a story of Peninsula Hot Springs shared by guest Emily

Emily is a vegan primary school teacher who lives in the countryside with her eight-year-old daughter, April. She’s also been one of Peninsula Hot Springs’ most regular visitors since we opened 20 years ago.

Emily describes herself as loving being in nature and away from the city – which is one of the many reasons she drives an hour and a half to soak in geothermal pools surrounded by trees. April is also a big fan of Peninsula Hot Springs, and the pair usually visit together. “My daughter and I have been there before and thought, ‘We’d like to live here!’” says Emily. We spoke to Emily about why Peninsula Hot Springs is so special to her, and discuss how bathing has become one of her favourite wellness rituals.

Can you tell us about your first visit to Peninsula Hot Springs and what brought you here?

It wasn’t too long after you opened. I was interested in hot springs and my dad was also interested because we’d been to some in the United States, so it was really exciting that there were some opening in Victoria. I liked that they use natural mineral water: it’s good for you, it’s relaxing, it’s nice.

I loved particularly the surface on the pools, how natural it is. Some of the ones that we went to in the US looked like standard, man-made pools. So I really particularly love the natural rock on the pools at Peninsula Hot Springs, and all the trees around. It has a really lovely, natural feel.

When is your favourite time to visit?

I love to visit all through the year – no matter the season. It’s nice in winter because it’s so cold outside, but it’s also nice in the warmer weather because you can be half or partly in the pools, or sit around on hammocks.

Have you celebrated anything special at Peninsula Hot Springs?

We’ve celebrated Christmas, birthdays – and just because we like to come.

We’ve had at least two Christmases at Peninsula Hot Springs. I love the fact that some people are cooking in their kitchen and I'm having my food made for me! It’s my perfect Christmas.

How would you describe the experience of immersing yourself in a hot spring?

Relaxing, healing, comforting.

What's your favourite activity, experience or ritual at Peninsula Hot Springs?

My daughter, April, loves the swirly whirly one that overlooks the lake, with the spa jets (the Watsu Pool). I like going in the steam room and the sauna.

We love to visit the cafe every time. It’s been a favourite over the years.

Another area that we really love, that we only discovered recently, is the Moroccan Pavilion. It’s amazing inside.

Why do you think Peninsula Hot Springs is so beloved?

It’s a really beautiful place. You’re bathing in natural water. It’s family-friendly. There’s no other place that compares to it. The atmosphere, the lake, the seats, the hammocks.

What does Peninsula Hot Springs mean to you personally?

It’s my favourite place to come. It’s a place to relax. Being there is just the perfect escape.

What does your typical visit look like?

We spend about six or seven hours. We like to get there at 7.30 or 8am and have breakfast. Then we get changed, which is always in the new changerooms now because my daughter loves it in there. We spend some time in the pools before having lunch quite early in the Amphitheatre cafe. After that we normally go to the outdoor gym, and then into the pools some more. We have our favourites we go to each time – the cave pool, the Watsu pool.

My daughter often sleeps in the car on the way home. She loves the social aspect of the hot springs as well as the water. She’s always chatting to people. She loves the hot springs as much as I do. I’m excited for when she’s old enough to go into the Spa Dreaming Centre.

What additions to Peninsula Hot Springs have been some of your favourites?

We like the new addition of the gyms, the balancing beam and the monkey bars. My daughter likes to do chin-ups.

The Sensory Dome is a nice, cosy place to be. April has fallen asleep in there: it’s so comfy with the bean bags. A lot of nice additions have happened over the years, including more hammocks.

What would you say to someone who's never been to Peninsula Hot Springs?

It’s my favourite place to go. If you haven’t been, I really recommend it. It is incomparable, and that’s why I come from so far away. It’s 100 percent beautiful: everything has a nice, natural, beautiful touch.

Also, the customer service is friendly. Entering the reception area is always a great start to our day; they’re over-the-top friendly with me and my daughter. Di always remembers us.

Learn where we began as we celebrate 20 Year of Peninsula Hot Springs.