The body responds to heat. Oxygen. Pressure. Light. Vibration. Magnetic fields. Electrical stimulation. Movement and rest.

That simple idea sits at the heart of what proprietor Kez Forward and the team at Forward Body have created. For the past few months, we have spent time getting to know Forward Body properly. We have talked with Kez, experienced some of the technology ourselves, met clients and watched people arrive for all sorts of reasons.

Kez Forward came to wellness by a less-than-obvious route. Before Forward Body, she built a successful career in insurance assessing — a world of process, evidence, detail and problem-solving. Over time, though, her interests kept pulling her somewhere more personal: towards health, vitality, recovery and the question of what helps people feel more capable in their own bodies.

That curiosity eventually became Forward Body. What began as a passion for helping people explore different ways to support their wellbeing has grown into two Peninsula locations, a broad range of modern recovery technologies and, importantly, a very human approach to how they are used.

Kez talks about longevity, resilience and energy, but what comes through most clearly is that she genuinely likes helping people feel better — whether that means recovering, rebuilding confidence, improving performance or simply finding a way forward.

There is something fitting in the name. Forward Body is not about chasing perfection or winding back the clock. It is about helping people move forward from wherever they happen to be.

Some are athletes looking for another edge in recovery. Some are working their way back from injury or periods of inactivity. Others are simply tired, tight, run down or curious about what modern wellness technology might add to the things they are already doing to look after themselves.

And increasingly, there are people who are not necessarily trying to become faster, stronger or fitter. They simply want to feel better in the body they have. That distinction matters.

Forward Body is not about miracle cures or promising that one machine will suddenly change your life. It is about bringing together a collection of technologies designed to work with different ways the body naturally responds — and helping people understand where those technologies may fit into their own recovery and wellbeing.

The range is extensive.

There is HOCATT, a pod-style wellness experience combining heat, steam, oxygen, ozone, light and gentle electrical stimulation.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) creates a pressurised environment designed to increase the oxygen available to the body while you rest — a technology increasingly familiar in sporting and recovery environments.

EMS Body Sculpting uses controlled electrical stimulation to activate muscles and support muscle awareness, tone and conditioning.

There is transdermal ozone, CO2 therapy, Hugo PEMF, LED light therapy, LED Lipo Laser, Pressotherapy, Hypervibe vibration technology and the Medichair, a non-invasive technology designed to activate and strengthen the pelvic floor while remaining fully clothed.

Read that list quickly and it can sound slightly futuristic. Spend some time at Forward Body and it becomes much simpler.

One treatment uses pressure. Another light. Another oxygen. Another compression. Another electromagnetic fields. Another controlled muscular stimulation. Different inputs. Different purposes. One common philosophy: give the body an environment in which it can respond.

What we particularly like is that Forward Body doesn’t have to be approached from the perspective of something being wrong. Recovery is relevant to the person training five times a week, but it is equally relevant to someone working long hours, travelling, raising a family, returning to exercise or simply feeling that their body is not bouncing back quite as quickly as it once did.

For some people, Forward Body may become part of an established fitness and wellness routine. For others it may be a supported way of beginning again. And for people managing recovery following treatment, surgery or more significant health challenges, some of these modalities may have a place alongside appropriate medical care and professional advice.

The point is not that everybody needs everything. Quite the opposite.

Part of the value is understanding what is available, asking questions and finding the technologies that make sense for you.

Forward Body began its Peninsula story in McCrae and has now expanded with a second, state-of-the-art facility in Mornington, significantly improving access for people from across the region.

The Mornington location also represents something larger than simply another address. It reflects how much interest there now is in recovery, longevity, performance and preventative approaches to personal wellbeing.

People are thinking differently about how they look after themselves.

The old equation of exercise hard, sleep, repeat is becoming considerably more sophisticated. Recovery itself is now part of the conversation.

And that is probably the best way to understand Forward Body.

Not as a room full of impressive machines.

Not as a shortcut.

And certainly not as magic.

Rather, as a place where useful technology, human curiosity and a better understanding of the body come together.

Forward Body Wellness & Recovery — now in McCrae and Mornington. For people who want to recover better, move forward and feel better in the body they have.

The post Forward Body Wellness and Recovery appeared first on Love the Peninsula.

There’s plenty happening behind the scenes here, too. The Rye Kitchen is one of four Peninsula venues, with an on-site kitchen producing handmade pies, sausage rolls, pastries, sandwiches, salads and sweet treats for the group. There are pantry essentials for the everyday shop, great coffee for the caffeine-dependent among us, and plenty of good things to take home. It’s all made with that same generous, unfussy approach to food that makes a local café feel like a proper part of the neighbourhood.

From Wednesday to Sunday, breakfast and brunch take centre stage, with a cooked menu that gives you every reason to stay a little longer. Think sunny courtyard mornings, generous plates, coffee refills and the sort of catch-up that somehow stretches well past the original plan. It’s relaxed, friendly and very much part of the rhythm of Rye. Come for breakfast, come for coffee, come because you’re hungry after a beach walk, or simply because you were passing and something in the window looked too good to ignore. The Rye Kitchen is one of those easy Peninsula stops that quickly becomes a favourite.

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Begin your afternoon by soaking in the restorative warmth of our geothermal mineral springs, before making your way to the Bath House Café, where gentle acoustic sounds set the scene for a serene Sunday afternoon.

From 12pm each week, talented local musicians bring our Amphitheatre space to life, offering soothing sounds to accompany nourishing food, fresh juices, or a light seasonal bite. Whether you’re sinking into a peaceful moment after bathing or gathering with friends to savour the final hours of the weekend, Sunday Sessions invite you to pause, refresh, and embrace the week ahead with renewed energy.

Sunday Sessions is complimentary for you to enjoy with your bathing experience. Weather conditions may impact this experience.

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Join Senior Winemaker Mark Hickin from Wine by Sam for an unforgettable evening of exceptional food, premium wines and great conversation at The Kitchen, Tootgarook.

One of our favourite annual events returns with a carefully curated five-course dinner, each course expertly matched with six premium Wine by Sam wines, showcasing the character and diversity of one of Central Victoria’s most exciting wineries.

Having worked vintages in both Burgundy and Canada before returning home to Victoria, Mark brings decades of experience and a genuine passion for cool-climate winemaking. Throughout the evening he’ll share the stories behind the wines, insights into the vineyards and vintage, and the philosophy that has made Wine by Sam such a respected name among Australian wine lovers.

Our chefs are currently creating a seasonal menu designed specifically for this event, with each course crafted to complement the selected wines and provide a memorable dining experience.

Whether you’re a long-time Wine by Sam fan or simply enjoy discovering outstanding food and wine pairings, this promises to be an intimate evening of great hospitality, beautiful wines and plenty of stories from behind the cellar door.

Your ticket includes:

• Five-course seasonal dinner

• Six premium Wine by Sam wines, expertly matched to each course

• Hosted tasting and commentary from Senior Winemaker Mark Hickin

• An intimate evening with one of Victoria’s leading cool-climate wine producers

Our full menu and wine pairings will be announced soon.

Tickets $170

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Located on an incredible 1012sqm allotment in beachside Mount Eliza, close to Kunyung Primary School, beautiful beaches and scenic coastal walking trails, this near-new home has been designed to offer effortless living with every detail and space carefully considered.

Beyond its timeless façade, the home immediately impresses with generous proportions, premium finishes and an abundance of natural light. Engineered timber flooring, wool carpets and high-end craftsmanship create a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere throughout.

At the heart of the home, a spectacular designer kitchen caters effortlessly to both everyday living and large-scale entertaining. Featuring premium Ilve appliances, a substantial island bench, extensive storage and a fully appointed butler’s pantry, the space flows seamlessly to the outdoor entertaining zone via impressive servery windows, creating the perfect connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Multiple living areas provide flexibility for growing families, while spacious bedrooms and exceptional storage ensure practicality matches the home’s undeniable style. An Actron Air eight-zone heating and cooling system and impressive 6-star energy rating deliver year-round comfort and efficiency.

Stepping outside reveals a true resort-style sanctuary. The magnificent fully tiled 10m x 5m swimming pool and separate spa form the centrepiece of the outdoor environment, creating a private retreat designed for year-round enjoyment. Whether entertaining family and friends or simply relaxing at home, this space delivers an enviable Peninsula lifestyle.

The property’s luxury inclusions offer outstanding security and convenience, with smart home integration, electric gates, security cameras, app-controlled access, and quality fencing providing privacy and peace of mind.

Rarely does a home combine this level of quality, luxury and lifestyle in such a tightly held location. Offering the perfect balance of sophistication and family functionality, this exceptional residence presents a unique opportunity to secure one of Mount Eliza’s finest coastal homes.

Inspection will impress. Designed for modern family living, this is a home where virtually everything has been considered, allowing you to simply move in and enjoy.

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Nestled within one of the peninsula’s narrowest residential corridors, with sailing and the calm bay beaches at one end of the road and world-class surf beaches at the other, this exceptional location places you within 1km of two coastlines and moments from the very best of Blairgowrie and Sorrento.

From the moment you arrive, the home’s timeless weatherboard façade, automatic gate, long driveway, manicured gardens and welcoming front veranda create an immediate sense of warmth, character and coastal charm.

Thoughtfully updated throughout, the light-filled residence offers effortless comfort and low-maintenance living, making it ideal as a permanent residence, weekend retreat, holiday investment or future peninsula escape.

At the heart of the home, a beautifully appointed contemporary kitchen showcases quality appliances, sleek cabinetry and a generous island bench designed for everyday living and relaxed entertaining.

The adjoining living and dining space is anchored by a striking stone fireplace, creating a cosy atmosphere throughout the cooler months, while seamless indoor-outdoor integration connects effortlessly to the spacious rear yard.

Set on approximately 697sqm, the property includes an expansive lawn area that provides plenty of room for children and pets to enjoy, while also offering exciting scope for further enhancement with an extension, swimming pool or additional outdoor entertaining spaces (STCA).

Adding significant versatility is the substantial separate shed, gym or workshop, complete with shower and WC, providing valuable space for vehicle and boat storage, hobbies, a home business or recreational use. A separate rear studio with laundry and WC offers excellent flexibility as a home office, guest accommodation, creative retreat or potential fourth bedroom.

Surrounded by quality homes in an exceptionally tightly held location, this is a rare opportunity to secure a classic Peninsula beach house with immediate enjoyment and outstanding future potential. Wake to the sound of the ocean, spend your days sailing, surfing or exploring pristine coastal trails, and enjoy sunset walks along the bay from an address that truly captures the essence of peninsula living.

Offering the perfect balance of coastal character, contemporary comfort and future opportunity, this move-in-ready property presents an exceptional chance to embrace Blairgowrie’s desirable beachside lifestyle.

The post Coastal Charm between Surf and Bay appeared first on Love the Peninsula.

Set across 20 acres in Main Ridge, in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula hinterland, Gracie’s Lane Luxury Villa Accommodation offers something increasingly difficult to find: room to slow down. This is not a generic retreat. It is a working horse property, a sheep-breeding farm and a genuine piece of Peninsula countryside, surrounded by open paddocks, mature gum trees and the maritime air that moves through this part of the region.

At the centre of the property are two beautifully presented villas. They are modern, functional and quietly refined rather than showy or overly opulent. Everything has been designed to support the experience of being here, not compete with it. The interiors are spacious and warm. Windows frame the paddocks and changing light, while the outdoor areas invite guests to step outside, breathe more deeply and remember that doing very little can sometimes be exactly what is required.

Gracie’s Lane has a simple philosophy: Fewer interruptions. More space. Slower rhythms. Less stimulation. An environment that invites your attention rather than constantly demanding it.Silence is part of the offering here, as is unstructured time.

You can stoke the fire, sit beside someone you love and watch the weather move across the paddocks. You can read, cook, talk, walk or simply look out through the glass without feeling the need to fill every moment. There is no pressure to create an itinerary. The property itself is the experience. It is waking to open land rather than a city street. The sound of animals nearby. The movement of trees in the wind. The knowledge that, for a little while, nothing is chasing you.

For busy professionals, particularly those now able to work from almost anywhere, Gracie’s Lane also offers a different kind of balance. You can open the laptop when necessary, complete the work that matters and then step straight back into the landscape. There is no commute between responsibility and rest. The change happens as soon as you look up. It offers access to country life without first having to buy the property, maintain the land or take responsibility for every animal, fence and paddock.

The farm is already here. The animals are cared for. The work continues quietly around you. For those who keep a horse in agistment, there is also the rare opportunity to bring that part of their life with them. You can ride across open country, settle into the rhythm of the property and enjoy the privacy of a place where no one is watching—and no one needs to be.

That privacy is central to the appeal of Gracie’s Lane. The villas feel intimate and protected, despite the openness of the surrounding land. Guests can cocoon with a partner, spend time with a close friend or create a small sanctuary of their own for the weekend. This is farm life, but perhaps not in the way the phrase is usually imagined. It is not about performing rural tasks or pretending to become a farmer for a few days. It is about what country life makes possible: simplicity, nature, routine, space and the freedom to move at your own pace.

For many people living in Melbourne, the idea of a countryside home remains a romantic one. A house on acreage. Animals nearby. A garden. A fire. Long views. Time to think. It is a beautiful idea, but it is neither inexpensive nor effortless. Gracie’s Lane removes the complications while preserving the feeling. You arrive and the life is already waiting for you. It may even provide a useful starting point for anyone seriously considering a move to the country. Before buying land, taking on the maintenance and changing your life completely, this is an opportunity to experience how the rhythm feels.

For some, it will remain a wonderful place to escape to. For others, it may be the beginning of something more permanent. Either way, it offers a welcome break from digital exhaustion, urban pressure and the feeling that modern life has become a little too artificial. This is a world created wholeheartedly by Melissa and Rolf Mammers, together with their children, Abbey, Ollie and Poppy. Nothing about the property feels manufactured for effect.

The farm is real. The animals are real. The land is worked and cared for. The two villas sit naturally within that environment, offering comfort, warmth and a genuine sense of home. That authenticity matters. It comes from the place itself and from the family who have chosen to share it. You do not come here to be entertained every minute. You come here to notice things again.

The sound of the fire.
The shape of a gum tree.
The movement of sheep through a paddock.
The conversation that becomes easier when neither person is looking at a screen.

Should you feel the need to venture beyond the farm, Gracie’s Lane is also beautifully positioned within the Peninsula hinterland. General stores, wineries, distilleries and cafés are close by, with national parks, walking trails, mountain-bike tracks and more than a few beaches within easy reach. Guests can choose between a one-bedroom villa, perfect for two, and a two-bedroom villa comfortably designed for four.

Private English Leicester sheep experiences can also be arranged. With the flock welcoming its first lambs this spring, guests staying over the coming weeks may even be lucky enough to cuddle a newborn lamb—or two, or three. You come here to feel nature and time again, without being rushed.

Gracie’s Lane is what it is because of Melissa, Rolf, Abbey, Ollie and Poppy. They built it, they live it, they care for it and now they are sharing it with guests who understand their vision of what a country escape can be. And around here, these are the people and experiences we notice.

The post Gracie’s Lane Luxury Villa Accommodation appeared first on Love the Peninsula.

Dark Spirits at the Sheraton Melbourne promised a polished winter gathering: a little darker, a little warmer and perhaps a little cheeky. On Friday 17 July, it delivered exactly that.

Held within their restaurant, the first Dark Spirits evening brought together three leading Victorian distillers—Bass & Flinders, JimmyRum and Timboon Distillery—for two hours of spirits, food, stories and warm conversation. We attended the inaugural evening with a healthy appetite and an open mind. By the end of the night, we had eaten exceptionally well, tasted far more than expected and learned a great deal about Australian distilling. It was not simply a tasting event.

It was a genuine food, drink and social experience. The evening began with a Bitter & Twisted Limoncello on arrival. Bright, lively and suitably direct, it was a welcome opening note and an immediate indication that this would not be a timid evening. From there, the experience moved through a carefully considered sequence of Victorian brandy, rum and whisky, each matched with a dish created by Head Chef Craig Dowling and the kitchen team at Little Collins Street Kitchen.

The first formal pairing brought together the Bass & Flinders Noble Stranger Apple Brandy and chicken liver parfait with brioche and red onion jam. The apple brandy had freshness and generosity, while the richness of the parfait was balanced beautifully by the sweetness and acidity of the red onion jam. It was a confident opening pairing and one that encouraged everyone at the table to slow down and pay attention.

Next came JimmyRum Pinot 2025, paired with smoked Great Ocean Road duck breast, carrot purée, quince and a duck-skin cracker. This was one of those combinations that made immediate sense once tasted. The Pinot cask influence within the rum met the smoke and richness of the duck, while the quince and carrot provided a softer, sweeter counterpoint. The duck-skin cracker added texture and, perhaps more importantly, gave everyone at the table a perfectly reasonable excuse not to leave anything on the plate.

The third pairing moved into whisky territory with Timboon Distillery’s Port Expression, accompanied by an organic L’Artisan raclette custard and chorizo crumb. This was one of the evening’s more adventurous matches. The whisky carried richness and warmth from its port influence, while the raclette custard brought depth and intensity. The chorizo crumb added spice, salt and texture. It was a bold dish designed to stand beside the whisky rather than quietly sit underneath it.

Bass & Flinders then returned with Noble Stranger Brandy, paired with seared Hokkaido scallop, cauliflower purée, beurre noisette and crisp sage. The scallop was beautifully cooked, with the beurre noisette and sage providing nutty, savoury notes that sat comfortably alongside the brandy. It was elegant without becoming precious and showed just how naturally a carefully made Australian brandy can work at the dining table.

JimmyRum’s 007 followed. The name sounds slightly menacing, or at least as though it should arrive wearing a dinner jacket. It was paired with crispy pork belly, caramelised pineapple and blue cheese dressing. This was a generous, full-flavoured combination. The pork belly carried the richness, the pineapple brought sweetness and acidity, and the blue cheese dressing added an unexpected savoury edge. It was playful, confident and very much in keeping with JimmyRum’s own rumbustious character.

The final plated pairing of the evening featured Timboon Distillery’s Smoky 1881 Whisky with a dark chocolate tart and date purée. Whisky and dark chocolate are familiar companions for good reason, but the date purée added another layer of deep, natural sweetness. The smoky whisky cut through the richness of the tart and brought the formal part of the menu to a warm and satisfying conclusion.

There were also bonus pours, including coffee liqueurs from JimmyRum and Timboon Distillery, taking the evening beyond the six tastings originally promised. In total, guests received eight pours. No one appeared remotely upset by the administrative discrepancy.

The quantity and quality of the food were also worth noting. Tasting menus can sometimes interpret the word “tasting” a little too literally, leaving guests contemplating a second dinner on the way home. That was not the case here. The servings were generous, the pacing was considered and the menu felt complete. Each dish had enough substance to be enjoyed on its own while still fulfilling its role as a partner to the spirit.

Craig Dowling and his kitchen team were bang on with the flavour matching throughout the evening. Equally important was the service. Sam Lo and the front-of-house team managed the room with warmth, attentiveness and professionalism. Glasses appeared at the right time, dishes followed with good rhythm and the evening never felt rushed.

The true strength of Dark Spirits, however, came from the people behind the bottles. Sarah Jones, representing Timboon Distillery and JimmyRum, and Holly Klintworth, representing Bass & Flinders Distillery, shared far more than tasting notes. They spoke about process, ingredients, barrels, regional influences, and the evolving identity of Australian spirits. Their knowledge opened our eyes. There is an enormous amount of skill, patience and experimentation behind every bottle, and hearing directly from the makers gave the evening context and meaning. Australian distilling is not simply imitating the traditions of Cognac, Scotland or the Caribbean. It is developing its own voice, informed by those traditions but shaped by local ingredients, local conditions and distinctly Australian personalities.

The conversation remained accessible throughout. There was no attempt to make guests feel that they required a diploma in whisky, rum or brandy before participating. Questions were encouraged, stories were shared and the makers’ obvious enthusiasm became infectious.

That spirit of openness also carried into the room itself.

The warm interior of Little Collins Street Kitchen provided the right setting for a Melbourne winter evening. It felt intimate without becoming formal and polished without losing its sense of fun. Patrons talked across tables. Strangers compared favourites. The room grew steadily more animated as the evening progressed. The original invitation promised direct access to the makers, thoughtful food pairings and an ambience that would carry the mood. All three were delivered.

For a first event, Dark Spirits established a strong foundation. The food was excellent, the pours were generous, the service was sharp and the makers brought the stories to life. More than anything, it reminded us that some of the best evenings are not built around one single ingredient. They happen when food, drink, place and people are all given equal consideration.

Dark Spirits brought each of those elements together in the heart of Melbourne. A little darker. A little warmer. And, by the final pour, more than a little spirited.

Dark Spirits returns to Little Collins Street Kitchen at Sheraton Melbourne on Friday 14 August at 6pm and finally on Friday 25 September.

For anyone curious about Victorian spirits, thoughtful food pairings and a Friday evening that offers considerably more than the usual after-work drink, the next table is now being set.

Seats are limited. Book your place for the next Dark Spirits evening via the link
below.

https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/littlecollinsstreetkitchen/dark-spirits-series-at-lcsk-6053117641801728

The post Dark Spirits at Sheraton Melbourne: Melbourne’s Winter Evening Delivered on Its Promise appeared first on Love the Peninsula.

Grab a coffee, bring a friend, and enjoy a day of browsing unique stalls, supporting local makers, sampling delicious food, and soaking up the wonderful community atmosphere. Here’s a roundup of some fantastic markets coming up.

Upcoming Markets

Soul Night Market at Peninsula Community Theatre
Friday 14 August 2026 | From 5:00 PM

Scullybug Market at Seaford Hotel
Sunday 16 August 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Little Beauty Market
Saturday 22 August 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Hill & Ridge Community Market at Red Hill
Saturday 5 September 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The Mount Martha Briars Market
Saturday 5 September 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Spring Farmers’ Market at Cruden Farm
Sunday 20 September 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Shoreham Community Market
Sunday 20 September 2026 | From 9:00 AM

Scullybug Market at Seaford Hotel
Sunday 20 September 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Nite Bites Scullybug Market
Sunday 20 September 2026 | 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Mount Martha South Beach Market at Mt Martha House & Lawn
Friday 25 September 2026 | From 10:00 AM

Little Beauty Market
Saturday 26 September 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Whether you’re hunting for handmade treasures, fresh produce, gourmet treats, or simply a fun day out, these local markets are a wonderful way to support small businesses and enjoy everything the Mornington Peninsula community has to offer. Happy market hopping!

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