Spellbound by the landscape and natural beauty, an ultimate travel destination for the luxury seeker, New Zealand offers beautiful resorts and spas offering holistic treatments, natures springs and a view to die for.
New Zealand
Spellbound by the landscape and natural beauty, an ultimate travel destination for the luxury seeker, New Zealand offers beautiful resorts and spas offering holistic treatments, natures springs and a view to die for.
Aotearoa New Zealand is a small nation with a sui generis flavor – its world class cities provide for a wide social audience, welcoming friendliness and layers of culture. Most find themselves spellbound by the landscape and natural beauty. An ultimate travel destination for the luxury seeker, New Zealand offers beautiful resorts and spas offering holistic treatments, natures springs and akview to die for. Linda Vonn reviews the top four spa retreats offering holistic treatments in New Zealand.
Ms. Pip King from ‘The Best Spa of New Zealand’, part of tourism authority of NZ, sums up New Zealand’s distinct spa culture. “One feature of NZ spa treatments that we hear often is that the style of delivery is very relaxed and friendly. Kiwis tend to be informal and genuinely interested in their clients, where they are from and how they are enjoying their experience of the country. The most unique treatments here are mud wraps and facials as offered by Polynesian Spa. They utilise the thermal mud from this geothermal region and are very popular with visitors looking for a uniquely ‘kiwi’ experience.”
Healing Waters of Polynesian Spa
Overlooking Lake Rotorua, relax and unwind in the hot mineral pools of Polynesian Spa. As you submerge in the warm waters, cast your eyes to the hills in the distance and reflect on this tranquil volcanic landscape once not so peaceful.
For over 130 years visitors have come to this site to experience the famous geothermal therapeutic waters of Rotorua where two types of mineral waters feed into the 26 pools at Polynesian Spa. Visitors find great relief from the Priest Spring for their tired muscles, aches and pains due to the acidity level of the mineral water. The alkaline water from the Rachael Spring on the other hand, is very pleasing on the skin. It was said that those who swam in Rachael Spring Water would be blessed with ageless beauty as the alkaline water has a natural antiseptic action due to its sodium silicate content.
At this multi award winning spa, four different bathing areas are on offer. Whether guests are after luxury bathing in the deluxe Lake Spa, an adults only bathing area in the Adult Pools and Priest Spa, quality family time in the Family Spa, or a romantic dip for two in a secluded Private Spa.
For ultimate relaxation guests can choose from an enticing range of spa therapies. A pre-soak in the deluxe Lake Spa is an integral part of all therapies to warm the muscles and relax the mind. Imagine getting a massage in a spa therapy room overlooking Lake Rotorua. You can hear all the natural sounds of water and chirping birds in the back ground. What better way to completely relax and escape from the stress from everyday live. Polynesian Spa uses all natural ingredients in the body and facial therapies such as Rotorua thermal mud, New Zealand Manuka honey and other.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Hanmer Springs Village, located in the South Island of New Zealand, is a 90 minute drive from Christchurch and Christchurch’s international airport. Travel through either the rolling hills of wine region, the rugged coastal route or over the beautiful and scenic mountain pass to arrive at Hanmer Springs.
Since it opened in November 2007, it has become one of New Zealand’s busiest spa retreats. This $3 million facility is modern and spacious, with twelve luxurious treatment rooms as well as six private thermal pools and private steam and sauna rooms. A team of 25 well trained and dedicated therapists ensure every visit becomes a wonderful memory.
“This is a place with a real village atmosphere and genuine heart. The Spa reflects that – it’s about taking care of your whole being and leaving with a spring in your step that wasn’t there when you walked in,” says Graeme Abbot, General Manager at Hanmer Springs.
Treatments vary from massages and facials to specialty full body wraps and rich body therapies. For real decadence try a Cocoa Relaxing body wrap in warm cocoa, or perhaps a chocolate fondue facial – know as Chocolate Regenerative Care.
The signature treatment of The Spa is the Vichy massage. Vichy massage is said to increase circulation and lymphatic flows, which aid the body in cleansing toxins. It is an hour of unsurpassable relaxation, a massage like no other under seven high-powered water jets. Leaving your entire body – from the tips of your toes to the top of your head – alive and tingling.
Chuan Spa at The Langham, Auckland
Langham, Auckland has the sense of elegance fostered by the original “Grand Hotel” – The Langham, London. The five-star property is a haven of tranquility in the heart of Auckland, comprising 411 rooms, including 70 Langham Club rooms and 12 suites. The restaurant offerings here will delight every connoisseur – from an indulgent afternoon at The Winery, to an exciting culinary destination at Eight, offering eight open world kitchens, taking diners on an unforgettable culinary journey.
Chuan Spa at the Langham is an opulent retreat from the chaos of the outside world and is the ultimate urban oasis. The wordkChuan means a serene course of water and this is reflected throughout the luxurious design of the spa.
The therapeutic wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the distinguishing feature of Chuan Spa and adds a unique point of difference to this five-star spa experience. The complimentary Tri-bathing Ritual begins while bathing under Chuan’s snail shower, allowing jets of warm water to loosen and soothe tightened muscles. Skin is then invigorated with a cooling ice experience which helps to increase circulation. The ritual is rounded off by relaxing in the warm, aromatic, five element herbal steam room to he,p bring your Qikinto balance pre-treatment.
A couple of hours is all it takes for the professional therapists at the exquisite Chuan Spa to help you reawaken your spirit, and perfectly harmonize your body, mind and soul.
The Spa at Millbrook Resort
Millbrook Resort is a five star country club nestled within the Southern Alps of New Zealand, an area world-famous for its rare, unspoiled natural beauty. Just 20 minutes from Queenstown International airport and a million miles from the hectic pace of big city life, Millbrook Resort’s facilities and high level of service has placed it high amongst some of the other resorts.
If the surrounding valley wasn’t peaceful enough, a day cocooned in pampered luxury is the perfect plan for the weekend. The Spa at Millbrook epitomises the ultimate in rest and relaxation, with inviting treatment relaxation rooms and outdoor areas. Located in an idyllic position, carefully angled windows ensure stunning views across manicured fairways, rolling hills or the surrounding mountains.
One of the signature spa treatments to try is the Tranquility Ritual. Its an aromatic journey to open the mind and calm the senses. It’s a pure indulgence for the skin with a luxurious face and body treatment. Nourishing textures deeply restore the skin, while bestowing a deep sense of relaxation and peace.
Aotearoa New Zealand lives right up to the hype – it’s well worth a visit, but blame it on the boogie if you get bewitched by its beauty and cant leave.
Ms. Pip King is the manager of the Best Spas of New Zealand tourism network. She has been involved in many aspects of the New Zealand tourism industry from retail to MICE spanning a career of more than 30 years. She loves the spa and luxury sectors and appreciates the willingness of operators to market collaboratively and to share information for the overall good of the destination. 
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