The Mornington Peninsula’s newest bathhouse just became a complete wellness destination with the addition of The Sanctuary.
It’s a quiet luxury mood board come to life. That’s my first thought when I enter the brand-new villa. It’s one of five perched at the highest point of the 15-hectare property that’s also home to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa. I remember meeting Kadi Morrisson, Alba’s Director of Sales & Marketing, at an industry event in 2024 as she excitedly revealed the renders of what was to become the luxury accommodation I’m now standing in. I can see that her excitement was completely warranted. This retreat is something special.
If you thought Alba Thermal Springs & Spa couldn't get any better, think again. The Mornington Peninsula's new bathhouse just became a complete wellness destination with the addition of The Sanctuary, its luxurious onsite stay.
Location
The Sanctuary is located in the seaside town of Fingal on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Supplied)
Tucked away on an idyllic seaside pocket of land in the Mornington Peninsula, The Sanctuary accommodation is the newest addition to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a 15-hectare bathhouse and wellness sanctuary fed by the region’s underground mineral springs. The seaside town of Sorrento, as well as world-class restaurants, wineries and pristine beaches, is all minutes away. It’s also an easy 90-minute drive south from Melbourne Airport, making it within reach of an interstate wellness weekend getaway.
Rooms and villas
The villas are set on the highest point of the property affording guests views of the native bushland and bay from the bath. (Image: Katie Carlin)
Bath salts are provided. (Image: Katie Carlin)
The bathroom is stocked with Aesop amenities.
Inside the Villa, guests will find a king bed with lounge and dining areas. (Image: Supplied)
The fireplace is set by the concierge each day. (Image: Katie Carlin)
The villas have different configurations. (Image: Supplied)
The villa bar is fully stocked with mostly all-inclusive drinks and snacks. (Image: Supplied)
Make use of the provided yoga mats. (Image: Supplied)
The Sanctuary’s five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025. I’m staying in one of three villas that feature an en suite with an oversized stone bathtub set in front of a floor-to-ceiling glass wall (villas 1-3 only). It means I’m treated to expansive views of the bay and native bushland while soaking in Alba’s signature bath salts – a blend of native Australian botanicals, moisturising oils and mineral-rich salts. Aesop amenities are also supplied in the shower and bathroom.
Glass doors open onto a private deck from the en suite and bedroom; the perfect place to sit with a cheese board and wine at the end of the day to watch the sunset or to stargaze come nightfall. And if you’re feeling in the mood for a stretch come morning, make use of the provided yoga mats and salute the sun at daybreak.
My second-favourite addition (after the bath) is the indoor log fireplace that is set of an evening by the concierge (they can be called to add another log before 10pm as needed). Listening to the crackle of the fire from the comfort of the king bed makes drifting off to sleep a breeze.
Find wine from 10 Minutes by Tractor in the villa’s bar. (Image: Supplied)
The extensive all-inclusive (minus champagne, cocktails and spirits) mini bar champions local businesses with wine from Ten Minutes by Tractor, St Andrews Beach Brewery beer, Peninsula Cold Press Juice Co. and Alba’s Signature tea. Snacks include Chappy’s kettle cooked chips, Choca Mama peanut brittle, pretzels and nude nuts. As well as still and sparkling water and T2 tea. An Illy coffee machine and pods are also included.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Style and character
Local design studio KWD in Mt Martha crafted the interiors from a soothing palette of muted hues – think every shade of cream imaginable. I’m greeted by soft afternoon light leaking through the chiffon curtains; it makes me feel like I’m sinking into a cafe latte-inspired dream. With accents of wood and black metal, as well as exquisite design details like the subtle silver sheath covering the bedside lights, this is understated luxury at its best. I never want to leave.
Facilities
Undoubtedly, one of the major drawcards of a stay at The Sanctuary is inclusive access to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa for each day of your stay, plus you get to enjoy one upgrade to a private pool (The Terrace, The Clouds or The Salts). Concierge transfers via buggy between your villa and the springs are also available – but it’s an easy walk if you don’t mind the hill up to the villas.
Alba Thermal Springs and Spa
The Terrace is one of the private pools at Alba that guests get access to once during their stay. (Image: Supplied)
Opening in 2024, Alba’s pools and landscape architecture were designed by MALA Studio. The team transformed the expansive property into six regions through the thoughtful curation of over 60,000 native and endemic plants.
There are 34 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and herbal-infused botanical, that range in temperature and design – some to create a feeling of seclusion, while others invite social connection – all fed by natural geothermal mineral waters that flow from 550 metres below ground. I gravitate towards The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. I leave my robe at the entrance, slip into the sunken geothermal pool and immediately feel the tension from my travels melting away.
Inside, Alba has 22 spa treatment rooms, including a steam room, Vichy shower, and single or double massage rooms with a spa menu designed to renew, repair and recalibrate guests. The wristband that acts as a key to your villa also gives you access to the change room and bathhouse – just speak to reception on arrival. In addition to lockers and showers, the change rooms also feature a clever swimsuit drying spinner – I find this makes for a more comfortable dining experience (more on that below) in your robe minus wet swimmers.
Thyme Restaurant
Breakfast at Thyme by the springs is included. (Image: Katie Carlin)
Breakfast is included at the in-house restaurant Thyme throughout your stay. I opt for yoghurt panna cotta with toasted house granola topped with local honeycomb, fermented blueberries and berries. But I admit to having FOMO when I see my husband’s choice of poached eggs, Adelaide Hills bacon, layered thyme potato with roasted mushroom and fresh sourdough arrive at the table. Barista-made Little Rebel coffee, smoothies and cold-pressed juices, as well as tea, are also included.
The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the springs. It’s strongly encouraged to dine in the provided robe, which means you can easily go from soaking in the pool to dining and back again without needing to change.
Both The Sanctuary breakfast menu and The House menu for lunch and dinner were created by award-winning chef Karen Martini, with head chef Mario Di Natale at the helm. Expect fresh, healthy and flavour-driven dishes made with sustainability in mind. For dinner, my husband and I ordered the tuna crudo, scallop and prawn wontons for entrées and roasted cod and sake-braised beef short rib for mains to share with seasonal greens.
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
Does The Sanctuary have access for guests with disabilities?
The pools at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa are designed to welcome all guests, and a full accessible studio is part of The Sanctuary.
Is The Sanctuary family-friendly?
Guests of all ages are welcome at The Sanctuary, and rollaway beds or cots can be provided upon request. The springs require adult supervision for children aged under 16, and the private pools and spa are reserved for visitors aged 16 and over only. However, I didn’t see any children during my visit.
Details
Best for: A romantic retreat or indulgent girls’ weekend away
Address: 282 Browns Rd, Fingal, Victoria
Room rate: Prices start at $1300 per night for two guests in a Villa with bath, $1150 for Villa without bath.
Tips for visiting Alba Thermal Springs and Spa:
1. Pack waterproof footwear so you don’t have to walk on the cold paths barefoot (plus, footwear is required inside the restaurant).
2. Phones and smartwatches are not permitted – leave them in your locker or room.
3. The minerals in the water can cause jewellery to tarnish; lock them away in the in-room safe.
4. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at the drinking fountains – you will dehydrate quickly in the pools and saunas.
Katie Carlin is Australian Traveller's Head of Content and when she’s not travelling or behind her computer, she’s hosting a dinner party (likely cooking an Alison Roman recipe), at brunch, working on extending her running k’s, or has her nose buried in a book.
She joined Australian Traveller in 2018 and is responsible for leading the editorial team across print, digital, social, email and native content. Her job is to make sure we create content that connects readers to incredible experiences in Australia and beyond. In addition to sharing her expertise on travel through industry speaking engagements, Katie appears onToday, A Current Affair and various radio segments.
With a BA in Communications majoring in Journalism and a career that has spanned roles at Fairfax Media and Are Media writing for titles such as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and various lifestyle brands, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her most impactful trip to date has been swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef. For her next trip she is longing to experience the romance of train travel – hopefully on The Ghan or Indian Pacific.
There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.
Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).
But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.
If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.
Where to eat
Treat your taste buds to Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)
From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe. This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.
Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy, a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards, where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford, Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.
By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.
And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.
Things to do outdoors
Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.
The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.
While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.
Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.
For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.
The arts and culture scene
Take in the displays at TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.
The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.
Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.
On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat. This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.
Stay at a local retreat
Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.
No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.
Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.
And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.
