspired pool deck.
Stage two was a wellness centre with a float room, hydrotherapy pools and several thermal experiences, called Aurora Spa & Bathhouse.
The third stage was a gamut of hospitality venues, led by acclaimed Melbourne restaurateur Scott Pickett and Shearer, who was behind Fitzroy North’s Terminus Hotel and the Plough Inn in Brisbane.
Pickett’s star dining attraction will be Audrey’s – a nod to his grandmother and cooking inspiration. It will flaunt old-time opulence and stunning views of Port Phillip Bay, focusing on seafood, including a marble raw bar.
The expansive new public bar – The Conti – offers an impressive beer garden under an apex roof draped with greenery, and al fresco dining space based on “Mediterranean seaside glamour” and serving a contemporary Pickett spin on pub grub.
There is also The Promenade outdoor space, and The Atrium – a greenhouse-like, glass-ceilinged space for wining and dining. The Coppin’s Lounge lobby bar will offer cosy, booth seating, and Barlow will be a decadent late-night speakeasy, playing entertainment ranging from comedy to touring musicians.
There are also multiple function spaces, also driven by Pickett and Shearer, being the artfully restored Grand Ballroom, Halcyon Hall, al fresco Sunset Terrace and The Gallery.
Melbourne legends the Speakeasy Group, creators of the award-winning Eau de Vie, will be shaking up the cocktails and strive for an international and local balance across its wines and spirits.
“After an extensive build and many months of planning, we are delighted to be lifting the curtain on what we believe will be one of Australia’s premier coastal destinations for travel and gourmet experiences,” said Pickett in a statement.
“For everyone involved, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we can’t wait to welcome guests across the threshold.”
