Maybe it’s the clean, coastal air, the rolling green hills or the fresh, seasonal produce. Whatever it is, Mornington Peninsula is the perfect place to centre yourself with blissful spas, thermal pools and healing treatments, all of which are just waiting to be discovered.

  And while new spas continue to pop up from Melbourne to Mornington and everywhere in-between, the concept, is well tried and tested. In fact, the ancient Greeks were known for their approach to wellness and it was the wise man, Hippocrates who once proposed that the cause of all illness lay in an imbalance of the body. To regain this balance, one must change their habits and environment. These changes included bathing, perspiration, walking, and massages which brought about the introduction of botanical massage oils.

  The Roman Empire took this notion of using water for therapeutic purposes to the next level and gradually thermal baths and natural mineral pools were built all over Europe where people could socialise, relax and even receive medical treatment. Then in 1326, a natural spring was discovered in the Belgian town of Spa; it is from here that we get the word ‘spa’. By the 19th century spa routines included soaking in hot water, taking the plunge into cold water or relaxing in a steam room. Add in the addition of massages, essential oils and botanicals into the mix and it is from here that the modern treatments we know today were derived.

  And today, in the seaside town of Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, you will find a little pocket of peace and tranquility within the walls of Aurora Spa and Bathhouse. A complete sensory experience awaits where you will discover a deep level of rest and restoration for the mind and the body, Aurora Spa and Bathhouse is relaxation redefined.

  Aurora Spa and Bathhouse founder, Lyndall Mitchell says she drew inspiration for the spa from her travels around the world, particularly Europe’s heady continental summers. Mitchell said it was this notion of escapism, together with her own love of the Peninsula, that enticed her to bring Aurora Spa and Bathhouse to Sorrento.   Already a favourite on the Peninsula for locals and visitors to the region, Aurora Spa and Bathhouse draws on the heritage of European curative water therapies and the healing power of hot and cold contrast therapy.

“Embracing the healing power of water and the traditions of European bathing culture,’ Mitchell says of the Aurora Spa experience.

  Beautifully styled and thoughtfully designed, this subterranean Mornington Peninsula welcomes everyone whether they’re staying at the hotel or would simply like to enjoy the wellness retreat and its all-weather space. It is a quiet haven of peace during the busy summer months in Sorrento and in winter, a sanctuary of shelter and self-care from the wild coastal weather and the every day routine. On arrival, guests will be welcomed into the tranquil relaxation lounge before discovering the stunning hydrotherapy pools in which they can float away any worries or aches.

  Aurora Spa & Bathhouse has been designed for guests to “bathe, sweat, chill, relax and socialise in comfort all year round”, according to Mitchell, who established the original Aurora Spa 25 years ago. The bathhouse offers four magnesium rich mineral hydro-therapy pools to enhance detoxification, increase lymphatic drainage and boost circulation. Along with several contrasting thermal experiences, from a traditional timber-lined Nordic sauna to an aromatherapy steam room, a halo-therapy salt room, as well as a glacial mist alpine chill experience. Plus, the exquisitely designed day spa features eight treatment rooms, a unique salt float therapy room, a wellness boutique and the relaxation lounge for guests to spend time before and after treatments.

  Every treatment at the spa will treat guests with a range of spa strength ASPAR products which have been developed and formulated with botanically active and natural ingredients by Aurora Spa. With extensive experience in holistic wellness, the essence of ASPAR and the Aurora spa remain the same as when they started; a focus on natural beauty and wellness and giving people the simple tools to live a more relaxed, happy and stress free life.

  Aurora Spa and Bathhouse also offers wellness coaching, meditation sessions and retreats, all within The Continental Hotel precinct. The relaxed setting provides the perfect beacon of tranquility for groups to reconnect and emerge feeling refreshed, re-energised and clear headed. Groups may also like to extend their time further with lunch or dinner at Audrey’s by Scott Pickett, giving guests the complete experience finishing with a memorable culinary journey showcasing the best of the region's produce.

  A little further away, visitors to the region will also find a couple of other stunning natural thermal pools surrounded by bushland with the sound of native birdsong setting the tone for a different type of relaxing experience. It’s little wonder locals and visitors enjoy the selection of thermal pools on the Mornington Peninsula as the perfect destinations to unwind. For centuries, cultures around the world have done the same, using water as a source for cleansing, relaxing and inspiration.

  Peninsula Hot Springs is a coastal oasis of wellbeing and health and the combination of water and minerals in the Springs offer plenty of benefits for your mind and body including detoxification, with the thermal hot spring water helping blood circulation and cell oxygenation; improving the body’s digestive and detoxifying capabilities; a reduction in pain for those with arthritis, injuries, muscle aches or joint stress; improved mood and better quality of sleep.   A blissful breather way from life’s bustle, Peninsula Hot Springs was founded in 1997 by brothers Charles and Richard Davidson who were inspired by the hot springs in Japan and wanted to offer something similar here. And at the very heart of their wellness principles is water. High in mineral content, the water at Peninsula Hot Springs comes straight from the earth’s core and is estimated to have been deep within the earth for more than 10,000 years.

  Peninsula Hot Springs also offers guests a range of spa treatments where they can cleanse, refresh, restore and balance their body through medium pressured relaxation massages, facials and body treatments. The team there recommends bathing in the geothermal Spa Dreaming Centre prior to any massage or facial treatment as it will assist with muscle relaxation, enhances skin nourishment and complements the physical benefits of your treatment. You will also feel completely relaxed having enjoyed some time to unwind in the outdoor natural environment where you can take in the beauty of the surrounding area. Interestingly, soaking in hot springs has a well established place in indigenous traditions, with indigenous tribes considering hot springs across the continent to be 'power spots' in nature. Native cultures have universally utilised mineral waters for healing, purification ceremonies, sacred gatherings and tribal meetings.

  Feeling hungry after floating for a few hours? Enjoy a ‘paddock to plate’ experience with their Discovery Tour & Nourish Workshop, where you can learn of the importance of local produce and general nutrition before morning tea or breakfast served in the unique glasshouse. The Spa Dreaming Centre is a blissful sanctuary with an emphasis on tranquil spaces, designed for guests 16 years and older. Relax in your robe and enjoy nourishing food which can be enjoyed in the Spa Dreaming Centre dining room, by the pool, or in our all weather Tea Tree Lounge.

  A short 15 minute drive away from InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, another sanctuary of calm and tranquility awaits. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa offers a world of wellness with warm geothermal pools, botanical pools and a cold plunge pool as well as sauna and steam rooms. Take your time wandering the paths of their native gardens as you explore the pools – for quiet reflection, social connection, or to simply enjoy the stillness. The Spa also offers luxurious full day self-care packages to half-day rituals and treatments, meaning you can indulge in a truely luxurious and pampered time while there.   With the restaurant Thyme offering semi-private dining, guests will enjoy networking and connecting over lunch or drinks. Thyme’s menu features fresh, healthy dishes served alongside excellent coffee, herbal tea blends, local cold-pressed juices and signature cocktails. The wine list highlights the Peninsula’s many local vineyards, distilleries, and breweries. Groups can also book at the beautiful setting of Alba Thermal Springs and Spa for incentives, small group activities, workshops and group experiences.

  Alba Thermal Springs and Spa has a range of beautiful candles, botanical teas, bath salts, lotions and oils that guests can purchase, meaning they can take a little piece of the wellness experience home with them.

  In addition to these spas, there are a number of other beauty focused spas on the Mornington Peninsula. Marlo Spa, inspired by India's ayurvedic ancient wisdom of healing and philosophy on wellness, offers therapeutic and relaxation massages, lymphatic drainage, abyanga (ayurvedic massage), scalp and padabyanga(foot massage). Facials include Omveda herbal facials and Biodroga anti-age facials as well as Medispa facials including glycolic peels, peptide facials, microdermabrasion, skin needling for collagen induction and Led Light therapy. The wonderful team also offer beauty services including manicures and pedicures.

  Those familiar with endota spa will be pleased to find it on the Peninsula, offering its well loved range of treatments from facials to massages and a range of beauty services. Located in a historical building constructed around 1800 in the township of Mornington, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some time to yourself or visit with a friend or partner.

  Whatever wellness experience you’re seeking, the Mornington Peninsula is an ideal region to start your healing and rejuvenation journey. Like tonic for your soul, time spent in a spa is the perfect way to slow the mind and strengthen the body.

If you're looking for a luxurious escape that will leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated, the Bathhouse Bliss Package at InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula is the perfect choice.  Whether you're in need of a romantic getaway, a solo trip to unwind, or a rejuvenating break with friends, this package is the perfect way to experience the best of the Mornington Peninsula. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity and book your Bathhouse Bliss Package at InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula today!