Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat, Hepburn Springs
Things To Do On Site
The locals have been "taking the waters" at Hepburn Springs for centuries. Originally discovered by Swiss-Italian gold miners in the 1800's, we'll introduce you to the pure mineral water springs and their health benefits.
One of the great pleasures of a stay at Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat is the Mineral Spa offering a range of massage therapies, including relaxation, aromatherapy and signature facial treatments. You can also relax in the Tipperary Bar & Lounge with an open fire.
Mineral Spa
Treat yourself in the multi-award winning Mineral Spa. This elegant space offers a relaxation lounge, 11 treatment rooms, the only operating soft pak float beds in the Southern Hemisphere, hydrotherapy spa baths and The Retreat water therapy area with mineral- water plunge spa pools to revive and invigorate.
It’s no wonder Mineral Spa was awarded the 2008 Australasian Spa Association Best Hotel and Best Day Spa winners as well as the Victorian Tourism Award winners for Health and Wellness (Hall of Fame) and the 2008 Spa Life magazine readers’ choice for Best Destination Spa. For more information on Mineral Spa and for a full list of treatments available please visit our Spa section.
Central to the hotel refurbishments is the transformation of the bar and lounge. Taking inspiration from Private Gentlemen's Clubs of a bygone era, The Tipperary bar + Lounge is now a stylish establishment perfect for predinner drinks, digestifs or simply lounging around; being one-part private club, two-part return of old world glamour, and just a dash of Mad Men for style. High, wing back upholstered armchairs, open fireplaces, traditional fireplace stools and even a library tucked in a private corner make this one of the most deliciously intimate and elegant bars in regional Victoria. By night, Tipperary positively sparkles as the natural glow from bespoke parchment chandeliers and floor lamps bounces off grand antique mirrors resting over the original mantelpieces.
The jewel in this boutique country hotel's crown has to be Wild Birch Dining Room, replacing the former Deco restaurant. In a tribute to the hotel's heritage, Stuart Rattle created grand floor to ceiling screens inspired by Italian marquetry; a highly skilled technique first developed in 16th Century Florence and Naples to create furniture of unprecedented luxury for Royalty. To complement the soaring 1930's ceilings and decorative architraves, carpets have been removed and the original hardwood floorboards polished. The grand dining room is now wrapped with classic button upholstered, leather banquette seats, reminiscent of a bygone era of glamorous dining; walls showcase a stunning black and white photographic exhibition "Portrait of a Legacy" by renowned international photo journalist, Donna Todd, capturing the essence of legends from around the region
Equally delightful is the arrival at the hotel of a second, more casual eatery, The Conservatory. With a style reminiscent of European sophistication, The Conservatory is a natural extension of the garden; opening out to all day sun with huge windows wrapping the room; elegantly furnished with an inspired assortment of soft cushioned banquettes, comfy cane chairs and hanging pendulum cane lamps. Open to the public and hotel guests seven days a week, for gourmet buffet breakfast and deliciously posh casual lunches. With Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat being listed as one of the Healing Hotels of the World, it is natural that the atmosphere of The Conservatory is calm and serene, the food stylishly loaded with Super Foods, phytochemicals, and various other healing goodies, the environment elegant and the service thoughtfully caring.
Bringing this glamour to the countryside, Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat serves High Tea under The Arches, in the picturesque setting under iconic 1930’s arches of this heritage country hotel. Following a plate of delicate sandwiches, a tiered stand of freshly baked scones and cakes is held tantalisingly under one’s nose, offering a choice of miniature cakes and tarts. (so much more appealing than a huge slab-like slice). Made to the in-house pastry chef’s own recipes, the selection might include such delights as rhubarb tart, vanilla cupcakes, coffee macaroons, mandarin fondant fancies, lemon meringues and a very rich square of chocolate cake with a near-liquid centre.
Befitting the elegant style of this beautiful hotel, the hosts request that guests lean toward more elegant attire.
Garden Ramble
The property is surrounded by picturesque gardens; most spectacular are the formal Italian gardens, complete with a manicured miniature hedge maze. This is a tribute to the beautifully groomed palazzo gardens of Europe, and the original gardens of the grounds back in 1864. Wander through the gardens via crushed white pebble paths, with ambient lighting during evenings; making it the perfect scene for a romantic stroll after dinner. Tall majestic poplar trees line the path concealing secret garden sanctuaries - delightfully private settings for picnics, BBQ’s, cocktail parties and wedding ceremonies. Other, more informal gardens inhabit the area in a colourful display of Australian natives.