Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa in Daylesford, Australia, has reopened after receiving renovations worth AU$1.7 million (US$1.1 million, €960,000, £810,000).

The 130-year old business documented the refurbishment in partnership with popular renovation competition TV series The Block for national broadcaster Channel 9.

The 21st series of the The Block will be broadcast at the end of Q3 this year.

The renovations

Owned by Hepburn Shire Council and operated by Belgravia Leisure, Australia's oldest and longest-running bathhouse now has 12 private bathing rooms (five of which were part of the refurbishment) and a private steamroom.

There is also a brand new apothecary experience, where guests blend their own custom body scrub with natural ingredients.

The spa’s updated treatment menu features four new body rituals, including a cacao chocolate and Shiraz body scrub in partnership with Australian brand Waterlily. Four bespoke facials have also been added, using protocols and skincare by Elemis.

The property’s historic Pavilion Café is also now serving a new locally-inspired food menu.

Other features that received upgrades include the changing rooms, the entrance, reception area, new tiling, lighting, ceiling restoration and a new audio system was installed.

Geoff Lord, Chairman of Belgravia Group, said, “Through this restoration, we were very careful to pay homage to the history and heritage of the property – which we know locals hold very close to their heart – whilst modernising various areas to guarantee an elevated experience for our guests.”

Facilities at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa

The spa, perched on the banks of Victoria’s Spring Creek, offers three different bathing experiences:

Bathhouse mineral bathing for all ages – located in the historic bathhouse, there are two weather-protected social bathing pools with floor-to-ceiling views of the creek.

Sanctuary bathing for adults-only – there are a range of pools at different temperatures, with underwater spa lounges, a salt therapy pool, mineral hammam and aroma steamroom.

Private mineral bathing for individuals and couples – there are now 12 of these rooms with private baths.

The day spa also advertises accommodation in the form of 23 wellness villas across the road from the bathhouse and spa.

We first reported on these upgrades earlier this year here.