a story of Peninsula Hot Springs shared by guest Sasha

Sasha currently works in customer service for a local council, but she spent many years working in Melbourne’s tourism industry, and before that she was travelling the world working on international cruise ships

Having explored some of the most incredible international destinations, Sasha names Peninsula Hot Springs as one of her absolute favourite venues, worldwide. We spoke to Sasha about why Peninsula Hot Springs has such a special place in her heart.

Can you tell us about your first visit to Peninsula Hot Springs and your first impressions?

I can’t really remember when I first visited. I feel like visiting the Peninsula Hot Springs has always been in my life because it’s such a huge part of my self-care. But if I cast my mind back, my first visit was probably around 2008 and my first impressions were probably to do with the opportunity the Springs gave me to be totally immersed in nature and completely switch off and relax.

When is your favourite time to visit?

My favourite time of year to visit the Springs is Winter. There’s nothing like being immersed in a hot pool when the air is cold and the rain is falling. I always try and plan my visits when rain is forecast and spend time in a pool where there is a ledge I can lie on, so half of my body is in the hot water and the other half is getting rained on – a true sensory experience. Once, I had been at the Springs for about five hours and I was already in the changerooms getting ready to go home, but it started raining so I put my bathers back on and went back into the pools. Which shows how much I love being in the pools while it’s cold and raining.

My favourite time of day to go to the Springs is first thing in the morning. I usually try and arrive about 7am when the pools are quieter and the air is cooler. Although going in the evening is also beautiful - especially being in the pool next to the cave and gazing up at the tree full of fairy lights - just magical.

Have you celebrated anything special at Peninsula Hot Springs?

I have celebrated many things at the Peninsula Hot Springs. It’s usually the first place I think of when I want to celebrate something, and the first place I’ll suggest to other people who want to celebrate something with me. But specifically - whenever I want to celebrate something for myself, by myself, the Hot Springs is where I come.

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

There is absolutely nothing like sinking into a hot spring at Peninsula Hot Springs; especially the very first one of the visit. It’s like you’re being enveloped in a delicious, warm hug. It’s instant relaxation. It’s letting out a big breath and letting go of all the stress. And it’s not just any hot spring facility. I’ve been to other hot springs, but they don’t give me the same feeling as I get from Peninsula Hot Springs. I think it’s something to do with being surrounded by nature while being in the hot springs. And the way the Springs have been designed, the tiles used, the paths, the landscaping – it all adds to the feeling. It’s the entire package, not only the warm, mineral water.

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

I love alternating between the outdoor massaging showers and the cold plunge pool a few times in succession. It doesn’t feel like a proper visit unless I do that. It’s so refreshing.

I also love lying in the Amphitheatre pools on my back with my ears under the water, cloud gazing while listening to the music that is piped into the water through the underwater speakers. It was a surprise the first time I discovered the underwater music, and I’ve told so many people about it. I feel like it’s a little secret that not many people know about.

Why do you think Peninsula Hot Springs is so beloved?

For me, visiting the Hot Springs is guaranteed to relax and refresh me. It’s impossible to have a bad visit. I love the immersion in nature, the opportunity to completely switch off and relax, and the chance to be in community with other people doing the same thing. I also greatly appreciate that I can stay as long as I like – I can make a day of it if I want to. I can get in and out of pools, have lunch, read my book on a hammock, get back in a pool, sit on the sundeck. There are not many places that will let you stay as long as you want, and I really appreciate it. It's probably why so many others love it too.

What does Peninsula Hot Springs mean to you personally?

It’s almost impossible for me to describe what the Peninsula Hot Springs means to me. It’s my place. It’s where I go when I want to relax, when I want to celebrate, when I need time to myself, when I need time in nature, when I want to get away, when I need to de-stress. When I don’t have much money to go on holiday, I know I can go to the hot springs for the day and it will be a mini holiday.

It’s how I keep stress and pressure in my life in check – by regularly bathing at the Springs and giving myself that time out. It’s not enough to say that I love coming to Peninsula Hot Springs. It somehow does not convey what I feel about the place. It means so much to me.

What does your typical visit look like?

I mostly come alone – although I’ll occasionally bring people if they haven’t ever been and I feel like they should know about it, or if I have a friend visiting from overseas. I’ll typically book the Bath House although maybe once a year I’ll come to the Spa Dreaming Centre.

Mostly often I’ll arrive at 7am and stay until about 2pm or 3pm. Sometimes I’ll start in the deep water exercise pool and do some stretching there before moving into other pools. I’ll always spend some time in the Amphitheatre pools. In general, I don’t move around too much. I tend to pick a pool and stay in it for a while. At some point during my visit I’ll spend some time in a pool that has a large ledge so I can stretch out, lie down and gaze at the clouds while still being in the water. And I’ll always spend some time doing my massaging shower/cold plunge ritual. I’ll always have lunch – either in one of the cafes, or sometimes I will bring a packed lunch and eat it on the sun deck or in the picnic area while reading my book. If I’ve booked the Spa Dreaming centre, I’ll spend some time in the infrared sauna.

When it’s time to leave, I’ll head to the Ampitheatre changerooms and have a nice shower, before getting dressed and heading home.

Why do you keep coming back?

I love it. It is the only place that I can completely switch off and relax. It’s an important part of my self care.

Have you had any memorable moments here that stand out?

Experiencing Lior perform in the Glasshouse at the Food Bowl was magical. The combination of Lior’s acoustic set with the venue and the ambience was indescribable. And to then top it off with moonlight bathing was an experience I will never forget.

In 2020 during the height of Covid, I arrived at 7am the day the big Melbourne lockdown was lifted and I was finally able to travel more than 5 kilometres. I was one of only two people at the Springs at 7am. I had the Hilltop pool to myself for ages. A completely surreal experience and one I will never forget.

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

The Amphitheatre is one of my favourite additions. I wasn’t sure at first as I loved the original pools so much, but I am a convert. I love them and I spend a lot of time in them.

The addition of free daily yoga in the pools is something that I love, and I look forward to trying some of the other wellness activities.

I think the accommodation options are a great addition and something that are an obvious winner! I haven’t yet visited but the accommodation is on my bucket list. I have stayed at the accommodation at sister site Metung Hot Springs and if it’s anything like that, then I know I’ll love it.

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

You must visit. There’s something for everyone – no matter what your preferences are. It’s almost impossible to describe, but you will never regret visiting and once you know, you know.

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