AusLeisure

Mornington Peninsula based spa and bath house destination Peninsula Hot Springs has announced plans to add 16 new pools – growing its total to 57 – plus a mud area, an ice cave, a large group sauna and an amphitheatre for entertainment and education.

Planning to add eight new pools by the end of this year and another eight in 2017, the development will also include the addition of overnight accommodation and marketing efforts to create an official ‘hot springs region’ in Victoria.

The owners have also recently purchased a 65% stake in the Maruia Springs Thermal Resort on New Zealand’s South Island.

Opened in 2005, Peninsula Hot Springs’ bathing experiences currently include the Bath House, open to groups of friends and families, which features more than 20 globally-inspired experiences, including a cave pool, reflexology walk, Turkish hammam, sauna, cold plunge pools, family bathing area, massaging thermal mineral showers and hilltop pool with 360-degree views of the region.

The Spa Dreaming Centre is reserved for guests aged 16 and over, with an emphasis on tranquil spaces, private pools and spa treatments, including Australian Aboriginal-inspired kodo full-body massages and facials, mud and salt wraps and ancient healing stone experiences.

Owner Charles Davidson explains “the emphasis of Peninsula Hot Springs is on relaxation and wellbeing for all the community.

“We want guests to relax in the natural environment and with each other.”

The company also has a long term plan to offer 126 bedrooms designed by Australian architect Gregory Burgess. To be introduced in stages, the additional accommodation will be provided with the aim of expanding its current one-day wellness-related programs with weekend and week-long retreats.

General Manager Brook Ramage, founder of Golden Door Australia, joined the team about six months ago, and will help create the retreat programming.

Welcoming his appointment, Davidson stated “Brook has an incredible amount of knowledge and experience in the wellness industry, particularly with wellness retreats.

“He brings that knowledge to the hot springs industry that will help raise the bar of wellness, bringing the best of health and wellness retreats to the natural health-giving powers of thermal mineral waters.”

Davidson is also working with several groups in the area that are interested in promoting thermal facilities as the Mornington Peninsula hot springs region, similar to the Rotorua hot springs district in New Zealand, where Davidson was involved with the master planning.

Davidson added “the concept in Rotorua and in our region is to offer the full range of hot springs offerings that will help deliver an experience for all customer groups.”

Such groups include those seeking hot springs for entertainment and fun, such as a water park; hot springs for relaxation, health and wellbeing, similar to what Peninsula has on offer; and hot springs facilities for health care and rehabilitation. 

Images: Peninsula Hot Springs' Hilltop pools (top) and Gully pools (below).

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