One of life’s sheer pleasures is just having a bath. Whether you are drinking tea or wine, lying in soothing hot water, gently scented with salts or oils, is the most relaxing of acts and one that can empower, rejuvenate and energise. On my recent sojourn to Daylesford, I visited the Herpburn Bathhouse and Spa, for bathing, spa-ing and eating. A perfect afternoon, really.
The Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is located barely 90 minutes from Melbourne in the delightful wellness region, just up the road from Daylesford. The buildings and surrounds were established in 1895 and visitors have been bathing in the mineral water’s of the region ever since. A renovation in recent years means the facilities are modern and tranquil. An amazing place to escape to.
We started our afternoon at the Hepburn Pavillion Cafe, a quaint cafe on the ground of the bathhouse ideal for a light lunch or sweet treat. Starting with sparkling wine, and finishing with tea, the platters of tapas style tasting plates made for a delicious meal that wasn’t too heavy before we headed to the spa for our treatments. (The cafe also does gluten free scones, so don’t leave before you try them!)
Up the hill at the bathhouse, private bathing in a mineral bath was a welcome start to our treatment. Using the detox salts, I enjoyed 30 minutes in the water with my eyes closed and bubbles on before heading to the Spa for a Spring Rain Water Therapy.
An interesting alternative to the standard massage when you visit the region, the Spring Rain treatment sees you lie on a bed where your skin is polished with a sugar scrub and a delicious chocolate mask is smoothed over your body to firm and tone. The Vichy shower overhead then removes the products, massaging while you wash away your stresses and anxieties.
It is an odd sensation, to be lying on a bed under a shower, but the end result is feeling renewed and fresh. The whole afternoon was a divine experience and one which I’d recommend to anyone for some R&R time. Spoil yourself!
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
Private Bathing from $70pp
Spring Rain Water Therapy $203 (Fri-Mon)
www.hepburnbathhouse.com