Further major development of Polynesian Spa

Further major development of Polynesian Spa

Work starts this week on a $3.5 million redevelopment at Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa.

The project, to replace the Spa’s aging private pools, is the continuation of the redevelopment of the historic spa and the culmination of two years of planning.

Managing director Martin Lobb says three new public bathing pools and 13 new private “rock pools” will be built to replace the existing 17 private bathing pools.

New supporting facilities will include additional changing rooms, a new waiting area for private pool patrons, changes to the main entrance, a separate entrance for tour groups and additional office accommodation.

Hot water bathing has attracted visitors and locals to the site for the past 120 years.

“The new project is the latest in a series of major developments since 1995 that will bring the entire spa complex to a standard which ensures we continue to provide a world-class bathing experience in a uniquely Rotorua environment.”

The Lake Spa, a natural “rock-pool” style adult bathing area overlooking Lake Rotorua, was opened in 1995. The Lake Spa Retreat, offering spa therapies based on Rotorua’s natural geothermal resources and natural products, opened in 2000 and the Priest Spa, replacing the Priest and Radium hot springs was opened in 2004.

The spa has been voted one of the world’s top 10 medical and thermal spas by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller in each of the past three years. This year it was the only southern hemisphere spa to make the list.

Mr Lobb says the redevelopment of the private pools reflects the spa’s commitment to maintaining its reputation and ranking as one of the world’s best spa experiences.

“While we have made significant improvements to other areas over the past 10 years, the existing private pools are nearly 30 years old and are overdue for replacement.

“At the same time as we redevelop that area, we are taking the opportunity to make improvements to relieve congestion at peak times, particularly in the reception and ticketing areas and the adults’ public pools.

“As a result, visits will be more relaxing for all of our users, including our many regulars.”

He says the new private pools will be smaller than the existing pools but will be built in the natural “rock pool” style that has been so popular in the Lake Spa. Four of the new private pools will be deluxe and will offer private views over Sulphur Bay.

The three new public bathing pools will bring the number of pools for adult bathing to seven, including the three Priest Spa pools opened two years ago.

The private pools are expected to be completed by Christmas 2006 with the remainder of the work being completed by April 2007.

While existing private pools will close from this week, all other spa facilities will operate as normal during construction.

ENDS

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