The state-of-the-art spa will arrive along an in-house restaurant, Thyme, which will be under the culinary prowess of Australian chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and television presenter Karen Martini.
There’s nothing quite as luxe and relaxing as soaking in blissful hot water amongst some of the most stunning views. For centuries, these mineral-rich waters (AKA hot springs) have either gathered naturally into pools or have been channelled into man-made spas, both options providing therapeutic and medicinal benefits—and some good old-fashioned relaxation.
While we’re blessed with a number of hot and mineral spring havens in Victoria, we’re about to score one more with Alba, a thermal springs and spa destination in the heart of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
Looking to let off some steam? Check out these Victorian hot springs and bathhouses.
Tucked away in a region that is fast becoming the ideal location to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Alba Thermal Springs is set to offer a contemporary experience like no other in Australia. Throughout the surrounding landscapes on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, a one-hour drive from central Melbourne, Alba will feature 31 elegant bathing pools of varying sizes – geothermal pools, cold plunge pools and herbal-infused botanical pools – and is guided with the vision to be Australia’s most sought-after bathing and wellness experience.
With plans to open doors in Spring 2022, the bathing will be just one aspect, with Alba leaning on the geothermal springs in the region to create stunning pools for guests to truly indulge in, with some available to be booked privately.
Creating a new world-class thermal spring and spa destination, Alba Thermal Springs & Spa will offer 22 single and or double spa treatment studios encompassing steam and Vichy rooms and treatment suites with baths. There is a separate manicure and pedicure lounge and a spacious relaxation lounge on the mezzanine level of the main spa building, overlooking the extensive native gardens and water features.
Construction is already underway, with architecture practice Hayball leading the way forward in progressive urban design while Mala Studio will create a stunning landscape to complement the space and pools.
Truly giving us another reason to visit the region, the state-of-the-art spa will arrive along an in-house restaurant, Thyme, which will be under the culinary prowess of Australian chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and television presenter Karen Martini.
Opening up in mid-2022 alongside the spa facilities, Thyme takes cue from its unique setting, seating up to 120 diners and featuring locally-sourced, seasonal produce.
“I’m so excited to be partnering with Alba on this project,” said Martini. “The all-day menu I am creating will feature fresh, wholesome dishes with modern Mediterranean influences.
“We will also be supporting local growers and suppliers, seeking out seasonal produce from sustainable farming practices, and choosing organically-grown wherever possible,” said Martini.
Diners can expect a special take on Martini’s wholesome poke bowls, and dishes derived from the kitchen garden that make the most of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and lean meats, served alongside excellent coffee, local tea blends and brewed and fermented beverages. A well-curated wine list will again look to the Peninsula’s many local vineyards. Naturally, diners with special dietary needs will be well catered for.
In keeping with Alba’s wellbeing ethos, the food will be vibrant, and plant driven with a nod to healthful eating without being puritanical.
The overall restaurant design is an expansive roof terrace thoughtfully designed by Alba’s architects, Hayball, to capture vistas from every vantage point atop the main spa building seating 80 inside and 40 outdoors. Melbourne furniture companies Zuster and Cosh Living have been chosen to furnish the restaurant and terrace.
“The setting for Thyme with its indoor and rooftop terrace dining is simply spectacular, with patrons able to enjoy restful scenery by day and sunsets over the Peninsula in the evening,” said Alba’s General Manager, Craig Dodd. “And in appointing a chef of Karen’s experience and stature – she was recently hailed as a food Legend by the 2021 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – the food will be a perfect match for the outlook and for our own holistic wellness ethos.”
Bookings for Alba Thermal Springs are now open. Book here.
