Trending Bathhouses and Hot Springs in Wellness:
A Dive into Australia's Best
In recent years, indoor bathhouses and thermal springs have surged in popularity within the wellness industry, particularly in Australia. This trend reflects a growing appreciation for natural therapies and self-care rituals that promote holistic well-being. The allure of thermal springs lies in their ability to offer a serene escape from the stresses of modern life, coupled with the therapeutic benefits of mineral-rich waters. These waters are believed to enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and rejuvenate the skin, making them a coveted experience for wellness seekers.
Australia, with its unique geological landscape, is home to several exceptional thermal springs that are gaining international attention. Among these, Alba Thermal Springs & Spa stands out as a premier destination for those looking to indulge in the restorative powers of nature.
Discover Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
Located in the heart of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Alba Thermal Springs & Spa offers a luxurious experience that seamlessly integrates the healing properties of natural hot springs with modern spa amenities. Alba is not just a place to soak in warm waters; it’s a sanctuary where visitors can reconnect with nature and themselves. Their offerings extend beyond the springs, featuring a range of spa treatments that complement the rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters.
Q: What makes Alba Thermal Springs & Spa a unique destination in the wellness industry?
Alba is the only luxury spa in Australia with 100 percent natural geothermal springs. We offer a holistic experience by seamlessly blending therapeutic thermal springs, rejuvenating spa treatments, a unique wellness program, and exquisite food and beverage offerings into an all-encompassing experience for complete well-being set amongst nature.
Time Out magazine recently wrote about Alba, “Heaven really is a place on Earth – and you’ll find it at this world-class wellness oasis on the Mornington Peninsula”.
Our purpose is to provide sanctuary. The spa sets the scene for luxurious tranquillity, meticulously designed to evoke a feeling of calm from the moment you enter. The architecture and design set us apart. We are natural but stylish, clean but inviting, and contemporary but warm. With a focus on sustainability, there is no other spa like it in Australia.
Q: How do the natural hot springs at Alba enhance the overall spa experience?
Alba’s guests enjoy the holistic and therapeutic benefits while they bathe in our thermal springs, salt baths and private pools, indulge in a full range of spa treatments, or enjoy fresh, nutritious and wholesome meals at our restaurant, Thyme.
Our restorative thermal springs and comprehensive menu of spa treatments, rituals and packages are thoughtfully designed and based on holistic wellness principles that treat the mind, body and skin. All of our spa experiences at Alba include time to enjoy the benefits of our mineral-rich waters. All spa products used are natural and certified organic.
Our purpose is to provide sanctuary. We invite our guests to take a moment. To find pleasure in simplicity and beauty in stillness.
Time spent at Alba also offers emotional benefits with an opportunity for connection and wellbeing, relaxation, enjoyment, recognition and reward.
Psychological and social benefits:
- The warm water and tranquil environment of hot springs can promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Natural surroundings and the act of soaking in a hot spring can elevate mood and provide a sense of wellbeing.
- Visiting hot springs often involves social interaction, which can enhance mental health and provide a sense of community.
Q: Could you elaborate on the types of treatments offered at your spa and how they integrate with the hot spring experience?
The relaxation and rejuvenation experience continues into the day spa which offers an extensive treatment menu. We have 22 single and double spa suites encompassing dark steam rooms, a sauna, Vichy showers, private baths, and calm treatment rooms. There is a spacious relaxation lounge on the mezzanine level of the main spa building overlooking our extensive native gardens.
A unique and typical Alba signature experience is the Hammam Float. A contemporary adaptation of a traditional Turkish spa, the Hammam Float allows guests to detoxify and relax in a darkened room of warm, aromatic steam before surrendering to a traditional cleansing ritual. The skin is brightened with vigorous exfoliation using a Kessa glove, and hair is washed and nourished with a masque. A luxurious and hydrating soap massage kneads away aches and tension before a warm rinse concludes the treatment.
Q: In what ways do you ensure that the experience at Alba is both environmentally sustainable and luxurious?
Alba is proudly carbon neutral. From our first day of operation, we have offset our emissions using Trace, which supports us to measure, reduce and offset our carbon footprint. Regenerating and replanting habitat: Alba's long-term landscape vision includes restoring remnant native bushland and enhancing the existing coastal Moonah woodland, a vision that will be at least 15 years in the making. The early establishment of local trees, shrubs and ground covers, with mass plantings of grasses, sedges and lilies, has been important for beauty, weed and erosion control, soil enrichment and habitat creation. Alba works with a local indigenous nursery to collect seeds and propagate plants of local provenance. This helps replace species lost due to past farming practices and encourage visitation and colonisation by native wildlife, birds and insects.
Alba is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. All food and beverages are served in reusable or recyclable crockery and drinkware. We minimise packaging by offering amenities such as hand and body wash in our changerooms in refillable bio-plastic containers. Alba-branded products, such as hand cream and bath salts, are packaged in bioplastics in our retail store. We have recently signed up to the Mornington Shire Council’s Bin Trim Program which has provided useful educational resources to motivate our team, further reduce our waste and increase our recycling.
Following our involvement in the Bin Trim Program we have introduced a container deposit scheme with Return-It with a percentage of the deposit being directed to local charity partner Southern Peninsula Community Support.
Alba uses solar energy to maintain heat in several re-circulation pools and our builders, architects and landscapers have incorporated natural elements like plants, natural light, and water features to create a healing environment for guests and wildlife.
Q: What are the benefits visitors can expect from combining the hot springs with your tailored spa services?
The water is naturally heated to between 37°C to 43°C in underground aquifers that are located 550 metres below the surface. The therapeutic benefits of a good soak in geothermal waters include the alleviation of neuralgia, bruising, articular rheumatism, stiffness of the shoulders, recovery from fatigue and muscular complaints. In Australia, the use of geothermal resources for therapeutic purposes has a long history, with Indigenous cultures using hot springs for healing and relaxation.
Research has shown that immersion in warm water, such as in a hot bath or hot spring, can have a positive effect on sleep quality. A study conducted by the University of Sydney found that people who soaked in a hot bath before bedtime fell asleep faster and had better quality sleep compared to those who did not.
Q: How does Alba Thermal Springs & Spa cater to the diverse needs of wellness seekers?
Alba has been designed with everyone in mind. All our buildings and pathways are wheelchair accessible as are several of our pools. We have wheelchairs available for loan from reception. Four of our pools have the provision for a hoist with a sling, including one of our private pools on The Terrace. Our car park has been designed with ample accessible parking spaces; one with a charging port for an electric car.
Universal change rooms are available with a shower, seating and toilet. Alba offers complimentary access to the property for carers supporting a guest with a Companion Card.
Alba respects the people we employ and the community we serve. We value their differences as individuals. We are committed to fostering a fair and flexible workplace culture characterised by inclusive practices and behaviours. We employ people regardless of gender or gender orientation, age, ethnicity etc.
Q: What can guests expect during their visit to Alba in terms of facilities and services?
Alba is a unique wellness oasis and the only luxury spa in Australia with 100 percent natural geothermal springs, including contemporary indoor, open-air, and outdoor thermal pools. Recently described as “the Rolls-Royce of bathing experiences” by Time Out, guests can embrace the transformative power of water in any of the 31 elegant pools set amongst 15 hectares of nature - ranging from geothermal pools, salt pools, cold plunge pools and an invigorating rain pool.
The relaxation and rejuvenation experience continues into the day spa which offers an extensive treatment menu. We have 22 single and double spa suites encompassing dark steam rooms, a sauna, Vichy showers, private baths, and calm treatment rooms. There is a spacious relaxation lounge on the mezzanine level of the main spa building overlooking our extensive native gardens.
The architecture and design of our spa set us apart from all competitors with a contemporary, pared-back aesthetic providing a sense of calm. There is no other spa like it in Australia. Our combination of sustainability, luxurious treatments and geothermal bathing is unique to Alba.
Embracing the Wellness Trend
The rise of bathhouses and thermal springs in wellness is a testament to the increasing desire for experiences that combine relaxation, natural beauty, and health benefits. Australia’s Alba Thermal Springs & Spa is a shining example of how these elements can be harmoniously blended to create an unforgettable retreat. As the trend continues to grow, destinations like Alba will undoubtedly lead the way in offering world-class wellness experiences that draw on the timeless allure of natural hot springs.
For more information, visit Alba Thermal Springs & Spa.
