Media Release: Ocean View Retreats, Raglan, NEW ZEALAND
Most are based on pure pampering with spa treatments, relaxation and evening entertainment, combined with gourmet healthy food and luxury accommodation. The Ocean Escape package offers six nights/seven days of surf lessons, spa treatments and yoga whilst the Serenity Retreat provides six nights/seven days of pure relaxation and pampering with spa treatments and both packages include luxury accommodation with the acclaimed gourmet cuisine for which Waoku Lodge is well known.
Shorter packages of between two to four nights are also offered. There is a cost-conscious accommodation option currently at Rangi House, a shared three-bedroom Holiday Home within the grounds of Waoku Lodge.
Owner, Sharon Southern, says; “We’ve looked at the growth of women’s retreats in Australia and Bali, and discovered a global movement for women-specific retreats that includes Europe and the USA. New Zealand seemed wanting in the provision of a luxury accommodation offering women-only pampering and activity retreats. You could say we saw a gap in the market and decided to use Waoku Lodge as a base for a new venture.”
“Twelve months planning has bought us to a stage where we are ready to launch this new venture. Details of the retreats can be viewed at www.oceanviewretreats.com, where booking details are also included.”
“Raglan is the ideal location, easily accessible from Auckland, and Hamilton – both cities having international airports; and the facilities available locally made it much easier to take the plunge. We have included local businesses and activity providers including Raglan Surf School, Wild Coast horse-riding and other local services offering rock-climbing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and can also access wind surfing, fishing and a host of other local businesses.”
“There are a couple of quirky inclusions, for instance we will be trying a whiskey tasting evening especially geared towards women’s tastes. We have had a lot of fun with our (female) whiskey expert determining which whiskeys might suit a female palate, and also have the option of presenting a wine tasting evening to our guests also. Raglan is well-known for its arts and music and we will include the occasional acoustic music evening with local artistes.”
“We are proud to have negotiated with Himalayan Nomad Massage to base their clinic at Waoku Lodge and have acquired the services of Tsondue Zari, a beautiful Tibetan masseuse. He has a gentleness and the experience and qualifications that really fits with our philosophy, and is a welcome addition to our range of spa therapists.”
“Raglan is a clear favourite for Kiwi holiday makers, and we want to do our bit to showcase the attractions of Raglan to a wider audience. We have certainly raised the profile of the area since opening Waoku Lodge just over five years ago and now look to offer a range of new experiences to New Zealand women and expand the appeal and beauty of the wild, west coast to overseas guests also.”
Sharon Southern
Ocean View Retreats
Phone +64 7825 7072
Fax +64 7825 7073
Email reception@oceanviewretreats.com
Waoku Lodge
51A Whaanga Road
Raglan
NEW ZEALAND