Spa Places in the News

The Largest Resort Spa In New Zealand To Open At Millbrook Resort

The largest resort spa facility in New Zealand will open at Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort in mid-October.

The Spa at Millbrook will feature eight dry treatment rooms, two wet treatment rooms, a hair salon, manicure and pedicure areas, a retail area, an outdoor dining area and a number of private courtyards.

A team of professional therapists under the leadership of experienced spa manager Miranda Hill will provide the finest health and body experience in the luxurious, spacious treatment rooms.

A wet steam room will offer a unique combination of a Turkish Bath-style steam session with treatments, and another room will contain a Hydra Swiss shower, an invigorating experience with nine high pressure jets.

At the opposite end of the relaxation scale, a specially-built ‘bathing room’ will be a must to soothe aching muscles after a day on the slopes or a challenging 18 holes.

The Spa at Millbrook’s new Vichy massage table will be unique to New Zealand, crafted from Arcadia Cedar carved into the shape of a mangrove leaf. The Vichy massage is one of Millbrook’s signature treatments, where the therapist directs jets of water from above the massage table in a powerful combination with the massage treatment.

The first Spa at Millbrook, which opened in December 2001, was destroyed in an electrical fire late last year.

Millbrook decided to make the most of the opportunity by not simply re-building what was there before, but expanding to offer a wider range of treatments and facilities.

“The fire was heart breaking, but after two years’ of successful operation it enabled us to build again and highlight the best of what is on offer from around the world,” said hotel manager Karen Henry.

“In the past three years we have seen massive growth and demand in the spa market and the new Spa at Millbrook will cater for that growth.

“Dual treatments are a growing trend and we are incorporating three dual treatment rooms in the new spa.

“The spa will have a very new ‘look’ with high ceilings, limestone interior and lots of internal glass doors to keep it nice and bright, and we’ll be offering some new and very exciting treatments.”

The spa will offer a wide selection of massages, facials, wraps, hand and feet treats, packages for women, men, couples and groups, and personal grooming.

“Millbrook is the perfect choice for couples because we provide a haven for pampering, rejuvenation and well-being,” said Ms Henry.

“The spa will also be invaluable in servicing the growing demand from conference and incentive groups, we are extremely popular with wedding groups, and of course we have a strong and loyal local following.

“It’s all about total indulgence, head to toe pampering, rejuvenation and well-being. “We are already seeing strong interest and bookings for the summer of 2004/2005.”

An award-winning Queenstown building firm is building the new 504 square metre spa, which is fifty percent bigger than the previous spa building. The building is designed to blend into the dramatic surrounds, clad in a mixture of weatherboard, plaster and featuring wooden joinery.

It has been designed by Christchurch architect Haden Emslie who was responsible for the design of the resort’s Health and Fitness Centre.

Careful consideration has been given to the architecture, design and features of the spa to produce a building that is in harmony with its environment, while reflecting the history of Millbrook, Arrowtown and Central Otago.

Millbrook Resort is a member of Select Hotels and Resorts International.