Vulcano Gelato has long been our benchmark.

It’s the reference point we quietly carry with us whenever we travel — the one we measure everything else against. Not out of sentimentality, but because it consistently delivers what authentic Italian gelato should: clean flavours, silky texture, and a sense of balance that never overwhelms. It’s indulgent, yes — but never heavy-handed.

The story begins far from the Peninsula, on the island of Vulcano off the coast of Sicily. In the 1960s, Remigio Aiello opened a seasonal café-bar where his gelato and cannoli became local legend. That knowledge — refined, protected and passed down — eventually made its way to Australia through his family, laying the foundation for what Vulcano Gelato is today.

When Vulcano Gelato opened in Rye in 2008, it did so with a simple but serious intention: raise the standard. Not by chasing novelty, but by staying true to method, quality and restraint. The result is gelato made fresh daily, using time-honoured techniques and recipes that prioritise flavour clarity over theatrics.

There’s also something deeply emotional about gelato — especially here. On the Peninsula, it’s rarely just dessert. It’s a ritual. A pause after the beach. A walk along Rye Pier. A moment shared with kids, friends, grandparents. Gelato has a way of anchoring memory, and Vulcano sits right in the middle of that rhythm.

Now, under the stewardship of Diane, Vulcano Gelato enters a new and thoughtful chapter. With the original Rye store continuing to thrive, the recent opening in Sorrento is genuinely good news — for locals, visitors, and anyone who believes great gelato should be easy to find in more than one place.

Diane brings care and clarity to the brand, expanding the offering while respecting its foundations. Both locations continue to focus on what matters most: great gelato, made well, served generously. The additions — coffee and complementary treats — simply allow Vulcano to be enjoyed year-round, as part of everyday life rather than a seasonal indulgence.

What hasn’t changed is the feeling. The ease of walking in. The familiarity of favourites. The quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly what you do well — and sticking to it.

Vulcano Gelato isn’t trying to reinvent anything. It doesn’t need to. It’s doing something far harder: maintaining standards, honouring heritage, and staying relevant without losing its soul.

Two locations now — Rye and Sorrento. Same gelato. Same heart.

And still, from our perspective, some of the best you’ll find anywhere.

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Sure, the word precinct might sound a bit corporate, but make no mistake – this isn’t your run-of-the-mill destination. In essence, a precinct is a self-contained universe, offering multiple experiences within a single, unified space. Here, it means a harmonious collection of exceptional dining, wellness, and entertainment options, all underpinned by a shared ethos of quality and hospitality. It’s a playground for those who value a blend of laid-back luxury and coastal charm. And while The Continental exudes opulence, its true magic lies in its inclusivity-it offers an experience that’s surprisingly accessible. A Legacy Reborn.

Originally established in 1875 by the visionary George Coppin-a comedian, politician, philanthropist, and businessman-the hotel was once the heart and soul of Sorrento. Coppin’s influence extended beyond bricks and mortar; he laid the groundwork for Sorrento’s rise as a premier holiday destination. From steamer services to a tramway network, Coppin envisioned a town where the elite could escape, and The Continental was its crown jewel. He was a pioneer in blending business with benevolence, founding institutions like the Victorian Humane Society and St. John Ambulance.

Today, The Continental Sorrento honours his legacy while embracing the future. With its stunning Italianate limestone facade – the largest in the Southern Hemisphere – this landmark blends heritage and innovation. The meticulous restoration by Woods Bagot breathes new life into its storied walls, seamlessly merging the charm of its past with a vibrant, contemporary vision. Whether it’s the preserved limestone details or the modern architecture, The Continental’s transformation is nothing short of spectacular.

More Than Just Dining.
At The Continental, every corner is a canvas, and every experience has been carefully curated. The dining portfolio, led by acclaimed chef Scott Pickett, offers a variety of gastronomic adventures:

CeeCee’s: Beneath soaring ceilings and suspended glass mobiles, this European­inspired cocktail bar is a sensory delight. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails surrounded by lush greenery and floating lights. It’s as much a visual feast as it is a culinary one.

The Conti: Celebrating its history, The Conti is the beating heart of the precinct, offering a casual yet elegant space for long lunches or post-beach cocktails.
Each dining space reflects its unique character while contributing to the precinct’s cohesive charm.

A Bar for Every Occasion.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet drink or a lively night out, The Continental’s bar scene has you covered:

Conti Bar: Where locals and visitors alike gather for classic pub fare and ice-cold drinks.

Coppins Lounge: Set against original limestone walls, it’s a versatile space for breakfast, lunch, or late-night cocktails.

Barlow: This speakeasy-inspired venue is a feast for the senses, with artisanal cocktails and live entertainment.

Sunset Terrace Rooftop: A coveted spot to catch breathtaking bay views as the sun dips below the horizon. This is an event only space to keep an ear to the ground for their next event – it might even be yours.

And for a touch of luxury, don’t miss the Pool Deck, now open to the public, or the raw bar at Audrey’s for a taste of the best local produce.

George Coppin: The Visionary Behind It All
George Coppin wasn’t just a businessman; he was a dreamer and a doer. Beyond The Continental, his contributions to Victoria were vast. He founded the Victorian Humane Society, St. John’s Ambulance Service, and even played a role in establishing free dispensaries and affordable housing for working-class families.

Coppin’s passion for community and innovation laid the groundwork for Sorrento’s transformation into a premier tourist destination. From organizing steamship services to developing the Mechanics Institute and Sorrento Park, his legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the town. The Continental was his piece de resistance, offering guests not just a place to stay but an experience that rivalled Europe’s finest resorts.

Coastal Sophistication Meets Community Charm
The Continental isn’t just about luxury; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome. It’s a hub of activity and relaxation, offering something for every visitor, whether you’re here for a leisurely lunch, a romantic getaway, or a family gathering.

In the cooler months, when many destinations wind down, The Continental remains a beacon of warmth and vibrancy. Its year-round offerings ensure there’s always a reason to visit, whether it’s for a meal, a drink, or simply to soak in the atmosphere.

A Gateway to the Southern Peninsula
Perched at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, The Continental is more than a destination; it’s a launchpad to explore the region’s natural beauty, rich history, and cultural offerings. From rugged coastlines to lush hinterlands, the Peninsula is a treasure trove of experiences, and The Continental is the perfect place to start (or end) your journey.

Whether you’re a local rediscovering a beloved landmark or a visitor experiencing it for the first time, The Continental Sorrento offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and community spirit.

So, the next time you’re wondering where to go for an unforgettable experience, look no further than The Continental Sorrento. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a celebration of everything that makes the Southern part of the Mornington Peninsula special.

The Continental Sorrento: Coastal luxury, year-round allure, and a testament to what’s possible when history meets vision.

The post The Continental Sorrento appeared first on Love the Peninsula.

The Conti is your home ground this AFL Grand Final Day. From 1 pm, kick off with live and loud pre-game entertainment across the Beer Garden, Conti Bar, and Promenade. At 2:30 pm, watch the first bounce on big screens in every space so you will not miss a second. Settle in with delicious pub classics and your go-to game day pours while soaking up the finals atmosphere.

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Cocktail Happy Hour at CeeCee’s.

Unwind beneath the vaulted glass ceiling with select handcrafted cocktails for just $15.

From 3 to 5 pm, settle in for a golden hour escape with fresh, Italian-inspired drinks and a relaxed coastal vibe.

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For founder Lyndall Mitchell, it is more than a spa—it is the culmination of a lifelong vision to create a wellness ecosystem that inspires people to live their best lives. Lyndall has been at the forefront of Australia’s wellness movement for over two decades. She pioneered the concept of the “urban retreat” with Aurora Spa in St Kilda back in 1997, long before wellness became the industry it is today. She introduced the ASPAR range of botanically active spa products into homes around the country. She has written books, led masterclasses, coached executives, and toured with her “Chaos to Calm” workshops. A coach, speaker, author and entrepreneur, she is often described as a walking bible of wellness.

What is less known is where Lyndall herself goes to recharge. For all her knowledge and experience, she still turns to a particular place – more than others – when she needs to truly reset: Kamalaya, a globally recognised wellness sanctuary on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand.

Why Kamalaya Matters

In Sanskrit, Kamalaya means “Lotus Realm”—a place of growth, unfolding and transformation. Since opening in 2005, it has become one of the world’s leading wellness destinations, blending ancient Eastern healing traditions with modern medical science. With more than 80 international awards to its name, Kamalaya is not about prestige: it’s about depth. It is a sanctuary that speaks to the timeless need for rest, reflection and renewal.

For Lyndall, who has travelled widely and sampled the best wellness destinations around the globe, Kamalaya is her number one. Year after year, she returns to its serene surrounds, not as an expert but as a guest, a student, a seeker. It is where she rewinds, reconnects and restores her energy.

Bringing the Lotus Realm to Sorrento and the Peninsula

This October, Lyndall is doing something remarkable. She is bringing a taste of Kamalaya home to Aurora Spa & Bathhouse in Sorrento. In collaboration with Kamalaya, Aurora will host two unique experiences: a one-day reset program (already sold out) and a three-day immersive retreat (almost sold out).

It is a way of opening the door for others to experience what Lyndall has long found so nourishing—without having to fly to Koh Samui. For anyone drawn to self-development, emotional renewal, and deeper wellbeing, this is a rare opportunity to access Kamalaya’s wisdom right here on the Mornington Peninsula.

Guided by a Life Mentor at Kamalaya x Aurora Retreat Sorrento. 

At the heart of this collaboration is Sujay Seshadri, Kamalaya’s leading Life Transformation Mentor. Sujay spent 14 years as a monk in India, immersed in the study of ancient philosophies, meditation, and spiritual principles. Through years of practice, he cultivated a profound understanding of the human mind and the different states of consciousness we all move through.

Today, Sujay blends that depth with modern therapeutic approaches—psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT and EMDR—to help people move beyond limiting emotions and perceptions. His sessions are about creating emotional flexibility, unlocking new perspectives, and building habits that enrich both mind and body. He has guided thousands around the world toward greater awareness, healing and freedom.

For the first time, Sujay will bring this distinctive approach to Australia, guiding guests at Aurora through a journey designed to reset the body, transform the mind, and awaken the spirit.

The Inner Awakening Retreat

The three-day immersive retreat, titled Inner Awakening, will take place on October 13–15, 2025. Guests will be invited into a rhythm that balances structure with spaciousness:

• Daily workshops and mentoring with Sujay
• Guided movement and breath-work to unlock energy and presence
• Silent periods for deeper reflection
• Coastal walks in nature to connect with the land and sea
• Unlimited access to Aurora’s Bathhouse, including the signature bathing ritual with hot-and-cold contrast therapy
• Nourishing meals to support physical vitality
• Two nights at the InterContinental Sorrento, staying in the Classic Riley Lane Wing Room with Juliet balcony, in-room bar and ASPAR amenities

It is not just a retreat—it is a carefully curated environment designed to support lasting transformation.

Why Now?

The timing could not be more relevant. We are living in an age defined by pace, uncertainty, and pressure. Stress and burnout are no longer fringe issues; they are daily realities. What people are seeking is not more noise, but more meaning. Not another trend, but something deeper, rooted in wisdom and supported by evidence.

Lyndall knows this. Her career has been built on creating experiences that go beyond surface wellness. By bringing Kamalaya to Sorrento, she is offering Australians the chance to experience the kind of inner shift she has personally found so powerful—without the barriers of distance or time.

A Full Circle Moment

There is also something poetic in this collaboration. Almost three decades ago, Lyndall introduced Melbourne to the idea of the urban retreat. Now, in partnership with Kamalaya, she is expanding that vision again—this time from the historic seaside town of Sorrento. Aurora at the InterContinental becomes the meeting place of East and West, of ancient and modern, of global excellence and local authenticity.

For Lyndall, it is a full circle moment: to take what has nourished her personally and share it with her community. For the Mornington Peninsula, it is a gift: an event that puts Sorrento on the map not only as a coastal escape but as a centre for world-class wellness.

The Response

The one-day reset sold out almost instantly—a clear sign of the appetite for experiences that go beyond quick fixes. The three-day retreat remains a chance to step into that space, to slow down, reflect and recharge in a way that can ripple through every part of life.

At Love the Pen, we believe the most powerful stories are the ones that connect people to place. This is one of them. A story of a local visionary who has drawn from global wisdom to create something unique here, in our own backyard.

Final Word

Lyndall Mitchell has everything—decades of expertise, international recognition, and a career spent building the wellness landscape we see today. She has travelled everywhere, and she could go anywhere. And yet, time and again, she chooses Kamalaya. That choice speaks volumes.

Now, she has chosen to bring Kamalaya to us. To Sorrento. To Aurora Spa & Bathhouse. To the InterContinental Hotel, where history, design and wellbeing converge.

This October, an invitation awaits: to reset your body, transform your mind, and awaken your spirit. To experience a taste of the Lotus Realm, right here on the Peninsula.

AURORA SPA & BATHHOUSE

23 Constitution Hill Road Sorrento, Victoria, 3943
(03) 5935 1222

The post Kamalaya x Aurora Retreat Sorrento appeared first on Love the Peninsula.

Every Friday – Sunday, lunch service!

Enjoy a refined lunch by the coast at Audrey’s, thoughtfully designed for locals and nearby businesses looking to elevate their midday plans. Perfect for a relaxed client meeting, team lunch or personal treat, our set menu offers a taste of the best of land and sea.

Each menu features a choice between a vegetarian, meat or fish dish, crafted with the region’s finest seasonal produce. Choose from two courses for $75pp (entrée and main, or main and dessert) or indulge in the full three-course experience for $90pp.

This is your chance to experience Audrey’s — the award-winning restaurant — in a more relaxed and accessible way.

The post Audrey’s $75 Lunch Special at The Continental Sorrento appeared first on Love the Peninsula.

The Sorrento Writers Festival returns to the Mornington Peninsula from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th April with a vast program that celebrates Australia’s finest writers, speakers, creatives and storytellers.

Headlining appearances are Pulitzer Prize winning author and journalist Geraldine Brooks in conversation with Santilla Chingaipe, award-winning author Helen Garner in conversation with David Leser and ‘Between Us’ conversations with Marcia Langton and Stan Grant, as well as Thomas Mayo and Kerry O’Brien.

The program includes sessions dedicated to the upcoming Australian Federal Election, Trump’s first 100 Days (again) and global political affairs with panellists including Rick Morton, George Megalogenis, Julianne Shultz, John Lyons, Paul Kelly, Greg Sheridan, Emma Shortis, Josh Taylor, Bruce Wolpe and Don Watson.

The program also spans historical events, in particular the milestone 50 years since 1975 – a year that included the dismissal of Gough Whitlam, the publication of Damned Whores and God’s Police by Anne Summers (who will be in attendance). The festival recognises the 50th anniversary of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album and the launch of Countdown with a special musical celebration event “Words & Music” that includes Rebecca Barnard, Andrew Ford, Red Symons and Peter Wilmoth followed by a live music performance from The Screamin’ Eagles.

The program also includes a series of free sessions including daily ‘The Morning Feed’ hosted by Tom Wright, ‘Shakespeare Unpacked’ and a ‘Writers on Writing’ series.

Tickets are on sale now

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Experience a special edition of our beloved High Tea of the Sea, featuring seasonal delights, handcrafted pastries, and a touch of Easter magic.

Savour an elegant spread of four savoury and four sweet house-made delicacies, expertly crafted by our in-house French pastry chefs.

Enjoy a curated selection of Yugen teas, barista coffee and a glass of sparkling on arrival as you delight in indulgent Easter treats, including freshly baked hot cross buns.

Set against the backdrop of refined coastal elegance, this one-day-only experience is not to be missed. Secure your place now for a truly memorable Easter celebration.

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Get ready for a night of laughs at Barlow on April 9th!

Join comedy legend Peter Rowsthorn and the hilarious Tom Siegert for a side-splitting show.

Limited seats available—booths and tickets now available!

The post Comedy Night With Peter Rowsthorn at The Continental Sorrento appeared first on Love the Peninsula.

Join us at Audrey’s for our in-demand fish filleting masterclass on the last Friday of each month.

Join our Chef in an intimate class limited to 10 guests at Audrey’s kitchen bar. Learn the art of preparing seafood using fresh ingredients and enjoy a satisfying meal as you taste everything.

For an elevated experience, opt for caviar service and matched wine options.

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