The latest gem in the already-studded Ovolo crown, Ovolo South Yarra, finally flung open its doors earlier this year – and it may just be their shiniest jewel yet.

This hotel is an experience in itself, so charmingly flamboyant that it’s worth a visit even if you live nearby. Besides, who doesn’t deserve a luxe staycation right now? 

Using every inch of its long thin design, it invites attention at every corner. The entrance hall runs alongside the vegan restaurant, cleverly titled Lona Misa. It’s flanked by eye-catching artwork and a top-down view of the cosy booths one level below — part of a fabulous leisure space complete with pool table, vivid decor and a gramophone.

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Check-in is funky and immediately welcoming. Set against the backdrop of vivid pop and rock-and-roll culture from the 60s and 70s, the lobby sets the tone for the rest of your stay. Cheerful staff are both knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. Rooms range from ‘Go Go’ to ‘Boogie’ and ‘Groovy’, but the ‘Rockstar’ suites are a solid gold hit.

Opening the door to the sounds of I Got You Babe playing on vinyl, the aptly named ‘Sonny’ suite continues the journey to a bygone era. The thoughtfully designed space boasts a vintage Olympia Traveller Deluxe typewriter, bright orange chairs and groovy wallpaper – but it’s not all retro.

The vinyl record plays through a Bose speaker, ensuring every scratch is crystal clear; large high-spec TVs with built-in connectivity adorn the walls of the living space and a partition at the end of the bed, bedside buttons open the blinds to a lovely bird’s eye view of the ground floor, and automatically triggered lights eliminate night-time stumbling, bringing the room firmly into view. 

Add to this an indulgent double shower, ostentatious gold cocktail kit and an all-inclusive mini bar with a great range of wine, craft beers and snacks, and it’s easy to see why Ovolo has a reputation for first-class fun.

There’s nothing like excitement to help you work up an appetite, and no better place to satisfy your hunger than Lona Misa. Headed up by rockstar vegan chef Shannon Martinez and Ovolo Creative Culinary Partner and Melbourne hospo legend Ian Curley, the restaurant serves up flavour-packed meals and a generous menu that will sway any vegan skeptic.

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Highlights include a moreish peri peri cauliflower, and a vegan burger with such mind-bending texture that makes you question everything you ever thought about ‘real meat’ flavour.

The restaurant is lively, the drinks list decent, and the team warm and attentive. If you’re lucky, the bar staff may even take you on a personal taste test. Presented with pinkish-orange slices to identify, the natural guess is (of course) smoked salmon. The delight was, in fact, smoked watermelon. There’s absolutely no need to suspend disbelief here. Lona Misa is a place that will alter your perception of food, flavour and, indeed, reality.

Ovolo South Yarra takes you on a wild ride back in time; to vivid funk, glam rock-and-roll and fabulous folk music. Pair that with high-end luxuries, a restaurant to challenge preconceived notions and a friendly, welcoming team, and you have the kind of eclectic mashup that absolutely everyone will love. It’s sensory overload, in the best possible way, and guaranteed to be a chart topper for years to come. 

Can’t travel just yet? Book now, go later* and receive a free gift. When you spend $500 or more on Ovolo e-Gift Cards, you’ll also receive a limited edition Box of Wonder.Full. valued at over $120. The cleverly curated limited-edition box is overflowing with all the little things you love about an Ovolo stay, including a signature cocktail, comfy robe and hotel slippers, candy loot bag and loads more to help you recreate the hotel experience at home. Snag yours via ovolohotels.com/gift-cards/  

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* Ovolo e-Gift cards are redeemable to stay or play at any Ovolo hotel, bar or restaurant across Australia.