Peninsula Hot Springs integrates seamlessly with its natural landscape, surrounded by tea-trees and sheoaks. Photo / Alarna O’Connell
Peninsula Hot Springs integrates seamlessly with its natural landscape, surrounded by tea-trees and sheoaks. Photo / Alarna O’Connell
With adult-only lodges and holistic wellness, Australia’s Peninsula Hot Springs offers a luxurious escape that might outshine New Zealand’s own hot springs, writes Kellie Floyd
When you picture Australia, water is never far from mind: crashing waves, rainforest waterfalls or the mirror-like stillness of a quiet bay. But on the Mornington Peninsula, just 90 minutes from Melbourne, a different kind of water tells its own uniquely Australian story. Drawn from 600 metres underground, natural thermal springs form the heart of Peninsula Hot Springs — a place to unwind, recharge, and immerse yourself in nature’s quiet luxury.
For years, visitors have treated the hot springs as a prelude to a relaxing coastal weekend. A morning soak sets the tone for a romantic escape or time away with friends. But with the launch of the new sleep-focused Eco Lodge (open since early November), the experience is no longer just the opening act, it’s the main event. Now, it’s a destination where you arrive and stay.
Arriving for my weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation, I’m ready to leave structure and schedules behind. Winding pathways meander through the property, encouraging you to linger a little longer rather than rushing from point A to point B.
Peninsula Hot Springs’ thermal water is drawn from 600 metres underground. Photo / Supplied
After slipping into my bathers and wrapping myself in the white fluffy bathrobe provided by the retreat, I find dozens of pools to explore. I start in pools beneath a natural tree canopy. The contrast is blissful—my skin is cocooned in soothing warmth while a cool breeze brushes against my face and shoulders. From there, I wander to cave pools, into Turkish- and Japanese-inspired baths, an Amphitheatre pool, a reflexology walk-through, and I even try out a tiny pool just large enough for my hands. I slip very easily into a rhythm of relaxation.
There are many bathing experiences on-site, including Japanese-inspired baths and reflexology walks. Photo / Supplied
I pick up a few leaves that drift by as I soak in one of the pools; it’s a gentle reminder that I’m not just observing nature — I’m immersed in it. This is what sets Peninsula Hot Springs apart: its seamless integration with the natural landscape. Instead of sleek concrete pools and manicured lawns often associated with luxury, the pools here feel like they’ve emerged from the earth, weaving through tea-trees, moonahs and sheoaks. Luxury here means something deeper — not just immersion in the water, but in the raw, wild beauty of the coast.
I eventually make my way to the hilltop pool, the pinnacle of the retreat. Perched high above the landscape, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastal scrubland. Around me, couples share whispers, groups of friends laugh, and families compare who has the wrinkliest hands — there’s an exclusive 16+ area also.
Peninsula Hot Springs - Bath House - Bathing Gully. Photo / Supplied
My package includes a wellness activity, and I opt for the Body Clay Ritual. For 45 minutes, I dive in with both paintbrushes and my hands, smearing detoxifying clays on to my skin, following instructions about which clays are best for my face, body, and the rougher patches like elbows and knees. My creative designs are entirely up to me, and soon my group embraces playful, light-hearted laughter. As the clay dries in the sun, my arms and legs become a patchwork of earthy colours and by the time we rinse off, my skin feels softer and renewed.
The retreat’s Body Clay Ritual uses detoxifying clays to rejuvenate the skin and spark creativity. Photo / Supplied
Tonight, I sleep in the Peninsula Suite, the premier suite in the new luxe, adults-only Eco Lodges—a sanctuary designed for a deeper, dreamier rest. Everything about these rooms feels purposeful, from the hue of the lighting that mimics circadian rhythm to the customisable climate controls and the sleep-better pack complete with sleep mist, magnesium bath salts, herbal tea and a silky eye mask. With underfloor heating and overhead fans, the suite’s temperature is tailored to support optimal sleep. Even the entertainment options are thoughtfully designed to enhance relaxation. Forget TVs or sound systems for blasting tunes: instead, a curated playlist, a soothing Yin Yoga session, and guided breathwork are just a tap away on the in-suite iPad. And there’s the highlight: a private outdoor thermal pool, heated to between 36C and 42C, inviting me to soak under the stars at my leisure.
The new adults-only Eco Lodges are designed to promote optimal sleep, with circadian lighting and sleep-focused amenities. Photo / Alarna O’Connell
Before I retreat for the night, I head to the spa’s Dreaming Centre for dinner. I dress in linen pants and a shirt, but it quickly becomes clear the dress code is as relaxed as the guests; most are still wrapped in their fluffy white bathrobes. My welcome pack in the Eco Lodge suggests choosing tryptophan-rich foods, such as chicken, salmon or legumes, which are known to promote better sleep quality. With this in mind, I opt for the delicious Nourish Bowl, a mix of puréed, sautéed and roasted vegetables paired with Ras el hanout spiced chicken.
Soak, dine and sleep in style at Australian luxury wellness destination, Peninsula Hot Springs. Photo / Supplied
I return to my suite full and content, where my private pool is waiting for one last soak and the gentle glow of circadian lighting promises a restful, restorative night. Here, every detail works together to create an indulgent experience — a place where spa culture meets luxury and delivers genuine rest and rejuvenation.
Fly direct from Auckland to Melbourne with Air New Zealand. Peninsula Hot Springs is located in Fingal on the Mornington Peninsula, a 90-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD.
DETAILS
Bathing starts from NZ$62
A range of bathing, day spa and accommodation options are available, from half-day visits to overnight stays.
Eco Lodge overnight packages for two people, including unlimited bathing, one wellness activity and breakfast, start at NZ$1035 (A$930).
