Wellness, relaxation, luxury and landscape are the orders of any given day at the peaceful setting of Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. Now, with a series of villa interiors completed by KWD, a whole new layer of accommodation amenity is on offer at this retreat on the Mornington Peninsula, whose original architecture was designed by Hayball.

Five standalone villas, as well as two studio rooms, are perched delightfully on elevated points of the 15-hectare site. They are immersed in the native bushland while providing sheltered views across the Peninsula. The positioning on the site is just right: unobtrusive enough to barely be visible from the Springs themselves, yet providing quiet glimpses of them from above. In keeping with the wider ethos of rejuvenation, restorative balance and wellness, everything here is subtle.

“Wellness is woven into every aspect of the interior design,” says Kate Walker. “This approach has crafted hideaways that invite a disconnection from the world and a reconnection with nature. The design story is more than pure functionality – it is emotive and restorative.”

Walker explains the design philosophy further: “We believe in creating spaces that reflect the rhythm of life. In today’s fast-paced world, our design philosophy is driven by the need for restoration, wellness and balance. We understand that guests who choose to stay at ‘The Sanctuary’ are searching for calm, a retreat that is a world away from their full and demanding lives. These wellness-seekers know their ability to perform at their peak is deeply connected to the spaces they enjoy.”

Related: Hayball’s architecture at Alba

Meanwhile, Alba’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Kadi Morrison, comments on the partnership with KWD: “We were very familiar with KWD’s reputation as a renowned design studio based on the Mornington Peninsula, with a female founder who truly understands the unique essence of the region. Whilst supporting a local designer was important, KWD was specifically engaged for their expertise in high-end residential design that embodies a sense of refinement, comfort and exclusivity while also feeling deeply personal and unique.”

The villa interiors are consciously devoid of lively colour, instead leaning into a soothing colour and material palette of warm neutrality. Natural materials will patina over time to create an organic softness, while the design within the accommodation evokes aspects of the wider Alba site – lighting, for example, that references the thermal pool bubbles or the fireplace that makes a nod to lobby details down at the main entrance.

Rooms are generously proportioned in the villas, allowing for a luxurious sense of flow and openness. This is a design that aims at more than just fine textures to touch or colours to see – it’s all about the immersive, intangible atmosphere designed to facilitate unwinding, recharging and wellness in general.

The design team at KWD describe the spirit of the project as “timeless elegance with a modern twist,” a sentiment that aptly captures the balance of private retreat and modern eco-luxury. The only downside for visitors will be the impossible choice of whether to stay in the villa or head down to the Springs, Spa or restaurant.  

KWD
katewalkerdesign.com.au

Next up: Shangchen Bathhouse