Winter retreat

Five reasons why winter might be the best time to visit Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa in Victoria.

13 August 2024

Winter descends upon Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa like an ancient spell, casting a serene enchantment over the historic sanctuary. The cold season, with its icy breath and crystalline mornings, transforms this haven into a realm of warmth and wonder.

Here are five reasons why winter might just be the most magical time to visit.

Bathing in the blissful hot mineral waters

Imagine slipping into the embrace of waters warmed by the earth itself, each pool a cauldron of mineral-rich elixirs.

The baths, ranging from 34 to 38 degrees Celsius, offer a symphony of warmth that seeps into your bones, melting away the winter chill. In the outdoor Sanctuary pool, the contrast of hot water against the crisp air creates a sensory tapestry, where the cold breeze whispers over your skin as you immerse your lower half in the steaming depths.

Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is the ideal winter retreat.

The Mineral Hammam, with its humid warmth and peppermint scrub, is a ritual of renewal.

Sink into plush couches, a cup of Devonshire Tea in hand.

Meander through the reserve, pausing to picnic on patches of grass.

The Aroma Steam Room, a fragrant sanctuary at 39-40 degrees, envelops you in a cloud of aromatic steam, soothing muscles and invigorating the spirit. The Mineral Hammam, with its humid warmth and peppermint scrub, is a ritual of renewal, each breath a step closer to rebirth.

Cosying up near a fire

In the heart of the Edwardian Hepburn Pavilion, a grand fireplace crackles and roars, its flames dancing in the stained-glass reflections. Built in 1908, this heritage-listed haven invites you to sink into plush couches, a cup of Devonshire Tea in hand.

The scones, warm and fragrant, are a comfort against the cold, each bite a reminder of simpler times.

For those who linger longer, the luxury villas offer an intimate retreat with instant fireplaces and marble spa baths, where the outside world fades into the background, leaving only the warmth of the fire and the tranquillity of the moment.

Those hot towels

Ah, the hot towels, a simple yet profound pleasure. As your muscles surrender to the skilled hands of the masseuse, the heated massage bed cradles you in warmth.

Then, the pièce de résistance: a hot towel, perfectly warmed, draped across your back and feet, sealing in the heat and banishing the winter’s bite. For facials, the sensation is akin to floating on a cloud, each touch a caress of warmth that leaves you glowing and renewed.

Enjoying the fresh, crisp, country air on a bushwalk

The Mineral Springs Reserve, a timeless gem, beckons you to explore its trails and secrets. Since the 1860s, families have wandered these paths, the air filled with the laughter of children and the songs of kookaburras. The winter air, sharp and clear, invigorates as you meander through the reserve, pausing to picnic on patches of grass or to fill your bottle with the purest mineral water. Each step is a journey through history, each breath a connection to the land.

Enjoy hot deals

Winter brings with it a bounty of offers, each one a siren call to the weary traveller. Until the end of July, double your bathing time for free, immersing yourself in the Bathhouse and Sanctuary’s soothing waters. August offers twice the tranquility, with a friend joining you for free on weekdays, complete with a Devonshire Tea.

Mid-August sweetens the deal with free Bathhouse bathing for all spa treatments booked on select days. And for those planning a September escape, gather your besties and enjoy a 10 perecent discount for groups of four or more. Each deal is a promise of warmth and relaxation, a beacon in the winter’s chill.

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