Le Méridien Melbourne invites guests to bask in a sun-drenched Mediterranean summer

Le Méridien Melbourne is inviting hotel guests to bask in the glamour of the Mediterranean, as it launches its sparkling summer program ‘Au Soleil’ on showpiece rooftop pool bar and terrace, Le Splash this December.

Inspired by the brand’s storied history and Air France origins, guests of Le Méridien will be magically whisked to the French Riviera as they ascend to the glamorous rooftop where sun-drenched afternoons that linger long into the evening are celebrated in a distinctly European fashion and endless glasses of crisp rosé.

Framed by a stunning city skyline, the first port of call is the glistening rectangular pool which could easily be mistaken for the gentle, lapping waves of St Tropez. The azure water lazily beckons guests to slide in for a dip or to pull up a chic pool lounge and admire from the side-line.

Yellow and white striped towels and matching umbrellas provide ample Euro sophistication, as elegant, sunglass-adorned guests order refreshing cocktails from the poolside bar. Here, an extensive list of international and local rosé and other drops can be ordered and delivered directly from the comfort of their pool lounge.

Classic poolside games, including backgammon and checkers provide sophisticated entertainment for guests as they await laissez-fare for the magic of Golden Hour to arrive.

A specially curated menu, inspired by the Mediterranean coast offers guests a selection of summer favourites including a vibrant smoked bocconcini salad, zesty grilled corn with sumac lime dressing and hearty Wagyu, snapper and vegan burgers that will satisfy any post-dip craving.

However, the true pièce de resistance is the Rosé Sorbet Sidecar inspired by Whispering Angel Rosé. The superb alchemy of summer’s most refreshing treats: Rosé and ice cream, Le Méridien partnered with renowned social media savant and tastemaker Meredith Hayden to bring the Rosé Sorbet Sidecar to life, in a nod to the brand’s quintessential invitation for travellers to chase an endless summer and create lasting memories complete with lazy, Rosé-filled afternoons.

Inspired by the preciousness of caviar ice baths and the cocktail sidecar, this delightful scoop-and-sip combo is served in a custom-designed glass cone, reflective of a classic ice cream cone, which holds the sorbet scoop. The glass cone then sits atop a stemless wine glass filled with Whispering Angel — today’s worldwide reference for Provence Rosé. The glassware duo is presented with an Au Soleil wooden cradle designed to hold the cone while sipping the Rosé.

Like all aperitifs, the Rosé Sorbet Sidecar can be ordered and delivered poolside — the soft glow of Golden Hour and the icy treat creating an ideal photo moment that simply must be captured and shared.

If the desire for leisurely adventure takes hold, guests can collect a specially designed Au Soleil passeggiata, a self-guided walking tour designed to ‘Unlock Your Destination.’ Taken at a pace that suits the wanderer, guests can make their way through iconic thoroughfares and the back alleys of Melbourne to discover the city’s best-kept secrets and ‘must-do’ experiences.

For those still lounging poolside, they can enjoy the warm glow of the sun lowering over the city, marking the finale to an idyllic sun-soaked day, as if they were beachside on the Cote d’ Azur.

Le Splash will await their return tomorrow.

As Le Méridien Melbourne embraces the sun, ‘Au Soleil’ invites guests to chase endless Euro summers and enjoy chic activities where good vibes (and great Rosé) never cease to flow.