Spa upgrade adds new level of luxury

One of New Zealand's top international spas has upgraded its exclusive spa therapy wing in the hope it will attract more domestic visitors in a depressed international tourism market.

Polynesian Spa managing director Martin Lobb said about $350,000 had been spent giving the 12-year-old deluxe spa therapy wing a complete makeover.

Known as the Lake Spa Retreat the old wing was opened in 2000.

The five spa therapy rooms and two relaxation lounges have been given a top-to-toe refurbishment with a new ambience that enhances the feeling of luxury and relaxation, Mr Lobb said.

"We wanted to create an even more luxurious feel to our retreat where our clients can experience world class pampering."

New deep pile carpet, marble showers and vanities, new furniture and better views out to Lake Rotorua are the main features of the upgrade.

"Along with receiving the benefit of pre-bathing in the Lake Spa hot mineral pools, the sumptuous spa therapy and the sense of peace and quiet in the retreat will ensure that our clients go away happy."

Mr Lobb said this year his visitor split was about 60 per cent international and 40 per cent domestic with a large part of his domestic business coming from Auckland.

"Because of the depression in the international tourism market we're now looking to excite and entice more New Zealanders to relax and enjoy this unique opportunity."

The Polynesian Spa has been named as one of the top 10 mineral spring spas in the world by the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller magazine six times in the past 10 years.