Alba Thermal Springs & Spa | Hayball – A World-Class Wellness Destination

Alba Thermal Springs & Spa is a transformative 15-hectare wellness and hospitality project designed to immerse visitors in the rejuvenating power of nature. Nestled within the rolling dunes and coastal vegetation of the Mornington Peninsula, this iconic destination reimagines a former green wedge site into an extraordinary geothermal bathing experience.

Architectural Concept & Design

The main building follows the natural topography, rising gracefully from the undulating landscape. Characterized by raw concrete forms, curved walls, and ribbed textured façades, the architecture emphasizes a subtle dialogue between built form and the surrounding environment. Bronze glass and metallic finishes provide an elegant robustness while allowing the natural beauty of the site to remain the focal point. Sunken courtyards and carefully oriented openings create dramatic plays of light and shadow, enhancing the immersive experience.

Interiors & Materials

Inside, minimalist design defines the spatial experience. Circular motifs, curved walls, and large skylights create fluidity and illumination, while the spiral stair from the reflective indoor pool acts as both sculptural centerpiece and spatial demarcation. Materials are tactile and natural, including hand-made Spanish brick, concrete, timber paneling, and subtle references to local flora such as Eucalyptus gum nuts and Bottlebrush seed pods. These elements strengthen the connection between interior and exterior, fostering a seamless sense of relaxation.

Thermal Pools & Spa Experience

Alba’s 32 geothermal pools are thoughtfully sited across the site, blending simple geometric forms with the topography to guide intuitive movement and maximize the bathing experience. Pools interact with natural features, seasonal changes, and microclimates, creating unique and personalized experiences for each visitor. Botanical pools are hidden in tea-tree gullies, shallow ridge pools offer sheltered relaxation, and central water features mimic tidal flows, integrating geology with design for an enduring, meditative experience.

Landscape Integration

The project celebrates its coastal ecosystem. Coastal spear grasses, saltbush, and rolling dunes provide the setting for intimate thermal pools, while designed water features flow naturally with the land. The careful orchestration of landscape, architecture, and environment ensures visitors experience a holistic connection to nature, wellness, and sensory recalibration.

Alba Thermal Springs & Spa stands as a world-class example of contemporary hospitality architecture, demonstrating how thoughtful design, materiality, and site-sensitive planning can redefine a wellness destination.