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Te Aroha News
3 February 2010
Spas take step back in time with makeover
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PREPARED TO PAMPER: Te Aroha Mineral Spas’ manager Kieren Roff with the new baths.
Photo: PIAKO POST |
Te Aroha Mineral Spas is going back 100 years with an extensive $20,000 redevelopment almost complete.
Matamata-Piako District Council facilities manager Bruce Langlands said Te Aroha was the only area in New Zealand to be installing Edwardian-style baths.
“It is a historic reproduction to replicate the original authentic baths that were here in 1898,” he said.
“It give us a point of difference and is a luxurious option.”
Two free standing king-size flipper baths, complete with claw feet, will replace the triangular stainless steel one, which proved slippery and uncomfortable.
“The triangular baths were an odd shape and past their usedby date.
“The new baths will last for a hundred years.”
Work started before Christmas and is expected to be completed in time for Valentine’s Day.
Spa manager Kieren Roff is excited by the transformation.
“They will be a lot more comfortable, safer and relaxing,” she said.
“The two baths will have high back support and are in the same room, which will be perfect for couples who want to bath together, but have separate experiences.
“We will have a menu enabling customers to pick their aromatherapy oils, such as lavender and herb.”
The tubs are made of cast iron and coated in enamel, therefore can withstand oils and treatments that other wooden baths cannot.
Mr Langlands said the bathing options were endless.
“In the Czech Republic they have beer baths and Rotorua’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital still use the old Edwardian baths for treatment of arthritis. We can now do all sorts, from flower petals to rose oils.”
He also mentioned using sea salt which could help improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Rotten timber, new tiles, wall lining and plumbing have also replaced as part of the redevelopment.
Story by Liam Napier
Piako Post |
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