MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release                                                         

4 February 2010

Rotorua resort voted top South Pacific spa

Travellers have voted a spa resort in Rotorua as one of the best places to relax in the South Pacific. 

Clarion Collection Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, a new addition to the Choice Hotels Australasia portfolio in New Zealand, made the top 10 list of Best Relaxation/ Spas Resorts in the South Pacific in the annual Travelers’ Choice Awards on leading travel website TripAdvisor.

The 4 ½ star resort was the only New Zealand hotel to make the Relaxation/ Spas 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. 

Bryan Hughes, CEO of the Wai Ora Group, 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.”  

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,” 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.”

David Bayes, CEO of Choice Hotels Australasia, said the award recognises the exceptional service and first-class facilities on offer at the Clarion Collection Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort.     

“We are extremely proud of the team at the resort whose expertise ensures guests have a memorable experience. With this award we anticipate more people will want to experience the world-class spa treatments, top-notch accommodation and fine dining restaurant available 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.

ENDS