The Continental Sorrento now has another luxurious feature in the 20, 000 square metre precinct. On top of the lush accommodation and multiple dining areas, this seaside destination is home to a new and relaxing spa. Aurora Spa & Bathhouse is the flagship location of Australia’s award-winning Aurora Spa Group, and it includes ancient bathing traditions with a modern twist, as well as meaningful rituals, evidence-based remedies and hot and cold contrast therapy. This idyllic wellness experience is now open.
Aurora Spa & Bathhouse
Relaxation is just a drive away, as this retreat is an hour from Melbourne. Situated by the sea, you’ll feel transported to another world of luxury and healing. Founded by wellness expert Lyndall Mitchell, and designed by Woods Bagot, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse is inspired by the healing powers of water and ancient European curative water therapies. The design itself draws inspiration from the Mornington Peninsula coastline.
The 500 square metre bathhouse fits up to 60 guests at a time. You can explore the indoor space at your own pace, or go on a ten-step immersive journey in Aurora’s Bathing Ritual. This experience includes a variety of hot and cold experiences designed for optimal wellbeing. It features hydro massage elements and mineral waters rich with magnesium.
In the bathhouse, your journey to relaxation begins with a cleansing botanical salt ritual, progressing into the sky-lit, 36 degrees Daydream Pool. After that, try the 10 degrees cold plunge, the 37 degrees reflexology pool, and the 35 degrees vitality pool. Then, try sensory showers and more contrast therapy experiences, such as an aromatherapy steam room, a halotherapy (salt) suite and the ‘Centella Thermal Lounges’. Don’t forget to check out the timber-lined Nordic sauna, one of the largest saunas in the southern hemisphere.
The highlight of Aurora Spa & Bathhouse is the Glacial Mist Room. This custom-designed space is the first of its kind. It recreates the elements indoors, including mist, rain, ice and wind. Set between 6 and 10 degrees, the Glacial Mist Room will transport you to the alpine regions, and offers a refined version of the Finnish tradition of rolling in the snow after a sauna.
Treatment rooms
If you’re after a more personal experience, there’s eight treatment rooms which can accommodate both singles and couples. Treatments range from massages to detoxifying body wraps, facials, exfoliation and pregnancy treatments. They offer a customised mix of botanically active lotions, serums, elixirs, muds, clays, polishes and therapeutic oils.
A Private Float Room treatment allows you to float weightlessly and blissfully on highly concentrated, magnesium-rich Epsom salt water. According to Aurora, a peaceful one hour session is the equivalent of four hours of sleep.
There’s also a Himalayan Sound and Stone Massage, which uses percussion sound and warm Himalayan pink salt stones to elevate your massage experience.
For an ultra luxe experience, try the six-hour Aurora Immersion Ritual. This includes bathing, a 1.5 hour Soothing Bliss Massage, Botanical Spa Facial, soothing Scalp Massage, Private Salt Therapy Float, and wholefood lunch with freshly squeezed juice or organic sparkling wine. This all-encompassing experience will set you back $780.
The spa also offers wellness coaching, mindfulness and meditation.
The Aurora Spa Store
After a day of pampering, pop into the Aurora Spa Store for some lovely items to take home. The store includes an apothecary station, where you can create custom-made salt and floral blends. The store also features books, beauty products, home and lifestyle wares and gift cards.