[category]
[title]
Far-flung overseas holidays have their place, but sometimes getaway perfection comes in the form of a thoughtfully executed hotel stay within driving distance of home. And if you needed another excuse to splurge on a high-end escape here in Vic, here it is: five hotels across the state have just been awarded Michelin Keys as part of the 2026 Australian selection.
Announced on September 21, the latest Michelin Guide hotel selection has recognised 22 new hotels across Australia, bringing the country's total to 54 Michelin Key hotels. The awards are the hotel world's answer to the Michelin Star – with inspectors visiting properties anonymously and independently to identify outstanding stays. Having stayed at a couple myself, I can vouch for the standard, and the evaluation criteria – everything from consistency of the service standard to extent of local social impact – are the kinds of things that genuinely go take a hotel from good to great.
All five Victorian properties have been awarded One Michelin Key, which the guide describes as a "very special stay". They span everything from a grand Melbourne hotel to coastal retreats and wellness-focused escapes, and yep – we’re firmly adding them to our travel hit list.
First up is InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, which joins the selection with one Key – described by the Michelin team as a “thoroughly modern luxury hotel”. The Mediterranean-coded palace is found in the charming seaside town of Sorrento, making it a very tempting option for a weekend escape from Melbs as summer starts to descend. Elsewhere on the Mornington Peninsula, The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa has been recognised in the new selection – praised for its sustainable ethos and connection to place.
Further down the coast on the Bellarine Peninsula, boutique gem Lōn Retreat and Spa also earned its first Michelin Key. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World, you know you’re in for something excellent with this one – with the Michelin team praising the retreat for its “wellness-oriented vision of luxury” and “stylish and welcoming” suites.
Want to get your luxury fix in the city? In Melbourne, two top-tier hotels made the cut. First up is Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, a Melbourne hotel overlooking the leafy Parliament Gardens – recognised in the guide for its thoughtful curation of local artworks and its blend of modern and heritage design. The other city stay to make the list was The Langham Melbourne, which has also been awarded one Michelin Key for its signature Langham brand of luxury – all marble accents and glittering chandeliers.
The five Victorian additions form part of a much bigger global selection: 470 hotels have newly joined the 2026 Michelin Key selection across 79 destinations, taking the global total to 2,832 hotels. You can check out the full guide (and plan your next holiday accordingly) over here.
These are the Victorian hotels earning Michelin Keys in 2026
- InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula
- Lanson Place Parliament Gardens
- Lōn Retreat and Spa
- The Langham Melbourne
- The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa