Le Méridien Melbourne is inviting hotel guests to bask in the glamour of the Mediterranean, as it launches its sparkling summer programme '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.

Rooms start from [$329]

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To view rates and book a stay at Le Meridien visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/melmd-le-meridien-melbourne/overview/

For further details on Marriott Bonvoy and Melbourne Fashion Week visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/loyalty/bonvoy-partners/melbourne-fashion-week.mi

For more information on Marriott Bonvoy in Melbourne visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/marriott-brands/portfolio/melbourne.mi https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/

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 About Le Méridien Melbourne

With its prime uptown location at 20 Bourke St, Le Méridien Melbourne is ideally located to experience the richness of Melbourne's art, history, and culture. The 5-star hotel features 235 mid-century inspired guest rooms and suites, a ground floor café and bar, restaurant, and a showstopping rooftop pool deck with expansive views overlooking Bourke St, Parliament House, and towards Fitzroy Gardens.

Known for its immersive art and culinary programme, Le Méridien Melbourne is a social meeting point for the creative-minded traveller. For more information, visit lemeridienmelbourne.com. Stay connected to Le Méridien Melbourne on Instagram and Facebook.

About Le Méridien® Hotels & Resorts

Born in 1960's Paris during an era of glamorous travel, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts continues to celebrate cultures around the world through the distinctly European spirit of savouring the good life.   With  nearly 120 hotels and resorts in more than 35 countries and territories, spanning from Maldives to Monaco and from Santa Monica to Sichuan, Le Méridien's engaging mid-century designed spaces coupled with chic signature programmes put a playful twist on art, coffee, sparkling cocktails, summer, family, and inspire creative-minded travellers to explore the world in style. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com, and stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Le Méridien is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

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Michelle Palmer

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Modern Currency

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E: michelle@moderncurrency.com.au

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M: 0404 427 481

harriet@moderncurrency.com.au