City Guide: Baina’s co-founder on the best bathing spots in Sydney and Melbourne
IMAGE VIA @SHOP_BAINA/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
Submerge in style.
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and bars people will always want to go back to.
This week we’re exploring Melbourne and Sydney-based bathing spots with Bailey Meredith, the co-founder of the Australian label, Baina. With a role producing design-led organic cotton towelling, Bailey is a believer in the power of an elevated bathing ritual. Alongside her business partner, Anna, the pair share a strong affinity for the beauty of bathing, using it as a way to decompress and reset after a long day.
Have a trip or move coming up? Head to our city guide to find the best spots.
“Bathing is a way for me to disconnect from the outside world and to be present with myself,” Bailey shares. “It’s a simple act that provides so much relaxation and stillness. For me, bathing can either be a gentle awakening or any easy wind-down before bed.”
While our guides usually focus on food, drinks and entertainment in one city, this week Bailey is sharing her favourite bathing spots in Sydney and Melbourne. Read on for her recommendations.
Melbourne
Comma, 10 – 12 Hill Street, Cremorne
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When in Melbourne, Bailey likes to head to Comma’s Cremorne space for a massage and relaxation session. The boutique bathhouse and spa is “a contemporary take on traditional Scandanavian bathing,” she explains. “For the best experience, I recommend alternating between the tub, the sauna and the pail shower.” As for indoor bathing essentials? Bailey recommends bringing “a book, a meditation podcast, a large glass of water, magnesium salts, a candle and a Baina Bath Sheet”.
Peninsula Hot Springs, 140 Springs Lane, Fingal
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Like many locals, the Peninsula Hot Springs is an ultimate favourite bathing destination of Bailey’s. The sprawling geothermal hot springs are located on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, where you can also find a plethora of sleeping, dining, wellness and spa experiences. “There’s something special about soaking in an outdoor thermal bath,” Bailey says. “I discover new pools with every visit.”
Melbourne City Baths, 420 Swanston Street, Melbourne
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First opened in 1860, Melbourne City Baths is a historical bathing spot situated in the heart of the CBD. “It’s a classic public pool that has a real nostalgic feel,” Bailey says. A true community hub, the baths also boast group fitness classes, a cycle studio, squash courts and reformer pilates beds. “While it’s not somewhere I typically bathe, I’m obsessed with the architecture and the old-fashioned swing door changing rooms,” Bailey shares.
Sydney
Wylie’s Baths, 4B Neptune Street, Coogee
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Wylie’s Baths is the Coogee-based ocean tidal pool loved for its heritage-listed architecture and panoramic ocean views. “It‘s a favourite spot in Sydney,” Bailey says. “Wylie’s is an institution amongst many Sydneysiders and a place I plan to spend much of my summer.”
When heading off to an outdoor spot, Bailey sticks to the bathing essentials. “I’m not one to pack much. All I need is some SPF, a pair of swimmers and my Baina Pool Towel.”
Japanese Bath House, 259 Sir Thomas Mitchell Drive, South Bowenfels
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Only a two-hour drive from Sydney, Japanese Bath House is a Blue Mountains oasis complete with an onsen, a tea room and private buros (bathtubs). “[It’s a] spot that has been on my list for a while,” Bailey says. “I recently returned to Australia and am planning a mid-winter getaway very soon.”
Browse Baina’s collection of contemporary towelling here.
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