Overview
The Mornington Peninsula has quickly shaped up to become the ultimate relaxation destination for bathing enthusiasts and wellness fiends this summer. Already, we had the OG, Peninsula Hot Springs, followed a few months ago by stunning newcomer Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. And now, the region's scored another gem, with the final phase of the much-anticipated Aurora Spa & Bathhouse opening within the Continental Sorrento this week.
A new flagship for the award-winning Aurora Spa Group, the site is set to make a huge splash with this cutting-edge, 500-square-metre bathhouse — a luxe indoor wellness precinct boasting numerous mineral pools and one of the largest saunas in the southern hemisphere.
Inside, award-winning design studio Woods Bagot (W Melbourne, Barlow) has created a stylish coastal-inspired sanctuary filled with neutral tones, sandy terrazzo tile and oak panelling, aligning to their design notes in the adjacent hotel.
Offering a modern take on traditional bathing practices, Aurora is kitted out with a suite of state-of-the-art facilities and experiences for you to explore. Along with that Nordic-style sauna, you'll find features like an icy plunge pool, an aromatherapy steam room, the 36-degree sky-lit Daydream Pool, a reflexology pool and a suite dedicated to halotherapy — a treatment that involves breathing in salty air.
You can take a beat to revel in your newly rejuvenated state in the Centella Thermal Lounges, beneath a striking hand-sculpted copper art installation. And for a bracing, Finnish-style experience, hit the custom-designed Glacial Mist Room — a chamber that's dialled into between 6 and 10 degrees, and recreates the elements of wind, rain, mist and ice.
Meanwhile, the adjoining spa is offering treatments ranging from holistic facial therapies and massages, to algae body wraps and botanically-charged scrubs. And of course, you can mix and match spa offerings and bathing rituals to really maximise your bliss.
If you're after some guidance, Aurora has a suggested 10-step bathing ritual designed to optimise your time in the bathhouse, or you can luxuriate at your own leisure. Prices start from $95 for a 90-minute weekday visit.
Find the newly completed Aurora Spa & Bathhouse in The Continental Sorrento, 23 Constitution Hill Road, Sorrento. The bathhouse is open daily from 9am–9pm.
Images: Nikole Ramsay