I’ve been a big fan of Alba Thermal Springs and Spa since it first opened back in October 2022. As a certified water baby who loves nothing more than a good soak, this was my idea of heaven – a truly spectacular, design-forward site dedicated entirely to all your wellness needs. It’s a special place – a colleague from Sydney once told me “there’s really nothing like this anywhere else in Australia” – and I’ve spent more than a few afternoons hopping from pool to pool, always dreading the inevitable drive back home to Melbourne.
So you can imagine my delight when it was announced that Alba was adding accommodation to its line-up of experiences. Who could resist the opportunity for a sleepover (night swim included, of course) at this magical spot on the Mornington Peninsula? Not me, that’s for sure – here’s what my stay was like.
Why stay at the Sanctuary at Alba?
The worst part about any visit to Alba is leaving – with Thyme (the on-site restaurant) offering a dinner menu and the mineral pools open until 10pm, it’s practically begging you to stay right until closing time. And now, with the arrival of the Sanctuary – a collection of five luxury villas and two studio rooms – you officially don’t have to depart.
Marking an new exciting era for Alba, the Sanctuary provides a chance for visitors to really immerse themselves in the wellness elements of the property, and find a deeper level of rest and relaxation. By staying overnight you can maximise your time bathing (I highly recommend an early morning dip when it feels like you have the whole place to yourself), work your way through some of the excellent dining options (brekky can be enjoyed in-room if you can’t drag yourself from bed) and even sneak in a treatment at the day spa. Think of it as the ultimate act of self-care – one you probably don’t even realise your mind and body is craving (and deserves).
What are the rooms like at the Sanctuary at Alba?
I’m staying in one of the villas with a bath – yep, the bathing extends right into your room. Each of the five abodes are nestled in bushland at the crest of the 15-hectare property, with sweeping views across the pools and beyond. It’s about a two-minute drive from Alba’s reception area, and there’s parking for one vehicle at each site.
Entering the villa is like walking into the cream-coloured apartment of my dreams. There’s an instant sense of peace that washes over you, aided by the crackling log fireplace (a very nice touch, especially on what’s a chilly winter afternoon) and a soothing soundtrack (the playlist was giving day spa vibes in the best way possible). You’ll find a huge king-size bed, lounge, kitchenette (with coffee machine and complimentary mini bar) and balcony. But it’s the bathroom that blew me away – not only is it enormous, but the stand-alone stone bath situated in front of a floor-to-ceiling window is the perfect place to watch the sun set over the rolling hills of Fingal with a glass of red in hand. And a special mention must be made to the toilet (yes, really) – it’s one of those fancy kinds with all the bells and whistles, but I was most impressed by the heated seat. See, the Alba crew have truly thought of everything.
These villas really do live up to their name; they are a cosy sanctuary in every way possible. From the neutral colour palette with timber and marble details to the sheer curtains, ultra plush rug and chic light fixtures (I especially liked the one on the bathroom vanity), everything feels extremely thoughtful and designed to alleviate any stress you may be holding on to. If you’re looking for the antidote to anxiety, this could very well be it.
What is the service like at the Sanctuary at Alba?
The team at Alba epitomise what it means to work at such a beautiful, relaxed retreat – everyone is calm, helpful (without being overbearing) and kind. The check-in process is seamless, while also being informative – especially for people who haven’t visited before and are unsure of how the bathing process works. I was offered a buggy ride to my villa (you can leave your car in the main parking lot, or drive it up to the accommodation), and then given a full run-down of the facilities to ensure I was comfortable. From there, the service is pretty hands off to evoke a sense of total privacy, but if you have any questions or issues the in-room phone will have you connected with someone in no time.
Which are the best restaurants at the Sanctuary at Alba?
While there are plenty of wonderful spots to drink and dine on the Mornington Peninsula, the benefit of staying at the Sanctuary is you have full access to Thyme. The restaurant’s seasonal all-day menu was curated by renowned Melbourne chef Karen Martini, and it’s a beautiful celebration of the region’s growers and their produce. Being a wellness destination, the meals are fresh and healthy – but don’t mistake that for boring; each dish is hearty and flavour-packed. For dinner, I enjoyed the tuna crudo with tomato and burnt orange dressing (a light and zesty starter that had me exclaiming “oh my god” out loud in glee), followed by the sake-braised short ribs with a shoyu glaze – the meat was so tender it melted off the bone. I can also vouch for Thyme’s signature crumbed fish sanga, which I’ve enjoyed on an earlier visit.
The drinks list is dominated by local names – there’s wine from Foxeys Hangout and Polperro, beers from Jetty Road Brewery, gin from Bass and Flinders Distillery and juices from Peninsula Cold Press Co.
Come morning, the brekky line-up includes options like yoghurt panna cotta with toasted granola and berries; a bagel with ocean trout gravlax, egg, cucumber, cream cheese, capers and chives; and avo on wholegrain schwarzbrot with a poached egg and sauerkraut. And the green smoothie, which is the most vibrant shade of green I’ve ever seen, could even pass for a meal by itself.
But the best bit about Thyme? Dining in your fluffy robe is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Now this is the kind of elevated-yet-accessible luxury that I’m all about.
What is the spa and gym like at Alba?
There’s no gym within the Alba precinct, but as the name suggests, there’s certainly a spa! The on-site day spa is an oasis within an oasis, where you can book in for massages, facials, mineral clay wraps, full-body exfoliations, steam sessions and more. Be sure to allow time to hang out in the private lounge, where you can laze on a huge day bed while sipping Alba’s signature herbal brew.
While I didn’t have time for a treatment during this stay, I’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed a facial on a prior visit. And when I tell you it was the best facial of my life, I am not lying. I experienced the essential facial by Vanessa Megan, and it was one hour of pure bliss that left my skin feeling refreshed, hydrated and glowy.
What’s the area like around the Sanctuary at Alba?
The Mornington Peninsula is one of Victoria’s most beloved (and popular!) regions. Located just an hour from the CBD, this bountiful boot-shaped destination boasts a treasure trove of attractions – we’re talking award-winning dining spots (hello, Tedesca Osteria and Audrey’s); excellent wineries, breweries and distilleries; world-class golf courses; rugged coastal walking trails and beautiful beaches. Phew! Seaside villages like Sorrento and Portsea are home to boutique shops and quality cafés, or you can easily spend a day gallery hopping – Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park is a must for art lovers. And for stunning panoramic views (on a clear day you can see Melbourne’s skyline on the horizon), head to Arthurs Seat for a gondola ride – if you’ve got the kids in tow, this is a winner. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, there’s an itinerary to suit all on the Mornington Peninsula.
Why should you book a stay at the Sanctuary at Alba?
If you’re a bathing aficionado (and let’s be real, who isn’t!?), the Sanctuary is for you. It provides easy access to the stellar facilities at Alba, which means you can be soaking from early morning to late evening if your heart desires. And it’s a place where you can come to fully detox from the daily grind – I can personally attest that one night here will have you floating on air. Plus, we all deserve to indulge in an overnight getaway every now and then – so go on, it’s time to treat yo’ self.
The key details
Address: 282 Browns Road, Fingal, Victoria, 3939.
Price per night: From $1,250 per night.
Closest transport link: Alba Thermal Springs is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Public transport options are limited, but you can travel by train to Frankston Station and then catch an Uber or taxi.
Book now: Click here.
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