Alba Thermal Springs and Spa has just opened on the Mornington Peninsula and it may be the hottest spot in Victoria right now. But you won’t get visual evidence that you’ve visited. That’s right, there’ll be no bragging rights on Instagram – no matter how grand the minimalistic structure is – as this wellness sanctuary puts relaxation first and requests guests completely switch off, mentally and digitally. From the pools to the in-house dining and spa treatments, it all works seamlessly together to ensure guests leave feeling rejuvenated.

Let’s dive into the details. 

The pools 

Scattered throughout 15 hectares of native wilderness are 31 pools to dip your toes into. No two pools are alike in design or type. There are warm geothermal pools, cold plunge pools and botanical pools that are herbal infused. Each pool seeks to target different ailments. For example, the botanical pools have a lemon myrtle, rose water and an hibiscus aroma that aids relaxation. Those seeking ultimate privacy can opt for The Terrace where you can have a pool overlooking the property all to yourself. You can also float, weightless, in a private rooftop salt pool named The Salts. Or book The Clouds, a private rooftop geothermal pool, for total seclusion. Hot tip: if you love to stargaze you can book a night session here. 

There is no shortage of thermal pools on offer but you can’t leave without having a dip in The Hemisphere. The semi-enclosed pool in the centre of a grand concrete structure is a cold plunge pool that is more than a couple metres deep. It’s also steps away from a dry sauna and steam. For maximum health benefits it’s recommended you chill in the plunge pool, heat your body up in the dry sauna, head back to the pool and wrap up the experience in the steam room. The alternating between cold and hot will help with blood circulation and opening of your pores, perfectly prepping your skin for a spa treatment. 

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The food

Alba called on chef-of-the-moment and local Melburnian, Karen Martini, to curate the menu at its on-site restaurant, Thyme. In line with the Alba wellness ethos the dishes are fresh, healthy and pack a punch when it comes to flavour. “I want the produce to speak loudly so there’s lots of spice and flavours that are bright and fresh on the plate,” says Karen. “Some people will be too relaxed to eat, so there’s grazing options, others will be ravenous so we have dishes that are light but are still wondrous, rich and indulgent.” The menu has a Japanese inspired edge with Mediterranean undertones, a signature of Karen’s. 

Head chef Mario di Natalie will be plating up nourishing dishes like the Alba bowl, a Japanese rice bowl topped with seasoned tuna, spring onion, cucumber, kimchi, shitake and avocado. Karen’s iconic Crumbed-fish sandwich from her Melbourne restaurant Hero has been given an Alba twist and features fried fish with iceberg lettuce, shiso, pickled ginger and nori tartare. To get a taste of Thyme you have to be a guest of Alba as the restaurant is not open to the public. Don’t be embarrassed to dine in your Alba robe. In fact, it’s encourage, as Alba wants guests to stay in relaxation mode throughout their visit.

The spa 

A thermal springs session is not complete without a spa treatment and, just like the springs, there are lots of experiences on offer to cater to your needs. There are 21 treatment rooms, some which cater to group experiences and others for private appointments.

The Alba Spa is the only spa on the Mornington Peninsula to have not just one, but two Vichy showers. If you’re unfamiliar with a Vichy shower it’s a row of horizontal shower heads that can be manoeuvred by a therapist and act as a massage tool. It aids in detoxifying, hydrating and relaxing the body. Bliss. 

Another highlight (there’s a long list of them) is the hammam float treatment, which aims to relax and detoxify the body. The treatment is completed in a darkened room filled with warm, aromatic steam. Your body is fully exfoliated using a traditional Kessa glove, which will leave your skin refreshed and glowing, followed by a hair masque and soap massage. 

If you’re after a more traditional treatment there are luxurious facials designed by Vanessa Morgan and Aika skin. Or try the Alba Artisan massage. The 60-minute treatment works to alleviate tension and coax away knots with the use of heated volcanic stones.

No detail is overlooked at Alba. From heated spa treatment beds, to the calming signature blend of tea, it’s all been curated to keep you feeling zen from the minute you step through the doors to the well after you leave. 

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