Words by Della Vreeland Images supplied
Travellers will be able to soak up the beauty and majesty of Gariwerd in a whole new way thanks to the opening of a brand new bathhouse in 2024.
Brainchild of local entrepreneur Carly Flecknoe, The Bathhouse Pomonal will offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the Grampians while (literally) immersing themselves in a relaxing bathing pool or two.
Carly says the idea for The Bathhouse came to her as she was being treated to her own day spa experience.
‘It was in a small, dark and intimate room that gave my business brain too much time to think. I began to wonder, “what if you could do something like this with your closest friends or family, looking out at Gariwerd? What if, instead of feeling like you were in a dark room, you felt like you were part of the mountains and the natural environment?”
‘My brain then began to think about finishing a walk on the new Grampians Peaks Trail and soaking your muscles in Grampians water, looking out at where you’d been walking, letting your mind wander. It just felt like something that needed to exist.’
Directly overlooking the Grampians National Park and surrounded by the native bush, The Bathhouse Pomonal will offer panoramic views of Mt William and Redmans Bluff, with guests allocated one of six private bathing suites which can be booked for up to six people, as well as their own relaxation lounge with grazing options and herbal teas.
‘We want guests to experience the beauty of Gariwerd while spending mindful and present time with family and friends with the smallest of details having been considered for them,’ Carly says. ‘We want them to feel immersed in the beauty of Gariwerd’s natural surrounds while relaxing in their private bathing suite – enjoying a fully tailored and personalised experience.
‘They will receive customised beauty products to complement their experience, made using native essential oils, and can also wander the expansive native gardens, use the steam and salt rooms and outdoor plunge pool.’
With the architectural drawings complete, Carly says the focus is now on getting the planning permit finalised, as well as assessing how best to place the bathhouse so it protects the beauty of the natural environment.
‘We were incredibly lucky to receive grant funding through the state government’s Enabling Tourism Fund to assist us with this process. Once this is completed, we will engage engineers and landscape architects to take our architectural drawings to the next level before securing our final funding and breaking ground on the building stage.
‘If everything goes to plan, guests should be able to visit us in the middle of 2024 and we cannot wait to welcome them!’
THE DETAILS:
WHAT: The Bathhouse Pomonal
WHERE: Pomonal, VIC
WHEN: Expected opening mid-2024
FIND OUT MORE: The Bathhouse Pomonal
