Marshall White Open - Coastal E42 by remagazines

The Continental Sorrento

Aurora Spa & Bathhouse

P repare to sell in 2024

Now is the prime opportunity to prepare your home for a successful 2024 sale.

Begin by discovering your home’s true worth with an updated appraisal, revealing its current market value and providing valuable insights to maximise your sale’s potential.

Arrange a specialist appraisal with the Marshall White team today.

343 Myers Road, Merricks North

Refined Retreat

Discover the art of refined living against a backdrop of undulating rural beauty. Nestled in the heart of this coveted region this unique residence invites you into an exclusive world where lifestyle, seclusion and indulgence seamlessly meet.

Simon O’Donnell, Sales Executive

Indulge in the pinnacle of hinterland living with this extraordinary property, an oasis of luxury and tranquillity just ten minutes from both bay and surf beaches. Nestled in the heart of this coveted region, opposite Elgee Park, discover a captivating single-level residence entirely transformed with stylish flair, unfolding to reveal an idyllic north-facing, solarheated pool and unparalleled scenery.

Love the sheer pleasure of gazing over the breathtaking landscape, where every moment becomes a retreat, and step into a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and rustic charm, with beamed ceilings, painted white timber floors, and an open fireplace within the exceptional interiors. Open-plan living and dining areas spill out to the northern deck and gardens, anchored by the central kitchen, adorned with high, light-box ceilings, high-quality appliances, and timber benchtops - a focal point for culinary creativity and social gatherings.

A genuine country escape, it provides two accommodation wings that offer privacy and comfort, with the main wing featuring a north-facing deck, walk-in robes, and a deluxe spa-inspired ensuite. Two additional bedrooms with robes are positioned beside a stylish central bathroom, whilst a third bathroom/laundry and a separate mudroom add to the functionality.

The property spans an approximate land size of 12 acres and features include a total of three bedrooms, three bathrooms and plenty of parking. ■

For enquiries contact

Simon O’Donnell 0412 378 221

Rebecca O’Donnell 0409 139 525 VIEW LISTING

In conversation with

& Aurora S pa B athhouse

By Kerrie Allen

The Continental Hotel

Join us for an exclusive interview with Lyndall Mitchell, founder of Aurora Spa & Bathhouse. A passionate advocate for wellness and innovative spa experiences, Lyndall has created a sanctuary at Aurora for rejuvenation and balance. Explore the journey of one of Australia’s leading wellness figures.

Lyndall, could you share the story behind the inception of Aurora? What inspired you to start this journey?

Raised on a Queensland fruit farm, I was surrounded by nature, I developed an intrinsic connection to a healthy, natural lifestyle. This early exposure, and pivotal work experience at Eden Health Retreat at 14, ignited a lifelong passion for wellness. I was fascinated by the transformative effects of wellness programs on individuals.

This inspiration led me to envision a space dedicated to ongoing wellness practice, accessible to those who may not have the luxury of attending extended retreats. In 1997, I brought this vision to life with the opening of Aurora Spa Retreat in St Kilda. Our aim was to condense the benefits of a retreat into rejuvenating hour-long spa sessions. Aurora quickly evolved, gaining recognition and accolades, including Best Bathhouse and Best Spa in Australasia. Our latest endeavour, the Aurora Spa & Bathhouse in Sorrento, combines our deep wellness expertise with evidence-based practices to offer a truly regenerative experience.

Why has wellness become such an essential part of people’s lives today?

In today’s fast-paced and technologically driven world, the importance of wellness has become more evident. People are increasingly seeking ways to counteract the stresses and imbalances brought on by a busy lifestyle. Wellness practices have emerged as vital tools to restore harmony and equilibrium in our lives, offering tangible benefits to our overall well-being.

How has Aurora evolved to meet changing wellness needs?

When Aurora first started, wellness was often viewed as an ‘alternative’ or ‘niche’ concept. However, over the past 26 years, there has been a significant shift in public perception. Today, wellness is a topic that is openly discussed and actively sought after, both by individuals and within the corporate world. Aurora has adapted to these evolving needs, transitioning from a concept once considered fringe to one that is now integral and mainstream.

Can you share the story behind introducing your ASPAR product range?

When Aurora Spa moved to Melbourne, we faced a new challenge – transforming our six-day guest experiences into impactful 60-minute sessions. This necessitated a shift in approach, where efficiency in delivering therapeutic results became paramount. This led to the birth of our ASPAR product range, each product meticulously hand-mixed to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect in the least amount of time. ASPAR has grown to symbolise our dedication to wellness beyond the spa, having featured in Qantas flights and lounges, and now available across Australia and New Zealand.

What wellness practice has significantly influenced Aurora’s approach?

At Aurora, we have woven three foundational pillars of wellness into our approach: European Curative Therapies, Eastern Mind-Body Connection, and Mindful Rituals. These include a variety of practices like bathing and thermal rituals, touch therapy, aromatherapy, and mindfulness. We believe in integrating these elements to offer a holistic wellness journey for our guests.

How do you envision the future of wellness and spa experiences, and Aurora’s role in this landscape?

The wellness industry, including wellness travel, is experiencing rapid growth globally. There’s a burgeoning interest in regular bathing practices, a tradition in European culture known for its health benefits. At Aurora, we aim to cultivate this culture in Australia. Our Sorrento location, with its 10-step bathing ritual, is designed to deepen the impact of our treatments and offer benefits like stress reduction and improved sleep. As the wellness landscape expands, Aurora is positioned to guide our guests through transformative wellness experiences.

BOOK HERE

Sushila’s Chicken Curry

Hopper Joint, a newly opened Sri Lankan restaurant by Jason Jones and Brahman Perera, shares a specialty dish: Sushila’s Chicken Curry, a cherished recipe from Brahman’s mother.

Ingredients Method

1.5 kg chicken thigh, boneless, cut into pieces

1 tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp chilli powder

2 tbsp roasted curry powder

1 tsp fenugreek seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 cinnamon stick

A handful of curry leaves

2 pandan leaves

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2-inch piece of ginger, grated

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

400 ml coconut milk

Salt to taste

3 tbsp vegetable oil

Marinate the chicken with turmeric, chilli, and curry powder for at least 30 minutes.

In a pot, heat oil and sauté mustard seeds, fenugreek, cinnamon, curry leaves, and pandan leaves until fragrant.

Add onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until onions are translucent.

Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned.

Add tomatoes and salt, then simmer for 20 minutes.

Pour in coconut milk and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

Chef ’s Note on Tempering in Sri Lankan Cuisine

At the heart of Sri Lankan cooking lies the art of tempering (‘tadka’ or ‘temperadu’), a technique that involves briefly frying spices in oil to release their essential oils and rich aromas. This process enhances the depth and complexity of flavours, with commonly used ingredients like mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and fenugreek. The key to successful tempering is balancing heat and timing to ensure the spices infuse the oil without burning, elevating the dish with a quintessentially Sri Lankan touch.

Hopper Joint

157 Greville Street, Prahran

Australia’s housing horizon

As we look ahead to the next decade of Australia's real estate market, we can expect to see a range of patterns, demographic shifts, and policy changes that will shape the way we live and work. The future may not be entirely different from the present, but it will certainly bring its own unique challenges and opportunities.

One of the key drivers of change in the coming years will be the Millennial generation, who are now entering their prime home-buying years. As they seek out larger living spaces in suburban areas, we may see a shift away from the compact city dwellings that have been popular in recent years. This move towards suburbia is likely to free up housing stock in urban areas, as Baby Boomers look to downsize and potentially move to regional or coastal towns.

At the same time, policymakers are becoming increasingly focused on the need to boost housing supply, with state governments taking a more active role in urban development. This could lead to denser housing developments in middle suburbs, as planners and developers seek to balance the need for growth with the desire to maintain community character. The Victorian and New South Wales governments, for instance, have introduced initiatives to increase housing density in these areas.

Of course, the future is not without its uncertainties. The global economy faces the prospect of a slowdown, and the shifting investment priorities of an ageing population. However, there are also reasons for optimism, with advancements in artificial intelligence promising to boost productivity and drive innovation. AI and other technological advancements are expected to transform the real estate industry, enhancing efficiency and creating new opportunities.

Into the future, it's clear that entertainment and leisure will continue to be important parts of our lives. However, the way we consume information is likely to change, with a greater

emphasis on trusted sources and curated content. While selfdriving cars may not yet be the norm, the groundwork for this technological revolution will undoubtedly be laid in the coming years, influencing suburban growth and property values.

Perhaps most importantly, the next decade is likely to bring gradual improvements in housing affordability, which is expected to improve gradually through a combination of policy changes, demographic shifts, and housing innovations. Policymakers and industry leaders will need to collaborate to balance the needs of a growing population with the imperatives of sustainable development and social equity.

Balancing growth with sustainability will be a key challenge. The need for sustainable development practices is becoming more pressing as the impacts of climate change become more apparent. Energy-efficient buildings, sustainable materials, and green spaces will be essential components of future developments. Ensuring these advancements are accessible to all Australians will require equitable policies that address the diverse needs of the population.

Ultimately, the Australia of 2034 may not be a radical departure from the present day. While change is inevitable, the fundamental human needs and desires that shape our cities and communities are likely to remain largely the same. The key challenge for all of us will be to navigate these changes in a way that creates a future that is both prosperous and sustainable, for ourselves and for generations to come. ■

A Night of & Giving Glitz, Glamour

On Saturday, June 1, the Marshall White Foundation hosted their annual fundraising event at the Grand Hyatt, transporting approximately 400 guests to the streets of Rio de Janeiro for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, philanthropy, and community spirit.

The Carnival themed ball, masterfully emceed by Channel 9 Reporter Tom Steinfort, was a dazzling display of colour, music, and dance. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted by the enchanting Tropicana girls, setting the tone for a night filled with excitement.

The evening's entertainment lineup was nothing short of spectacular. Isaac Moran kicked off the festivities with an acoustic performance, followed by a mesmerising display by Karin Achavez and the Brazilian drummers, who filled the room with infectious rhythms and energy, while Kealy's aerial hoop performance left the audience in awe.

As the evening progressed, guests had the opportunity to participate in a raffle, silent auction, and a live auction, all of which were met with enthusiastic bidding. The generosity of the attendees was truly heartwarming as they came together to support MWF's partner charities, You Matter and Launch Housing.

The Marshall White Foundation has been tireless in its efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need, with a particular focus on addressing homelessness and creating safe havens for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. The funds raised during the Ball, in excess of $150,000, will play a crucial role in enabling MWF to continue its vital work and support these essential causes.

The success of the event would not have been possible without the generous support of the evening's major sponsors. Domain, Levantine Hill & Bensons Property Group, Briner, Neo Printing, and NAB all played a significant role in bringing the Foundation Ball to life. A special mention must be made of Levantine Hill, who graciously donated all the wine for the evening.

As the night drew to a close, the Andrew Loadsman Band took the stage, and guests danced the night away, celebrating the incredible achievements of the Marshall White Foundation and the power of coming together for a worthy cause. The Ball was more than just a social event; it was a resounding affirmation of the commitment of the Marshall White Foundation and its supporters to create positive change and build a brighter future for those who need it most.

The Marshall White Foundation would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all those who attended, sponsored, and contributed to making the Foundation Ball 2024 an extraordinary success. Together, we have taken a significant step towards creating a more compassionate society, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the years to come. ■