Alba Thermal Springs & Spa Is the Mornington Peninsula's Idyllic New Wellness Destination

Victoria's never been short on premium spa and hot springs offerings, but this summer, we're more spoilt than ever before. Not only has the long-awaited Metung Hot Springs opened its doors, but on the Mornington Peninsula, wellness-seekers have been flocking for a first taste of the just-launched Alba Thermal Springs & Spa.

Located on 15 tranquil, rolling bushland hectares in the heart of Fingal, this modern wellness sanctuary has been years in the making. And it's a certified stunner; from the majestic main spa building with its grand curves, to the thermal baths nestled throughout the grounds.

But before you start snapping some pics, take a beat — phones are discouraged on the property, simply so that you're able to sink right into the Alba experience, untethered.

If bathing is on the agenda, you'll find 31 idyllic pools to hop between, each one built for a different purpose and carefully integrated into its own immediate landscape, right down to the choice of native flora surrounding it.

Forming a trail down the hill known as The Hemisphere, they range from the secluded to the more social; with everything from botanical-infused baths to icy plunge pools. One might feel like you're stepping into an Ancient Roman bath, while another envelops you with high walls carving out your own private view of the skies above. A steam room and sauna sit up here, too.

Back down in the main building, the onsite spa is a serene and oh-so-stylish escape, complete with 22 treatment rooms and a zen relaxation lounge where you can kick back on a daybed in that post-pamper glow. The spa offers a hefty range of facial and body treatments, built around both Vanessa Megan's award-winning Aussie-made nutraceutical products and Aika Wellness Ayurvedic skincare. There's also a Vichy shower, a steam room, and a dedicated manicure and pedicure suite.

Only building on how good you're guaranteed to feel after a bathing session or massage here, is the onsite restaurant Thyme helmed by renowned chef Karen Martini. A lofty indoor-outdoor space overlooking the pools, it's an all-day affair, championing local produce via a menu filled with plates designed to both satisfy and nourish.

Expect bites like house-cured ocean trout gravlax teamed with an egg, creme fraiche and caviar pearls; Skull Island prawn toasts done with wasabi mayo and yuzu; and a red rice bowl loaded with cured tuna, kimchi and a shiitake wakame pickle. Meanwhile, the crumbed fish sandwich with nori tartare and shiso is a nod to a Martini favourite.

There's a drinks list brimming with Peninsula-crafted goodies if you fancy a tipple, too. And the best part? Since Thyme is currently only open to bathing and spa guests, you can totally wander in wearing your fluffy white robe and no one will blink an eye.

Find Alba Thermal Springs & Spa at 282 Browns Road, Fingal. The springs are open daily from 7am–10pm, with different hours for the restaurant and the spa.

Images: Chris McConville