It’s not every day I get to fine dine in bathers and a bath robe. Before having a night away from the hustle of Melbourne to head to Peninsula Hot Springs (PHS) brand new Eco Lodge accommodation, I called ahead to find out what to pack, and in particular, what is appropriate attire for ‘the restaurant’. Ready to throw in my high heels, a fancy dress and a bag full of make up for ‘date night’, on the phone I was politely told ‘you don’t need anything, just sandals to wear around the baths.’ ‘So, we have dinner in our swimmers?’ Yes- and we provide a robe… ‘ I was perplexed, amused and somewhat confused, but I followed the instructions.

The Arrival

As we drove up the long driveway with the natural foliage surrounds, exited the car, we were greeted to the sweet sounds of birds chirping, rays of sunshine beaming and an earthy calming vibe. Not in even 5 minutes after arrival, I’ve switched off and home is a distant memory, as I’m already engulfed in this journey. We are taken to our room, the brand-new addition to PHS of at the eco lodge. A pristine cabin of luxury mixed with rustic wholesomeness. The cabins, situated in the grounds of the property surrounded by nature, have a distinct smell of wooden panels, an immaculate dressed space and carefully constructed interior. It has a feel of indulgence whilst mindfully maintaining its modesty. T

Hotel Room – Eco Lodge no. 18

Entering our eco room, lodge number 18, the smaller ones of their newest accommodation but ideal room for couples, I hear soothing music playing in the background, feel the warmth from the hydronic floor heating and see a care pack on the bed titled ‘the ritual of sleep.’ I’m told that whist their glamping accommodation is designed to enjoy nature, these lodges are designed to support deep rest and relaxation. (Yes please) It’s only 3pm and it’s tempting to just lunge straight into that velvety linen, delicious grand bed, pull up the covers and call it a night, but after a look at my personalised itinerary I can see there are more exciting adventures await.

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FThe Vibe at the hotel surrounds – bathe at the Springs

I’d been to the hot springs before, so witnessing these stunning tranquil surrounds, and pool after pool of natural geothermal springs, wasn’t new. That didn’t however diminish repeating this mesmerising experience. As I immerse myself into the first hot spring of 38 degree heat, I hear the whistling sounds of trees swaying in the wind, watch the hot steam rise from the water and feel the thick silky minerals penetrate into my skin. A ‘hot pool’ is indeed hot and there’s a tingly sting, sort of like pins and needles feeling that creeps up my body. Been here it not, I could return a hundred times, this feeling never gets old.

Sitting and watch nature is captivating, and I realise I don’t do it enough. It’s like being part of a scene from David Edinburgh episode but instead of in a screen, it’s real life. A plump mother duck guards its sweet baby ducklings, a glistening lizard basks in the sun, pretty orange- white speckled butterflies softly fly by and a fluffy black rodent scurries across a pavement. It’s all so beautiful and perfectly unscripted.

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Dine and Bath – Spa Dreaming Centre

Fortunately, ‘getting ready for dinner’ doesn’t require going back to get all dolled up- just a walk up the serene path to the ‘Spa Dreaming Centre’ an adults only dining room serving wholesome nourishing food. Also, after a soothing day, offer delicious locally produced wines. It’s not a common experience to see diners, dressed in bathers and a towel, (not in a kinky way) but it’s actually quite wonderful. As I sit cosily in my robe, and sip a Mornington Pinot, I take a mindful moment to reflect on how outstanding this experience is.

As for the food, delicious SLOW (seasonal local organic wholesome) there’s so much to choose from. I opt for a nourish bowl and a side of sustainable fish. A giant rainbow of veggies arrives with a big fat juicy piece of succulently cooked barramundi, crisp skin, and fleshy meat. My partner (not so much ‘wholesome food’ inclined fan) still revels in delight with the chicken breast of Ras El Hanu spice. For a complete non health freak, he was quietly appeased and more also, when dessert arrived. Mildly put off by the title ‘chocolate and beetroot’ pudding, what actually came was a decadent rich gooey chocolatey delight. It was the first time we’ve had an argument over who gets the last bite of something that contains a vegetable.

And after the glorious feast, it was back to the baths.

Return to the room

It’s a bit confusing as to whether you’re meant to start your morning early, or stay up late, as the staff seem to boast both. Enthusiastically letting you know that the baths are open till 2 am, gives an indication that this is a late night place, but then they also suggest catching the sunrise from the hot springs and starting a morning walk at 6 am: It’s one of those first problems, where you don’t want to get FOMO either way, but also acutely aware that one of the main goals of the overnight stay is resting and rejuvenation. So, it’s about finding that perfect balance of partaking in everything as well as taking a still moment.

The Geothermal bath in the Eco Lodge room

When we returned late in the evening, I wanted to trial out the bath in the room. The first delightful staff member had talked up the bath so excitedly, informing us that it was natural geothermal Springwater from more than 637 m from below ground. She lightly mentioned that there might be a small smell from the sulphur, and this was not to be alarmed as it was purely natural. After running the bath for a few minutes, we realised why this featured in its own completely separate room. A pungent and over bearing smell permeated from the bath. I personally found it tolerable, particularly knowing that it was all part of the natural springs, and was very happy to still hop in, and enjoy the quietness. (as most women do, with flora and fauna we just deal and move on). My partner, on the other hand, not so. I’d be surprised if all of his rigorous yells, screams and profanity that came from his mouth about how obscene the smell was couldn’t be heard all the way from Melbourne. His reaction of boos and ahhs reminded me of what I could picture in a stinky teenage boys locker room, when someone let (a bad one) rip.

But the entire experience coupled together, made it quite amusing and whilst certainly not a romantic one, still a unique and hilarious memory to file in the bank forever.

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The Eco Lodge Interior design

The room however was quite stunning. After a long day it was calming to notice the small little touches. Soft pristine linen, and ornate yet simple bedframe, and whilst there was a touchpad screen where you could play music, order room service, and do a guided mediation, there was notably, no television. I appreciate that the intent of the experience is to enjoy the naturalness  and be present, rather than turn to technology for entertainment.

Sleep Quality

The main purpose of the Eco Lodge is to maximise sleep. The label on the Sleep pack provided was a description ‘we invite you to explore the neuroscience inspired tips for a deeper dreamier sleep.’  Inside, were tips on how to improve an enhanced sleep, magnesium salts for the bath, a mineral body body mist, a relaxing room spray and silky eye masks. It’s clear they had really thought of everything – except one. The pillows. I’m a big fan of small discrete soft pillows. So whilst the grand fluffy balloons which made the bed look ideal for a ‘luxury homes’ catalogue, they were no good for me. Being late at night, we tried to call the ‘afterhours’ line to request a replacement pillow – but unfortunately the line just rang out. (insert sad face emoji). So, instead, I had to make my own makeshift pillow using a folded up clean towel. When I did drift off into my shut eye, it was glorious, (yet all the while thinking could have been enhanced by a simple pillow swap).

Next day – Wellness Activities – Body Clay ritual

After a night sleep, it was time to return to the Spa Dreaming Centre for brekky. Once again, same attire, bathers and dressing robe, we headed to the restaurant where a coffee and delicious wholesome hearty buffet awaited. A few hot springs later was time to head to our chosen wellness activity which was Body Clay Ritual. Four different types of Australian clay, each denoting a different mineral and skin benefit and enjoy the earths energy were put on a pallet. And then it was up to us to create our own Picassos, where your partner was your canvas. Some groups had some real artistic talents out there, with swirls, shapes, and intricate drawings, on all body parts. We were a clear winner for the sloppiest, ungraceful works of art, with all of the colours slathered on, and no particular strategy or method.

After being fully covered from head toe, looking like an ideal candidate for a scary Halloween party, we saw some onlookers walk past in amusing dismay. Thankfully however, this entire place is not one that you could ever feel embarrassment, so as peculiar as we looked, we just owned it.

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The Verdict

What are we addicted to? Looking back, in just 24 hours, we managed to experience such a broad range of exciting and beautiful adventures. We ate, drank, bathed, relaxed, meditated, stretched, slept, painted, indulged, and the main thing is laughed. If you’re looking for an experience that captures the mind, body and spirit, a night at the echo Lodge in PHS is the perfect place.

What we need to be more addicted?:  A selection of different shaped pillows ! (and an after hours number that works).

Peninsula Hot Springs – 140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939
Monday – Friday 7am – 11pm, Saturday -Sunday – 5am – 11pm