Do the new sleep rooms at Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodge help?

Known for its tranquil springs, the new Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodge now offers a sanctuary for sleep. But did it help this restless sleeper find the ultimate night’s rest?

The Peninsula Hot Springs on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has long been a beloved escape for Melburnians, where therapeutic geothermal water invites visitors to unwind. While rest and rejuvenation have always been at the heart of the hot springs, the launch of the luxurious Eco Lodges this Saturday, November 9, brings a new emphasis on restorative sleep. I was invited to spend a weekend in the Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodge Peninsula Suite. As a notoriously poor sleeper, I was eager to see if this new sanctuary could genuinely deliver on its promise of restful sleep.

The quest for rest

Inside the new Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodge Spring Room — Guests can sink into luxurious linens or relax on the daybed.

We all know how essential quality sleep is. So much so that some hotels now market themselves as “sleep hotels", offering sleep-enhancing amenities once you’ve slipped into your PJs. But at Peninsula Hot Springs, my journey to restful sleep begins when I arrive. The Wellness Centre staff greet me warmly, their slow, soothing tone creating a subtle shift toward slowing down. Their calmness is contagious, and my usual brisk walk eases to an unhurried pace as I head to my suite.

Inside the sleep suite

Eco Lodge Peninsula Hot Springs lounge room — The spacious Peninsula Lodge boasts a lounge room, dining room, and kitchenette.

The suite has everything needed for a restorative getaway: a large master bedroom with windows that look out over wetlands, a well-appointed kitchen, comfy sofas and a private geothermal hot pool outside – a detail that thrills me. As someone who could happily soak in a bath all day if only the water didn’t go cold, having my own private hot pool feels like pure luxury. But will it help my sleep? I remain unconvinced.

The suite’s technology is tailored for rest, with features like circadian lighting that transitions from bright white by day to a warm evening glow, then dims to darkness for sleep. I appreciated the concept, even after accidentally overriding it. At the touch of an iPad, I can access a calming playlist, a Yin Yoga class, and breathwork guides to unwind.

Eco Lodge Peninsula Hot Springs bathroom — The bathroom features a double vanity and underfloor heating powered by geothermal water.

The concierge is available for an added luxury touch, and the wellness team suggests champagne and a cheese board, allowing me to relax by my private pool without needing to venture into the shared areas.

Of course, as anyone would expect, a thoughtfully curated sleep pack includes neuroscience-inspired tips to optimise rest. The pack offers a room spray, mineral magnesium mist, eye masks, organic sleep tea, and bath salts to help build a soothing pre-sleep routine. For light sleepers like me, earplugs are also tucked away in the bathroom drawers—a considerate touch.

The relaxation routine

Spa Dreaming Centre Restaurant at peninsula hot springs — Dining in a bathrobe is almost the best part.

I spend the afternoon drifting between my private sanctuary and the pools in the shared areas, all surrounded by Coastal Tea Trees, Moonah, and Drooping Sheoaks. A night in the Eco Lodge includes a choice of a wellness activity. I choose a Body Clay Ritual, where I paint detoxifying clays over my body, a playful yet grounding experience.

I dress for dinner at the Spa Dreaming Centre, and to my surprise, most guests are still in their bathers and bath robes —a humorous sight in such a refined restaurant. Next time, I’ll join them. My welcome pack in the suite encourages me to choose tryptophan-rich foods like chicken, salmon, or legumes, all known to promote better sleep. I chose the Nourish Bowl; roasted chicken, roasted, pureed, sautéed, and pickled vegetables – the perfect pre-sleep meal and absolutely delicious!

The evening wind-down experience

Eco Lodge Peninsula Hot Springs private hot springs pool — Bathe in your private geothermal pool until 11 pm (you may even be visited by the local ducks).

As the night settles, I eagerly await the moment of truth. Would the tranquillity of the Eco Lodge be enough to quiet my mind and deliver a good night’s sleep? There’d been mention of local frogs serenading guests all through the night, and as a light sleeper, I am worried the sounds of nature might be a bit loud. But they end up only being a gentle background hum. I hear no artificial sounds.

I am also a little concerned that my eagerness to try out all the in-suite wind-down experiences might leave me buzzing with excitement, but my worries are unfounded. After a whole afternoon of bathing, my mind naturally drifts toward rest. Following an after-dinner dip in my private pool, I have a soothing tea, listen briefly to a breathwork session, and switch off the lights.

It would be unreasonable to assume that, after years of waking through the night, I would suddenly sleep through. I do wake up a few times, but I notice a calm awareness rather than the usual busy mind. I easily drift back off to sleep.

Verdict: A dream come true?

eninsula Hot Springs hilltop pool — Soak in the geothermal waters, then return to your private Eco Lodge.

As a self-proclaimed shocking sleeper, the pressure to sleep well was real. Did the Eco Lodge live up to its promise? Yes, but not only in the traditional sense. In a world where sleep can feel like a luxury, this Mornington Peninsula weekend offered me something so much more – the rare gift of meaningful rest. It was a rest woven through every part of the experience, reaching far beyond just sleep itself. But yes, my sleep was wonderful, too!

Details

The Eco Lodges can be booked for groups or individuals.
Packages for two people include unlimited bathing, one wellness activity and breakfast starting at $930

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

I’m a bad sleeper! Do Peninsula Hot Springs’ new ‘sleep suites’ help?