The road trip is back – and the destination is bliss! Welcome to the world of luxury bathing and beauty treatments that just happens to be on our doorstep in a magical part
of New Zealand.
Owned and operated by local iwi Ngāti Whakaue, Rotorua’s Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is gaining international attention for its unique approach to wellness. Built on a vast mineral hot spot, it’s an adults-only retreat like no other.
Day one
Travelling light with a pair of togs, jandals and a hair tie, we were met on arrival in the guest foyer by a friendly guide. Making the event even more intimate, we were part of a group of only 16 guests per 30-minute timeslot lining up for what is called the Restorative Journey.
It’s a seven-step, multi-sensory experience blending geothermal heat, water, mud and steam, designed to nurture and support both physical and mental wellbeing.
Splitting into our own curated packages, we were whisked away to a private geothermal pool, where a platter of delicious nibbles awaited, along with our bathrobes and towels.
For the next half-hour, we soaked in the healing, mineral-rich water overlooking breathtaking Lake Rotorua. We felt like VIPs. Luckily, there was drinking water on tap because at 40-plus degrees, things were heating up!
Next on the agenda, our first step in the real journey began with the saunas. In true Scandi-style, each of the three types (Bio, Himalayan salt and Hay) was broken up with a cold plunge that had us racing from one zone to the next.
Then we stepped outside to the open-air, covered pool complex and the true wow factor was revealed!
Here, with a panoramic view of the lake, we spent two hours moving through a sequence of thermal pools of varying temperatures, some infused with calming herbal blends, and our favourite – hydrotherapy with sunken massage beds. Every home should have one!
What we were most intrigued by was the mud ritual – and it was quite the attraction for fellow guests. Smooth like icing and definitely not your garden variety mud, this pleasant-smelling mix is infused with native plants and oil extracts. We applied it to our faces and bodies before lying comfortably back on heated stone loungers for 20 minutes as the volcanic mud worked its magic.
When we hit the steam room and washed it all off, our skin felt silky-soft and amazing!
As our journey came to an end, we showered, taking full advantage of Wai Ariki’s gorgeous blended shampoos, conditioners and body washes.
Floating back to our car, we drove across the road to our fabulous accommodation at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, where we occupied a lovely room on the top floor overlooking the water. Handily located next to the dining laneway of Eat Streat, we were spoilt for dinner choice.
Back at the hotel, we checked out the gym and indoor pool area, which we planned to hit early the next morning.
Day two
Looking out our hotel window on a glorious crisp Sunday, breakfast and a lake walk called to us. Then it was back to Wai Ariki.
We thought we’d been truly pampered until booking in for a soothing soak in a private room for two. Adding herbal delights and Himalayan salt to deep baths, we were prepping for phase two. Safe in the capable, healing hands of beauty therapists Siobhan and Mokoia, we indulged in a two-hour massage and rejuvenating mānuka honey facial. What a treat!
As our farewell approached, we reclined one last time looking out at the glorious view, with a platter of refreshments from the café to send us on our way. Armed with a tub of the beauty elixir mud from the gift store, we were good to glow.
Thank you, Wai Ariki – we’ll be back!
Visit Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
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