A tried-and-tested treatment for multiple ailments, hydrotherapy has delivered the healing benefits of water to devotees around the world for centuries. Setting out to create the best bathhouse experience in Australia, local wellness pioneer and entrepreneur Lyndall Mitchell has built the luxurious Aurora Spa & Bathhouse as a compilation of the best water-based and elemental hot-and-cold contrast therapies, uniquely including magnesium-mineral rich water.
“There is so much more to water than people realise – it cleanses your skin, clears your mind, stimulates your circulation and soothes ailments,” shares Lyndall. “At Aurora [bathhouse] I’ve honed in on the traditions of European bathing culture, with the addition of magnesium-mineral-rich waters to provide an array of healing benefits that are experienced on your first visit, and accumulate with regular bathing.”
In parts of Europe, bathhouses are not simply a one off luxury, but a fundamental part of everyday life. In Finland, the sauna is said to be akin to the Finnish pharmacy and in Russia, the Banya, or public Russian steam bath, was described by poet Alexander Pushkin as “a place for rejuvenation, warmth, and a bath. She restores him to a state of glowing health”. It is this idea of bathing being as fundamental to wellbeing as exercise or healthy eating that Mitchell wishes to capture at Aurora.
Aurora Bathhouse’s 10-step ‘Bathing Ritual’ takes place indoors within a 500m2 state-of-the-art space, designed by award-winning architectural studio Woods Bagot, and inspired by the flora and fauna of its coastal surroundings on the Mornington Peninsula. Features include magnesium-enriched bathing pools, an expansive sauna, steam room, thermal lounges, sensory showers, cold plunge, a unique glacial mist room and halotherapy room.
Created to be enjoyed as a circular or self-guided tour, the tranquil bathing experience allows guests to dip in and out of each space as they choose, curating a wellness journey that is all their own at the Peninsula’s most luxurious bathing experience.
Guests wellbeing is enhanced throughout the 1.5 hour Aurora Bathhouse experience by:
Magnesium Mineral-Rich Water: Magnesium is known to help muscle health and soothe aches and pains by aiding with post exercise muscle recovery, tension and cramps. The skin benefits as it hydrates and soothes its natural barrier, and can help to reduce inflammation caused by conditions which lead to dry and itchy skin, such as eczema and psoriasis. Magnesium is also believed to help reduce stress and anxiety, in turn aiding deeper sleep and relaxation. Studies have proven that absorbing magnesium through the skin (transdermally) is one of the most effective ways for the body to maintain healthy levels of this essential mineral.
Contrast hydrotherapy: Aurora’s series of pools alternate guest immersions in hot and cold water, which is proven to lessen muscle fatigue and decrease pain from arthritis and rheumatic conditions, especially good for visitors who have a buildup of lactic acid in their muscles after intense exercise.
Hydro-massage: Hydro-massage reclined airbeds in the Bathhouse’s Daydream and Vitality Pools ease away any aches and pains guests may be holding. The Vitality pool also features swan-neck fountains of varying pressures, to further aid in easing tension in the neck and shoulders.
Hot-and-cold contrast experiences: From the large Nordic sauna, where guests can lie down, relax and unwind to the different experiences of the sensory showers, hot-and-cold contrast therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling, speed healing and recovery and boost energy levels and mood. The pièce de résistance, the Bathhouse’s Glacial Mist Room, allows guests to step into an alpine-like setting of cold mist, rain, wind – leaving them refreshed and invigorated.
Halotherapy (salt) room: A healing and anti-inflammatory space for those who suffer from asthma, or other respiratory issues.
Aroma Steam Room: guests can inhale the benefits of essential oils, whilst cocooned in warmth.
Currently guests are able to purchase seven Aurora ‘Bathhouse Ritual’ experiences for the price of six ($660), by purchasing an Evolve 7 Package, with monthly and annual membership packages set to be released in February 2023. Single visits are $95 Monday to Thursday, and $110 Friday to Sunday, or $85 with any spa treatment.
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