Take a break with these tranquil spas and wellness centres in Victoria

Despite being only one hour’s drive from Melbourne, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a whole new blissed out world when you roll up to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa. The whole retreat has been meticulously curated to evoke calm from the moment you enter through its curved, concrete entranceway with a moat-like water feature. 

There are an impressive 31 thermal pools dotted around the undulating landscape, including geothermal pools, herbal-infused botanical pools, invigorating rain pools and cold plunge pools for the daring. This contemporary bathing space is also home to Thyme, a 120-seat restaurant focussed on locally sourced seasonal produce. Here's what else you can do while you're on the Mornington Peninsula.

This all-weather mineral bathing house is nestled within the chic walls of the Continental Sorrento (aka ‘the Conti’), but there’s still an abundance of open space at Aurora Spa and Bathhouse. The 1,000 square metre wellness space celebrates old-school bathing traditions with a modern twist, including hydrotherapy pools, sensory showers and an aromatherapy steam room. Turn things up a notch with a salt treatment in the halotherapy suite, or unwind in the glacial mist chamber. Your experience wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the star of the show, one of the largest saunas in the southern hemisphere (and a timber-lined Nordic one at that). 

If you like the sound of sinking into your own individual bathing barrel overlooking the Gippsland Lakes, then Metung Hot Springs could be the wellness destination of your dreams. This 10-hectare geothermal hot spring site was chosen for its natural warmth and awe-inspiring views. Kick back in the day spa for a luxurious treatment, or stay active with a nature walk around the grounds. You can also enjoy a massaging thermal shower or a reflexology walk to help you decompress. 

Don’t leave without visiting the hilltop escarpment, a tranquil communal bathing experience with the best views of Lake King. If you’ve got the time, stick around to enjoy the stargazing pool, then settle down for the night in one of the premium glamping tents. While you're in the area, you can also check out the best natural wonders in Gippsland.

What better way to enhance your trip to the Great Ocean Road region than with a stint at Warrnambool’s Deep Blue Hot Springs. This open-air sanctuary sends you on a curated yet self-guided journey through rock pools, caves and cleansing waterfalls. The pools harness the natural geothermal waters of the Dilwyn Aquifer, which spans 850 metres below ground and a natural temperature of 36-42 degrees in its depths. The presence of natural minerals like sulphur, silica and selenium promises to help soothe your muscles and invigorate your circulatory system. 

Enter the Nourish Dome between dips for restorative food and beverages, or sit on the basalt basking stones in the garden. There’s even a special foot spa with heated seating and bubbling jets. The springs also stay open for special adults-only twilight sessions complete with colour therapy lighting. Fill out your trip with more things to do in the Great Ocean Road region.

Down the opposite end of the Great Ocean Road you’ll find Indie Spa, tucked away inside the brightly decorated Sunnymead Hotel in Aireys Inlet. This is a day spa and bathhouse with a difference, because Indie Spa likes to put their signature sunny style into everything they do. You’ll still experience traditional bathing and spa treatments, just in an environment that’s a little more colourful and fun.

Whether you like to sip, soak or steam, there’s plenty to enjoy at this relaxing haven designed for couples and groups. Hop into one of the private treatment rooms for a facial, or try the rasul, a special treatment where the body is covered in mud. End your visit with a Vichy shower and let the alternating hot and cold wash away the tension.

Situated in a picturesque corner of Victoria, the Benev is a slow living wellness retreat which offers accommodation and an onsite spa. Simple luxury is the focus at the Benev, with a diverse catalogue of slow, relaxed treatments on offer to help nourish your inner and outer self. Whether you book in for a Murray River salt scrub followed by an immersion, a three hour facial package, or some LED light therapy, you’re sure to have a spirit-lifting experience at the Benev. 

The ‘slow down’ massage treatment is a popular pick designed to breathe new life into tired bodies. This lavish 90-minute experience combines touch, heat and brush massage for a holistic experience.

Hundreds of years ago, ryokans were a place for samurai warriors to rest. These days, you only need to go as far as Hepburn Springs to experience the magic of one of these traditional Japanese spring-side inns for yourself. 

Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa and Wellness Retreat is an award-winning hideaway just 75 minutes from Melbourne. As you enter this quiet, peaceful space you’ll notice traditional Japanese elements such as tatami mats, bonsai and a Zen rock garden. The wellness centre offers introductions to the Japanese bathing ritual, massages and reflexology. You can also book yoga and meditation classes, or stay for an omakase banquet at the in-house restaurant.