Lake Okareka Lodge New Zealand

Unfazed by recession, Rotorua's award winning luxury lodge invests in major upgrade

Rotorua's exclusive Lake Okareka Lodge is not fazed by the world economic meltdown and has re-opened for business in mid December after months of substantially reconfiguring, redecorating and landscaping the award winning lakeside property.

Diana Moore, New Zealand-based country manager for lodge owners lebua Hotels & Resorts, says the lodge remains confident about the future and doesn't rest on its laurels.

"Being recognised as 'New Zealand's Top Luxury Lodge' in the 2008 World Travel Awards, and other accolades, didn't hold us back from closing the doors to undertake a complete makeover and refurbishment to ensure the lodge retains its appeal to the most discerning of international luxury travellers.

"The results of all the upgrade work are simply stunning," said Ms Moore. "Lake Okareka Lodge now features just three very large suites, each with lake views, balconies, luxurious en-suite bathrooms, and their own sitting room and office. They all include special touches such as Bvlgari bathroom amenities, iPod docks, satellite TV, plasma screens, DVD players and audio music systems,"

The lodge has just added a new gym and fitness studio, massage room, climate controlled wine cellar and baby grand piano, while completely redecorating the living room, library/den and dining room. The gardens and outdoor spa area have also had a comprehensive landscaping makeover.

With bookings restricted to just one party at any one time, guests enjoy exclusive and private use of the entire lodge complex, gated estate, beach and all facilities.

"This ensures our clientele have the complete run of the lodge in absolute privacy and seclusion. It becomes their own home while they are with us. But of course here we give them their own internationally experienced personal chef to cater to individual dining preferences, along with 24-hour butler services," said Ms Moore. "It's this exclusivity and personal service, along with the unique location, that set us apart from others."

"Guests have the choice of arriving at Lake Okareka Lodge's bush clad lakeside location by scenic road, or travelling by helicopter or floatplane direct to our own helipad or jetty."

While Ms Moore is reluctant to reveal the names of guests who have stayed at the lodge, she confirmed that it has hosted some very wealthy people and some very famous names. She says discretion and privacy are vital elements of the luxury lodge's business.

"Rotorua's incredible mix of attractions and activities are all on our doorstep - including golf, trout fishing, bush walks, mountain biking, sailing, and an array of unique geothermal and cultural experiences featuring the area's Maori people."

While regular nightly rates for the upmarket Lake Okareka Lodge are around NZ$6,500 per couple, including meals, Ms Moore says they are celebrating the re-launch by offering special promotional tariffs through to September this year, starting from NZ$2503+GST per couple per night with pre-dinner drinks, all meals, airport transfers and exclusive lodge use included.

More information is available by calling the Rotorua offices of Lake Okareka Lodge on 07 348 8026 or online at www.okareka.co.nz.