Picture this. The deepest, deep South, a wide river with eddies torn by heavy-headed golden reeds. White clad figures, their long robes transparent from the water soaking them as they wade into the cold water. They murmur the words, an oddly dissonant hymn is sung. A baptism, a rebirth, a change of state, born of water.
Water is a transformative element. We are watery ourselves, and return to water to cleanse, to relax, to reconnect. I was blessed to wade in the waters over the past weekend as I ventured to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula for a special Aquabelle #aquablogger getaway. If you’re a long-time reader, you’ll know this is an annual blogger getaway and an amazing opportunity for me to spend time with fellow bloggers in Aquabelle accommodation luxury (while introducing their unique talents to you, too). This year, the #aquabloggers included Cecylia (who this year brought along her husband Chian from Loco Parentis and their beautiful baby boy Winston), Alexia from Pascal Et Al, Leeyong of Style Wilderness and Lilli of Frocks and Frou Frou.
Have you visited the Peninsula Hot Springs? My indulgence in the restorative waters for the #aquablogger weekend began with a calming afternoon in the natural mineral waters of the Hot Springs. An extensive spa-luxury site with a definite Euro-vibe, the Hot Springs are a very doable day-trip from Melbourne. Snuggled out of the ocean breeze and amongst the grassed dunes, the Hot Springs offer a huge array of pools dip in while sitting in quiet or catching up with your friends. Hot, not-so-hot, cool plunge, hammam, deck chairs by their lake in the lazy afternoon sunlight …. the Hot Springs is one place you’ll be happy to ‘wade in the waters’ in winter.
After a couple of hours of luxuriating in the hot-hot waters, I was eager to see my Aquabelle accommodation. (PS keep your eyes peeled on their Instagram @aquabelle as they’ll soon be doing a giveaway exclusive to #aquablogger readers like you!) Placed right on the Rye foreshore, Aquabelle’s apartments are fitted out like the schmanciest Pinterest board of seaside interiors you could curate in your wildest dreams. I was staying in a studio apartment which has a luxe open plan vibe comprising of bedroom, incredible ensuite with deep bath, kitchenette and lounge with magazines, DVDS, Foxtel and WIFI a plenty.
Oceanic interiors from Aquabelle Apartment 6.
Reader, I slept. Particularly deeply thanks to this cloud-like be, the relaxing mineral springs and good belly laughs at dinner with my fellow #aquabloggers!
Natural light and fresh sea air makes this retro chair a wonderful place to read or listen to Podcasts.
Details count: modern light fittings mix with vintage crystal and colorful trays for taking tea.
On the first evening of our #aquablogger getaway, Cecylia, Chian and Winston invited me over to enjoy dinner in their studio. Before long, the whole crew of nattering writers arrived – and we spoke writing, fashion, our readers (yes, you!) and the adventures to come the following day. Stay tuned for Ruby Assembly’s next installment of the Aquabelle #aquablogger getaway!
Did you follow along at @iolantherubyslipper or @aquabelle while we were down on the Peninsula? Where would you like to see us adventure next?
[…] of course) lunch? The food came courtesy of Volpino in Mount Martha. The company came care of Iolanthe, Alexia, and the two ladies in this shot with me, Lilli and Cecylia (plus the two men in […]
[…] about our first day (featuring more luxuriating, natch, and bloggers you’ll love to meet), get up to date here. Starting the day with a bath while outside the waves churn and the skies turn grey is probably the […]