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There's nothing quite like a moment of quiet luxury. Whether it's lighting the ‘good candle’, popping a bottle of fancy wine or treating yourself to a bougie stay somewhere like the Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, it's these simple pleasures that make all the drudgery of normal life kind of worthwhile.
And it's this precise experience above that has been awarded by the ultimate boss of luxury itself – Michelin. This year, Michelin has added 14 Aussie hotels to its world-respected 'Selections' list for 2026, with the Sanctuary landing a coveted spot. Plus, it's also been awarded a Michelin Key, which is the equivalent of a Michelin Star for restaurants.
Having managed to crack both of these incredibly competitive benchmarks, we can safely say the Sanctuary deserves it. Tucked away in a sprawl of native bush on the Mornington Peninsula, this gorgeous accommodation is the newest addition to the wider Alba complex, setting a new standard of luxury for spa stays and experiences in both Australia and around the world.
Located in the tiny town of Fingal, not far from Sorrento, it's comprised of five villas and two studios, all of which are thoughtfully designed to sing in harmony with the natural landscape around them.
But the real star of the Sanctuary is the all-inclusive access you get to the incredible natural spring-fed bathhouse complex at Alba. Boasting a mix of geothermal, botanical and cold plunge pools overlooking the bush, there is also a steam room, sauna, Vichy shower and treatment options that include massages and facials galore.
The decision to spotlight a distinctly Australian stay that's rooted in place, nature and all about wellness is telling of where Michelin is at right now, and is excellent news for other Aussie stays that are tied to the wildly beautiful land that they call home.
The Sanctuary joins two other Victorian spots – the InterContinental Sorrento (also on the Mornington Peninsula) and the Lyall Hotel in South Yarra – in the new batch of recently added hotels to the 'Selections' list. Here's hoping this is just the start of more local retreats earning a place.
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