Spring 2020

12 Some Like It Hot Perched on the cliffs in the heart of a stunning mountain range, nestled in the heart of an old gold mining town, the Onsen Hot Pools Retreat and Day Spa are a surprising highlight for any visitor lucky enough to partake. Having won the prestigious LUXlife’s award for 2020's Most Outstanding Spa & Relaxation Experience in New Zealand, we took a closer look to find out more. The hot pools at Onsen are perhaps the definition of pure indulgence. 100% kiwi owned and operated, Onsen offer guests a unique twist on the traditional Japanese bathing tradition, combined with a boutique day spa experience to create something truly special. When added to the gorgeous location overlooking the breath-taking views that Onsen has become renowned for, it makes for a one-of-a-kind experience. For those wanting to take advantage of the hot tubs, these idyllic, cedar- lined pools offer customers the chance to sit back and relax. A world apart from the action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled activities of Queenstown or Arrowtown, Onsen acts as an escape into rest and relaxation. Infamously good for the body and the mind, guests are invited to connect with the world around them. In terms of hot pool types, Onsen has two options on offer. The original Onsen utilizes the traditional hot tubs, allowing guests exclusive use for 60 minutes, inviting individuals or groups of up to four people something soothing. For those guests wanting a fuller connection with nature, the Outdoor Onsen is an exclusive use mineral pool, surrounded by planting to provide partial seclusion. Overlooking the beautiful Shotover River, with every star visible on a clear night, guests are assured of a genuine connection with something deeper. The purest water on Earth is taken from the surrounding mountains and used to refresh the pools, with heat exchangers used to warm incoming water in an environmentally friendly manner. Another key aspect of the relaxation experience at Onsen is the day spa, where guests are invited to come and take advantage of the massage or pampering packages. In the Serenity Soak and Spa, highly trained therapists personalize a 45-minute soak in a private hot tub on a private deck with bath scents or salts, perfectly designed to match the treatment that follows in the tranquil day spa room. Those wanting the Ultimate Relaxation Experience will receive similar treatment, with the hot tub soothing the soul, making guests relaxed, calm and warm. You will be perfectly prepared for a choice of face or body treatments, by a talented therapist who will deliver a range of both relaxation and deep tissue massages as well as facials using Pure Fiji and Herb Farm products. The use of the Hot Pools and tubs are key to the effectiveness of these treatments, which is the reason that all soak and spa experiences have been designed to take place in this order. The nature of the business is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs and expectations of its guests, and Onsen have recently invested in major renovations including the addition of an additional three Original Onsen Hot Pools and five new outdoor mineral pools overseeing the Shotover River. A newly expanded day spa facility, with single use hot tubs, means that the options for relaxation and rejuvenation have been expanded even further. Popular with locals and international visitors alike, it’s clear that this forward-thinking approach is paying off. Finding somewhere that encapsulates relaxation is a major challenge, but Onsen does it exceptionally well, built on the principle of connection. Allowing guests to wallow in the most natural water available, literally on tap, while surrounded by the beautiful vistas of New Zealand, it’s no wonder that this spa experience has proven to be such a tremendous success. Company: Onsen Hot Pools Retreat and Day Spa Contact: Liz Marshallsea Nov19177