Media Release | Karen Martini takes Thyme for Alba Thermal Springs & Spa Restaurant

MORNINGTON PENINSULA, November 2021 – This week, details were announced about ‘Thyme’ – the restaurant to be located within Alba Thermal Springs and Spa when it opens in mid-2022. Taking its cue from its unique setting, the 120-seat restaurant will feature locally-sourced, seasonal produce with a culinary program created by well-known Melbourne chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and television presenter, Karen Martini. Thyme will be open from 7.30am to 9.00pm daily for guests of the thermal springs and spa.

“I’m so excited to be partnering with Alba on this project,” said Martini. “The all-day menu I am creating will feature fresh, wholesome dishes with modern Mediterranean influences.

“We will also be supporting local growers and suppliers, seeking out seasonal produce from sustainable farming practices, and choosing organically-grown wherever possible,” said Martini.

Diners can expect a special take on Martini’s famous fish sandwich, wholesome poke bowls, and dishes that make the most of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and lean meats, served alongside excellent coffee, teas and beverages. A well-curated wine list will again look to the Peninsula’s many local vineyards, such as Montalto, Point Leo and organic winery Prancing Horse Estate.

Naturally, diners with special dietary needs will be well catered for.

In keeping with Alba’s wellbeing ethos, the food will be clean and healthful but without being puritanical.

“The restaurant will also have an indulgent mid-week high tea event that we are calling Tea Thyme, featuring Alba’s own custom herbal tea blend, which will be also be available on the daily menu, and for take-home purchase, ” Martini said.

The overall restaurant design is an expansive roof terrace thoughtfully designed by Alba’s architects, Hayball to capture vistas from every vantage point atop the main spa building seating 80 inside and 40 outdoors. Melbourne furniture companies Zuster and Cosh Living have been chosen to furnish the restaurant and terrace.

“The setting for Thyme with its indoor and rooftop terrace dining is simply spectacular, with patrons able to enjoy restful vistas by day and sunsets over the Peninsula in the evening,” said Alba’s General Manager, Craig Dodd. “And in appointing a chef of Karen’s experience and stature – she was recently hailed as a food Legend by the 2021 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – the food will be a perfect match for the outlook and for our own wholistic wellness ethos.”

Located at Fingal, an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Alba Thermal Springs & Spa offers 22 single and or double spa treatment studios encompassing steam and Vichy rooms and treatment suites with baths. There is a separate manicure and pedicure lounge and a spacious relaxation lounge on the mezzanine level of the main spa building, overlooking the extensive native gardens and water features. Throughout the surrounding landscapes, Alba offers 31 elegant bathing pools of varying sizes – geothermal pools, cold plunge pools and herbal-infused botanical pools – and is guided with the vision to be Australia’s most sought-after bathing and wellness experience.