Nourish yourself this summer
In this edition of our wellness newsletter, we encourage you to embrace the summer’s harvest by exploring the enriching benefits of mindful culinary choices, celebrating locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and powering your body with the right food to get the most out of your thermal bathing experience.
FUELLING YOUR HOT SPRINGS EXPERIENCE: WHAT TO EAT BEFORE AND AFTER BATHING
Alba is a sanctuary. Enjoying nourishing and delicious food pre and post-bathing can significantly enhance your experience. Here is a guide to optimise your journey:
Before you soak:
- Hydration is the hero here. Kickstart your day with water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber to ensure your body is well-hydrated before entering the thermal waters.
- Light and balanced is the way to go. Choose easily digestible snacks such as nuts or a small portion of whole grains. Avoid heavy meals to enhance comfort during your thermal bath.
After your soak:
- Rehydration is your friend. Drink plenty of water to replenish fluids lost during thermal bathing.
- Consume foods like bananas or coconut water to restore electrolyte balance.
- Light protein makes the ideal after bathing top-up. Incorporate light proteins such as fish or legumes to support muscle recovery without feeling overly full.
We encourage you to approach bathing in a holistic way, with thoughtful nutrition adding to your rejuvenation.
SAVOURING SUSTAINABILITY
We’re committed to your wellbeing and that of our planet. Here are some practical tips for sustainable eating:
Local love: Explore your local farmers’ market for fresh, locally grown treasures. It’s a taste explosion plus a nod to sustainable farming.
Plant-centric choices: Opt for plant-based meals for a health boost and a positive impact on the environment.
Mindful meat consumption: Consider reducing red meat intake and exploring alternative protein sources like nuts and legumes.
Conscious seafood selection: Delve into sustainable seafood choices for a taste that’s good for both oceans and palates.
Mindful munching: Savour each bite with mindfulness.
WHAT’S IN SEASON?
As we embrace the warmth of summer on the Mornington Peninsula, indulge in the best of local and seasonal eats.
Sun-kissed fruits like peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, and a medley of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are all at their peak in summer. Tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, capsicums, corn, beans, beetroot and carrots all step into the limelight at this time of year.
Choosing seasonal and local produce isn’t just about flavour – it’s a healthier, fresher choice. By leaning into seasonal eating you can support local farmers, cut your carbon footprint, and relish the goodness of each bite.
THYME: A CULINARY JOURNEY ROOTED IN WELLNESS
Alba’s restaurant Thyme isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a commitment to mindful dining.
Guided by Karen Martini and Head Chef Mario Di Natale, Thyme’s culinary essence lies in a connection to nature, favouring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Martini and Di Natale craft dishes that honour the region and tell the story of the Peninsula’s terroir. From breakfast delights like vanilla custard Danish with Peninsula blackberries to the grilled asparagus with stracciatella – each plate is a reflection of the Peninsula’s diverse harvest.
At Thyme, step into the delicious world of flavour, sustainability, and the Peninsula’s culinary treasures.
GREEN & FRESH SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
120gm baby spinach
2 pinches flaked salt
½ lemon, pith removed and add the flesh sliced
1 large avocado, ripe, peeled and stoned
6 sprigs mint, leaves picked
1 lime leaf very finely shredded
250ml coconut water
250ml oat milk
1 tbsp honey (or pure maple syrup for vegans) to taste
2 tsp melted virgin coconut oil
2 tbsp hemp seeds (whole soaked)
12 ice cubes
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ whole nutmeg grated, to taste
Method
Combine the spinach, avocado, coconut water, oat milk, honey, coconut oil, mint, lime leaf, hemp seeds, and ice cubes.
Blitz until smooth.
Grate fresh nutmeg to taste.
The smoothie is available for breakfast each day from 7.00am at Thyme.
EXPERIENCE LOCAL
As we welcome you into the world of wellness, consider combining your Alba experience with an exploration of the Mornington Peninsula’s finest farm gates, where the focus is on straightforward, genuine flavours straight from the land.
Choose an alternative to the usual grocery routine by visiting these diverse farm gates.
Whether it’s a roadside stall or a bustling shed, you’ll find everything from seasonal produce to artisanal dairy and local honey. It’s not just about the products; it’s about supporting local communities and relishing the freshness of each pick.
The experience doesn’t end with the purchase. Some gates feature cafes, tastings, and farmyard tours, making it a fully immersive journey.
Begin your journey by checking out the Mornington Peninsula’s Farm Gate Trail Guide.
