An ambitious 15-hectare development, Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, with no less than 31 pools scattered amongst the wild landscape of Mornington Peninsula has opened after years of planning. Collectively, Alba is now the largest spa and hot springs complex in Australia, with what looks like a clean, soft, and relaxing Scandinavian aesthetic that should align well with everything else this part of Victoria has to offer.
Aside from the countless wineries peppered across the picturesque location, Mornington Peninsula has plenty to help position the region as Victoria’s most restorative getaway. The opening of Alba Thermal Springs and Spa follows the restoration of the grand old InterContinental Sorrento – two big openings that are helping re-position Mornington Peninsula as a region well worth the one hour drive from Melbourne.
Alba leans heavily on the geothermal springs found across the coastline, complemented with, as above, 31 pools of various sizes and styles, some of which can be booked privately for groups.
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As it’s designed as a complex, Alba is divided into various working parts. You’ve got The Hemisphere found in the higher grounds of the site, fashioned as a tranquil space with hidden gardens, a semi-enclosed thermal pool and a cold pluge pool.
Then you’ve got 22 contemporary spa treatment rooms right next to a dedicated stream room and Vichy shower, manicure and pedicure suites, private booths and day beds that look over the native gardens. Basically, it’s the purest picture of relaxation and health you’d find in the state, seemingly geared to compete with internationally renowned wellness destinations like Blue Lagoon in Iceland and Spa Botanico in Puerto Rico.
Architecture practices Hayball and Mala Studio both worked on the project, fashioning a progressive urban design to complement the wildnerness of the Mornington Peninsula. The overall design includes an 120-seat on-site restaurant named Thyme, worked up by chefs Karen Martini and Mario Di Natale with a focus on fresh Mediterranean dishes.
Alba Thermal Springs and Spa may be the largest development of its kind on Mornington Peninsula, but there are a few other working parts building the region up as Australia’s most valuable wellness destination.
The Conti has just opened the new Aurora Spa & Bathhouse with four interconnected hydrotherapy pools and it was only revealed recently that the long-standing Peninsula Hot Springs, which was refurbished back in 2018, is about to receive another $10 million to introduce new luxury accommodation on site. There’s also Jackalope, which long been viewed as one of Australia’s most relaxing getaways with its great range of signature space treatments.
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
Address: 282 Browns Rd, Fingal VIC 3939
Contact: (03) 5985 0900
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (7 AM – 10 PM)
