If you needed another excuse to visit the Mornington Peninsula (you know, aside from the incredible wineries, restaurants and beaches), here it is: Alba Thermal Springs, a sustainable, $90 million wellness sanctuary that boasts a collection geothermal pools within its perfectly manicured 15-hectare grounds, is now open.
Located in Fingal, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this relaxation destination has been meticulously curated to evoke calm and tranquility from the moment you enter through its curved, concrete entranceway complete with a moat-like water feature. Fluffy robes and slippers greet you upon arrival (don’t worry, there are secure lockers to store all your belongings – this is a phone-free zone, after all), and then it’s time to leave your worries behind and enter the open-air bathing complex.
There are 31 pools dotted among the undulating landscape – some intimate and private, others large and more social – and they range from geothermal pools and cold plunge pools to herbal-infused botanical pools and invigorating rain pools. There’s also a private rooftop salt pool that allows you to experience total weightlessness, plus steam rooms and saunas. Wandering along the snaking path to find each pool is almost (almost) as fun as immersing yourself in the restorative waters – and trust us when we say it’s way too easy to spend hours hopping from pool to pool.
Alba uses 100 per cent geothermal water that is heated between 37-degrees Celsius and 43-degrees Celsius, and contains naturally occurring minerals like sulphur, calcium, magnesium and potassium. The therapeutic benefits of a good soak in these waters include the alleviation of bruising, stiffness, muscle fatigue, articular rheumatism and neuralgia.
But if you really want to treat your weary body to a rejuvenation sesh, head to the Day Spa. The treatment options at this haven of health and wellness are next level – think massages, facials (using Vanessa Megan products), manicures, pedicures, mineral clay wraps, body brushing, detox baths and Hammam floats. And be sure to take some time after your treatment to sit back on one of the oversized day beds and sip the complimentary herbal tea.
All that relaxing can be hungry work, and Alba is also home to Thyme, a 120-seat indoor-outdoor restaurant with a culinary program created by chef Karen Martini, who is behind Hero at ACMI. As part of the ongoing commitment to sustainability, the menu shines a spotlight on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. You can expect cold-pressed juices and local tea blends, plus dishes like the crumbed fish sandwich, Skull Island prawn toast and burrata with heirloom tomato, melon and burnt honey balsamic. If you feel like a cheeky tipple, the drinks list reads like a who’s who of the Peninsula’s best winemakers, brewers and distillers.
On the last Sunday of every month, Alba also hosts a special afternoon tea. The exclusive menu features delectable goodies like mini spanner crab burgers, roast chicken sandwiches, profiteroles and dark chocolate mousse topped with cacao nibs. It’s paired with tea and an Alba Springs cocktail, and all guests depart with a special gift. Included in the experience is an all-day bathing pass, too.
For all its luxurious elements, Alba is equally a fully sustainable business. The precinct is committed to reusing its thermal water, running on solar energy and regenerating the native bushland by propagating local plant species. All food and beverages are served in re-usable or recyclable crockery and drinkware, and amenities (such as hand and body wash) are offered in refillable bio-plastic containers to reduce packaging.
Feeling tempted to take a dip? For more information on the full list of treatments or to make a booking, head to the Alba Thermal Springs website.
