| 3 The Lost Spring: Ohlson & Whitelaw T TKim Newth A place of magic and relaxation The Lost Spring offers a Pacific Island-style resort right here in New Zealand. “Parents can come here and forget their responsibilities in the real world for a time. People come as a group to relax and unwind. It’s a great place for an escape.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A thermal paradise in the Coromandel, The Lost Spring brings together beautifully relaxing geothermal pools and spa treatments with Pasifika hospitality in a lush bush setting. In the years since Covid, this unique getaway has been progressively refurbished to create the ultimate resort-style destination. “In the 16 years since we first opened, we have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t,” explains founder Alan Hopping, whose vision is all about returning magic to people’s lives. “We were the first in the country to open with an adults-only policy and, as a result, our day spa has really taken off. We were also the first to sell alcohol at the pools. “Parents can come here and forget their responsibilities in the real world for a time. People come as a group to relax and unwind. It’s a great place for an escape.” The historic building that houses The Lost Spring’s reception, changing rooms and restaurant has been elegantly refurbished. Up the stairs is the private day spa, set amongst the treetops and including a guest lounge, treatment rooms and private massage bures. “We have invested significantly in further development. It’s about reinforcing what’s already here. The day spa now has 28 treatment stations. As you have your treatment, you can look out across streams and waterfalls with no-one in sight. It’s a lovely natural tree top environment.” The Lost Spring’s therapeutic geothermal pools can be savoured before or after treatments, with food and cocktails available. Bure seating areas by the pools and the gorgeous bush setting underline the overarching Pasifika theme. As Alan observes, an escape to the Pacific Islands is increasingly out of reach for many because costs have escalated so much in recent years. He says the Lost Spring offers a Pacific Island-style resort right here in New Zealand. “We’re an alternative option and, from Auckland, you can be here in just two and a half to three hours.” Complementing the physical amenities is a commitment to delivering excellent service and an experience ‘beyond expectation’. That includes all day dining in an historic school house restaurant, or while lounging on the deck or poolside. “We’re totally proud of our kitchen. A lot of people are coming here now to celebrate special occasions and we have our own functions centre as well.” Leading Coromandel building firm Ohlson & Whitelaw has played a key role at The Lost Spring over the past two years, building bures in the treetops, crafting staircase links and translating complex plans into built reality. “Craig Ohlson has been fantastic and he has a great team. I can’t speak highly enough of them.” Currently in the design phase at The Lost Spring are plans for a new international art gallery focussing on Pacific Islands’ art. It will include dining and conference facilities and will feature an exciting large-scale artwork using innovative 3D effects to transform a 1970s Corvette into a spaceship to the stars. Since Covid, The Lost Spring has been operating from Thursday to Sunday only but this is now under review. “We’re intending to open seven days again when the time is right and that could be later this year.” Local AwardWinning Master Builder Proudly Supporting The Lost Spring Design & Build | Project Management | New Homes | Alterations | Extensions PO Box 42,Whitianga • Mob: 027 222 2286 info@ohlsonandwhitelaw.co.nz • ohlsonandwhitelaw.co.nz
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