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Asalty breeze is gently blowing off the bay; the morning sun glints off the

waves. I’m on my way to indulge in a relaxing Sunday at the Peninsula Hot Springs, which is tucked in the hills just behind Rye on Victoria’s popular Mornington Peninsula. But instead of the hour-plus drive southbound on the freeway from Melbourne, I’ve opted to take the scenic route there: a ferry trip from Queenscliff, on the Bellarine Peninsula, to Sorrento, on the Mornington Peninsula.

As we cruise along, two boys break the morning

SPRING TO LIFE Treat yourself by indulging in hot spring bathing and spa treatments on Victoria’s Mornington PeninsulaWORDS LUCY SIEBERT

quiet with excited yells – they’ve spotted two dolphins surfing alongside us. Soon, the dolphins are joined by the rest of their pod, who twist and turn, showing off for their delighted audience of early morning sailors. The chance to see these stunning creatures romping in the waves confirms my decision to swap the freeway for the ferry. In less than 45 minutes we’ve docked at Sorrento and I’m driving off, making it a convenient and fun way to travel from Geelong to the Mornington Peninsula.

It’s the ideal start to what turns out to be a

blissful day of pampering. On arrival at the Peninsula Hot Springs’ Spa Dreaming Centre, I’m greeted by friendly staff and handed a fluffy gown and towel. Next stop is bathing in the Spa Dreaming Centre, which

It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature

FROM TOP: Family time in the barrel pool, a private

bathing pavilion.

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Experience I SPA & WELLNESS

offers more privacy than the larger adjoining Bath House. For the ultimate experience, you can opt for private bathing.

The natural thermal hot springs, which are set among native greenery, are a wonderful way to connect with nature. I hop from hot pool to hot pool and take the plunge in the refreshing cold-water pool. I also enjoy simply hanging out in the swinging ‘egg’ chairs and rocking gently in the hammocks under a ceiling of native trees.

After 90 minutes of bathing bliss, I’m swept off to the Arabian Marquee for a rebalance treatment – a 60-minute full body massage and a 30-minute facial. The therapist starts by floating different natural oils past my nose – I connect with the relaxing

a platter of chickpea, quinoa and asparagus fritters, Korean salad and seared kangaroo fillet. By the time I’m done, I’m completely revived for the drive back to Melbourne.

The next day a friend remarks on how “fresh” I look. After a blissful experience like that, who wouldn’t?

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scent of the Synthesis Organics range, which is made in Byron Bay. By the time my therapist is done, my tired muscles and dehydrated skin feel entirely revived.

All that pampering is hungry work – good thing my next stop is the Spa Dreaming Centre Café. I tuck into a fresh Rejuvenator juice (pineapple, orange and watermelon) and sample

DOWN-TO-EARTHTry the Spa Dreaming Centre’s newest treatments with the Australian Earth Clay Collection, which can assist with relieving muscle pain and restoring skin vitality.

DID YOU KNOW?Winter is the ideal time to try the hot springs – warm up in the great outdoors!

Spa notes

Jetstar has great low fares to Melbourne from across

the network.

To book, visit JETSTAR.COM

Travel info

On cloud nine

All that pampering is hungry work

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Zen out in the Spa Dreaming Centre, breakfast in the café, pull up a pew in a hanging chair.

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Kasia SitarzSunwarrior Ambassador

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