Two days at the best spa in Oceania changed my mind on ‘wellness weekends’

I have to confess, I’ve always been sceptical of “wellness weekend” trips – why should I spend thousands of dollars to relax when I can fill up my bathtub and slap on a facemask?

However, two days at the spa that was just named the best spa in entire Oceania region changed my mind.

Wai Ariki Spa and Hot Springs is located in Rotorua, New Zealand. The lakeside spa flawlessly incorporates the things the town is best known for, including Māori culture, geothermal pools and mud treatments.

The venue is deeply dedicated to carrying on the traditions of the Ngāti Whakaue tribe, which built the spa after the native land was returned to them.

From the second my mum and I walked through the doors, it was obvious how much thought and love went into the design - beautiful Māori art touches all parts of the reception, all the way up to the zigzag roof, which resembles the mountain tops of New Zealand.

The spa offers a range of treatments and experiences that all incorporate Māori culture.

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We were lucky enough to indulge in a wide range of treatments, starting with their Restorative Journey.

You start your experience at the Wairere Waterfall Showers, where you stand under four different shower heads of varying pressures. The showers are supposed to clear the body and mind to get you ready for the journey.

Honestly, I found this part a bit odd, but I don’t think I’m the target audience for it – I much prefer a soak to a shower.

Afterwards, we made our way to the Tongariro Fire & Ice Caves, which are inspired by the Māori legend of Ngātoroirangi, which explains how the region got its geothermal activity.

Three different saunas and two “cool” rooms, which included a cold wading pool and ice room, make up the spa’s Fire and Ice Caves.

My personal favourite was the salt sauna - it was the perfect temperature and really set the tone for the day. The hay sauna was also a unique and relaxing experience.

In need of a cool down, I braved the cold rooms, which were surprisingly refreshing rather than unbearably cold.

We then moved on to the Lake View Pools, which are filled with the infamous geothermal water found in Rotorua.

We took our time enjoying the warm, healing waters of the pools, which was a highlight of the restorative journey for us.

The spa has five thermal pools of varying temperatures, including a herbal plunge pool and a cold plunge.

Geothermal water is known to be beneficial for the skin, circulation, muscle recovery and calming the nervous system.

The Spa’s General Manager Debbie Robertson revealed how historically, Maroi soldiers would use the pools to heal after battle.

“Our warriors would come back after battle and bathe in the water to help repair their wounds, [they used them] for arthritis too,” she explained.

Funnily enough, my mum’s eczema was bright red and irritating her before we entered the thermal waters, but it had calmed down significantly by the time she emerged. Perhaps the waters really do have healing powers.

Another highlight came when we entered the Geothermal Mud Lounge. We were given a bowl of filtered geothermal mud, which we were instructed to rub over our skin.

After letting the mud dry, we entered a huge steam room, which is designed to help soften the mud before you rinse it off.

When the two-hour journey was over, we were taken to the relaxation lounge where we enjoyed a charcuterie platter, smoothies and homemade pie.

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It was clear to me why this spa was just named the best day spa in Oceania after just two hours in the venue.

Following lunch, we were treated to the Wai Ariki Signature Massage - which was the best massage I’ve had in a long time.

If you’re like me, you struggle to shut your brain off during massages, but I was so relaxed I actually fell asleep! Twice!

The attention to detail was obvious, down to the heated bed I was lying on - which definitely did not help me stay awake.

Our second day at the spa started with the Dual Ngāwhā Sensory Ritual, which is a private geothermal bathing experience for two.

If the thought of sharing a geothermal pool with strangers unsettles you, then this experience is for you! But personally, I don’t think you can beat looking out at the view of lake Rotorua while in the main pools.

That was followed up by a body scrub and the Wai Ariki Signature Facial, which was incredible (and also sent me straight to sleep - again!).

Following our treatments, Robertson explained the ethos of the relaxation destination.

“We want our guests to leave here better than when they arrived,” she said.

“To have them take onboard all of our cultural storytelling, the history, the spirituality that we as a people have... that is at the forefront of everything we do.”

She explained the one thing she hoped guests will take away from their time at Wai Ariki Spa is to “find self-connection during their stay.”

“We never know where somebody is in their journey of life or what they’ve been dealing with.“

“If they can come through the spa and they can disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves, that is a sense of healing, both spiritually and physically with the (healing) water.

“That’s all I could ask is that they embrace that.”

After my two days of soaking up the vibes of Wai Ariki, I honestly can say I finally understand the benefits of a wellness weekend.

I was able to completely shut my brain off and experience the pure bliss of being completely relaxed - a feeling I don’t think I’ve ever felt before.

The writer was hosted by Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.