The Lost Spring is already a destination. It has been since it opened eighteen years ago. You just need to sit in the foyer and listen to the front counter greetings and conversations. Groups, couples and individuals have searched out The Lost Spring as their destination for enjoyment, relaxation and restoration. Some come holding a brochure they have picked up.
Some have booked online from overseas and others are accompanied by local friends and relatives who want them to experience the, geo thermal pools, the Day Spa treatments and pampering, plus Combos including Dip and Dine. They have heard Whitianga is a paradise and The Lost Spring is a must for their experience.
Added to the interchange in the foyer are locals checking in to enjoy their local discount on a month of swims in the pools, or to use a Dip, Sip and Dine Gift Voucher.
Several metres away on the upper level, a large-scale project has been underway for several years. The Informer has been watching the construction reveal its wonders in all its many dimensions. This is s Pacifica development on a Pacific Resort scale. Of course, there is still lots of scaffolding as building is in progress, but then, suddenly beautiful tree -top paths appear perfectly finished. Several new Day Spa rooms have been completed, pacifically furnished – spacious, colourful and relaxing. There is the well-advanced construction of a clam-shell thermal pool high among the palms.
Alan Hopping works daily in this somewhat unbelievable space, with a team of architects, builders and creatives.
“We are about six months from absolute completion,” says Alan stepping down from one of the tree-top construction areas. “I expect by year’s end for The Lost Spring to be the top end Number One Day Spa and boutique thermal pool destination in New Zealand. We will have the capability to welcome an extra 25 couples per day.”
The boutique hotel is the next stage after this is completed and then follows the Lost Spring Pacific Art and Space Centre with an extended restaurant area – the latter having some aspects already completed. Alan and his board are planning that seventy percent will be overseas clientele and 30 percent domestic market visitors. This is a big challenge but one they are up for. Their goal, just for the Day Spa, is that they will employ 35 therapists over twenty-eight stations. The lounges in the street tops are just about finished with all having the completed touches of Pacific Island style and furnishings.
Alan is very focussed on The Lost Spring with its new additional facilities needing to be first in terms of the level of hospitality provided across all their services. “This is not just for one day but for every day,” he says. “Being a top end Day Spa and geothermal pool destination means being top end with hospitality and care to detail. We want to spoil everyone who comes, and to exceed expectations, is our commitment,” says Alan.
