Rotorua's Wai Ora Lakeside Spa resort has been voted one of the 10 best relaxation spa resorts in the South Pacific.
The resort made the top 10 list of Best Relaxation/Spa Resorts in the South Pacific in the annual Travellers' Choice Awards on the TripAdvisor website. The four-star resort was the
only New Zealand hotel to make the relaxation/spa category, which was a new addition to the awards this year.
The 719 winners were based on travellers' reviews and opinions posted on the TripAdvisor website.
Wai Ora Group chief executive officer Bryan Hughes said the award had already boosted awareness of the lakefront resort.
"Already we've had visitors who read about us on the TripAdvisor website, saw our award and picked us to stay. Travellers are increasingly choosing accommodation based on travel website reviews. That's why to be recognised by one of the world's most trusted websites is fantastic."
Mr Hughes puts the favourable reviews about his resort down to three factors - location, service and value.
"Our spa is unique in that we offer therapies and products based on traditional Maori knowledge and natural ingredients, such as geothermal mud, Manuka oil and Manuka honey," Mr Hughes said. "We have seen a lift in local tourism as New Zealanders discover that they can get world-class spa treatments without having to travel overseas. It's becoming the norm now."
The spa has nine treatment rooms and offers day spa services - a part of the business which is really starting to take off, Mr Hughes said.
Choice Hotels Australasia chief executive officer David Bayes said the award recognised the exceptional service and first-class facilities on offer at the Clarion Collection Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort.
Clarion Collection Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort offers 30 luxury rooms, including 10 superior suites, a la carte dining, multiple options for rest and relaxation and direct access to Lake Rotorua.
