Aurora Spa to relocate as part of new Continental resort

Aurora Spa, an urban retreat in St Kilda, Australia, is set to undergo a rebrand as it relocates to Sorrento on the Mornington Crescent Peninsula.

The spa, which will be known as the Aurora Spa & Bathhouse, will form part of the AU$120m redevelopment of The Continental hotel. 

Spread across 1,000sqm, the day spa will offer eight treatment rooms as well as a float room, a wellness boutique and a relaxation lounge for guests to unwind in both before and after treatments. 

Facilities include four hydrotherapy pools and several contrasting thermal experiences, including a traditional timber-lined sauna, aromatherapy and salt therapy rooms and an ice-filled igloo room.

The spa will offer a host of sensory treatments and experiences, such as the Magnesium Muscle Soak & Float and a six-hour Signature Bathhouse Retreat, which includes a facial, massage, muscle soak and bathing time, as well as a wholesome lunch and fresh juices.

Treatments will be powered by products from Aurora Spa’s ASPAR product line.

Designed by architecture firm Woods Bagot, who provided design services across the entire complex, the spa draws inspiration from the Victoria coastline and European summers. Mitchell said that the notion of escapism and her affection for the Mornington Crescent Peninsula inspired her to bring her spa concept to Sorrento.

According to Lyndall Mitchell, founder of  Aurora Spa & Bathhouse and ASPAR, the spa will be a “fully immersive experience” where guests can “bathe, sweat, chill, relax and socialise in comfort all year round.”

“Aurora Spa was founded on wellness 24 years ago, at a time when spas in the city didn’t exist and there was limited understanding around the rejuvenation these spaces could provide,” Mitchell said. “I’m inspired by the impact we had and excited to expand and evolve at an incredible new seaside destination as Aurora Spa & Bathhouse.

“I think the bathhouse will become a Peninsula favourite. Drawing on the heritage of European curative water therapies and the healing power of hot and cold constant therapy, it has been meticulously and beautifully designed to offer a refined, all-weather bathing experience. We are excited to be unveiling a new benchmark for spa and wellness in Australia and continuing the evolution of Aurora in such amazing surrounds,” Mitchell added. 

The spa is set to open in stages throughout 2022. It will be a key offering in the new Continental complex, which will also include the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Crescent hotel and several dining venues.