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WE GET THE TOUR
Approaching on Cook Drive you’ll pass rows of cosy homes before
seeing the flags that announce the narrow entrance to The Lost Spring. It
surely is a bit of a surprise to see this expansive Polynesian paradise rise
from the ground in breath-taking 3D.
Upon arrival, we heard Hawaiian music coming from a cluster of trees
near the car, and soon realised it was coming from speakers concealed
inside rocks that are scattered strategically throughout the resort. It was
the iconic Iz singing – could Alan have known he was my favourite (sadly,
now deceased) Hawaiian performer?
The pathways surrounding the pools indeed transported us to a tropical
paradise. Bananas and guava grew along the path – some bearing fruit
ready to pick. Several thatched huts offered refreshments and food.
Alan pointed out a number of linked sculpted pools, noting that the hotter
mineral pools of the Bathtub Terraces and Crater Lake Hot Pool overflow
to keep the larger pools and lagoons toasty. If you get too hot in the
dedicated springs, take a simple wade to deeper water and you’ll find a
refreshing spot to ‘cool off’.
The lagoons, fringed with tropical palms and ferns, set off the dramatic
features: the Amethyst Cave, the Crystal Cave, the Volcano, Waterfalls,
and even a swinging bridge. On dark winter evenings, the lagoons and
caves are lit in colourful splashes.
Spa guests are served refreshments by café staff, or one can place
orders at the juice bar. Alan seems to have thought of everything. From
conveniently placed glass pitchers of water, to comfortable lounges,
plump pillows on the dining chairs, to energy-saving lights that switch on
when you enter and off when you leave the toilets.
Even though it seems Alan has fulfilled his vision, his mind is still whirring
with new ideas. One plan includes expanding the spa rooms into what
he refers to as the ‘tree tops’, to offer private outdoor treatment areas
surrounded by the sounds and ambiance of the tropics.
The volcano has been designed to actually erupt (Viva Las Vegas!), but
only manually at this time. They hope to have it fully automated one day –
operating for the entertainment of guests and for special events.
Of course, the foundation of The Lost Spring will always be the water.
“Our guests get to come and escape to another world,” says Donna
Brear, who, like several others on the team has been with The Lost
Spring for almost 6 years. Alan describes his loyal staff as ‘family’ and
gives credit for the real day to day success of the resort to them, along
with the tremendous support of his mother.
Tropical tranquility in the middle of Whitianga. Unwind with a cocktail
while relaxing in the pool of your choice... experience a massage or other
luxurious spa treatments... enjoy a good meal. Alan’s dedication to his
vision now provides a ‘dream come true’ for the numerous guests visiting
his ‘lost spring found’.
On this warm Summer day, Iz playing upon arrival, a lobby with a Polynesian
flair, lush tropical gardens and fruits, thatched huts – I had to remind myself
that I wasn’t back on the Big Island of Hawaii. In that moment I longed to
move to Whitianga just to be closer to The Lost Spring!
The restored schoolhouse overlooking the lagoon now
houses the spa upscale treatment rooms and restaurant.
Introducing...
The NewTeam. Tanya, Celeste &Glenys
A haven of calm
hidden inTairua
Our vision is customer satisfaction. Let our
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Find us on
A premiere restaurant at a great
waterfront location...offering
exquisite contemporary
European cuisine using
fresh seasonal local produce
Open 7 days from 11.30 til late
for lunch and dinner
or simply enjoy scrumptious tapas or
shared plates on the marina vista deck
Located
on the
Whitianga
Marina
an idyllic venue for
your special day
07 866 5818
FOR BOOKINGS
Salt’s Wedding Package includes
beverage. Wedding packages
to suit any number of guests.
2 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga •
Weddings...our specialty
Open 7 days
from 11.30 til late
for lunch
and dinner
or simply enjoy
scrumptious tapas or
shared plates on the
marina vista deck
Located
on the
Whitianga
Marina
07 866 5818
FOR BOOKINGS
2 Blacksmith Lane • Whitianga •
A premiere
restaurant at a
great waterfront
location...
offering exquisite
contemporary
European cuisine
using fresh seasonal
local produce
Open 7 days
from 11.30 til late
for lunch
and dinner
or simply enjoy
scrumptious tapas or
shared plates on the
marina vista deck
Located
on the
Whitianga
Marina
Weddings...our specialty an idyllic venue for
your special day
07 866 5818
FOR BOOKINGS
Salt’s Wedding Package includes
food & beverage. Wedding packages
to suit any number of guests.
2 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga •
A premiere
restaurant at a
great waterfront
location...
offering exquisite
contemporary
European cuisine
using fresh seasonal
local produce
includes food & beverage
Wedding packages
to suit any
number of guests
an idyllic venue for
your special day Weddings...our specialty
Salt’s Wedding Package
24 COROMANDEL LIFE 2015 LATE SUMMER/EASTER