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ROTORUA BLISS
By admin | February 25, 2009
WAI ORA LAKESIDE SPA RESORT ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND
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Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is Rotorua’s first and only destination Spa Resort and when I was recently invited by Wai Ora to experience a weekend of dining, sightseeing and pampering I jumped at the chance!
So what’s a girl to do? Get in the car with fellow spa aficionado Debbie and head to Rotorua for a scenic two and a half hour drive south of Auckland.
Located on the Eastern Shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ora’s Spa therapies are centred around New Zealand’s geothermal, cultural and natural heritage. On our arrival at the resort we were warmly greeted by Bryan, owner and mastermind behind the Resort, Jason (General Manager) and Haydn (Sales Manager). We where immediately shown around the establishment and whisked off to our accommodation.
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort was once known as Manary Lakeside Resort (and there are pictures to prove what the old establishment looked like!) - the resort was completely gutted keeping only the exterior structure and rebuilt to what it is today- stunning.
The Resort is located lakefront at Holdens Bay (part of Lake Rotorua), and set on two acres of landscaped gardens. The nice thing about the resort is that it is tucked away in suburbia, surrounded by residential houses. Located a mere 5 minute drive from central Rotorua, which can be reached by courtesy shuttle, it is away from the main strip of “Rotovegas” so great for that peaceful getaway.
Accommodation at the Resort consists of 20 deluxe studios, which are smaller rooms with hotel facilities, a King bed can be split into two single beds. So perfect for girlie weekends away. The Deluxe Studios are located on the ground floor and each has a small patio area outside. The 10 Superior suites are more spacious and located on the top floor- all with balconies. They have a separate living, kitchenette facilities and double spa bath.
Ravenous after our drive from the Big smoke (aka Auckland) we decided to freshen up and order some room service. Being in the travel industry for longer than I care to mention how I judge a resort and the service that lies ahead is by the speed of its room service. I placed the order, put on my ’stop watch’ and anticipated our delivery.From placing the order to opening the hotel door was…15 minutes! Impressive- the food was beautifully presented and tasty. We had the pleasure of tasting some of the local ingredients Kawakawa infused olive oil (a local Maori herb known for its medicinal properties)
So we begin to unwind, grazing on wonderful room service wondering what lies ahead for dinner! Dinner at Mokoia Restaurant was a culinary delight! Attentive service, Infused teas, Mud, mud and more mud was enjoyed that weekend!
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