29 JUNE 2023 ISSUE 426
A SPA BUSINESS PUBLICATION
Wai Ariki opens in New Zealand
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Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has opened in New Zealand following a grand opening ceremony attended by prime minister Chris Hipkins. Combining the Rotorua region’s healing geothermal waters with the centuries-old legacy of Ngāti WAI ARIKI HOT SPRINGS AND SPA
Whakaue culture, healing practices and manaakitanga (the concept of care and hospitality), Wai Ariki has been designed to offer an authentic wellness and spa experience for manuhiri (guests).
■ Prime minister Chris Hipkins with the five blessing stones that complete the Wai Whakaora (Restorative Journey) experience
The 4,453sq m indigenousowned development has surpassed
The site has two main spa areas: Wai
through design, programming
many obstacles since first
Whakaora (Restorative Journey) and
and the development of its brand,
breaking ground in 2017, including
Te Ahuru Mōwai | The Sanctuary – a
created by Inia Maxwell (of the
Covid lockdowns, supply issues
space for bathing and spa treatments.
local Ngāti Whakaue tribe).
and a changing economy.
There is also a café and gift shop.
The luxury wellness spa
Wai Ariki is managed by Belgravia Leisure, an Australasian
Elements of te ao Māori (the Maori
now stands amidst the newly
worldview) are infused throughout
spa and wellness provider.
redeveloped Rotorua lakefront.
the development, including
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/7r5c7_B
Destination to open by end of 2023
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