Therapeutic Indulgence in Rotorua

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure.

Who doesn’t love a hot tub?

As soon as I placed screaming Savannah into the warmth of the thermal pool she quietened and floated in happy contentment.

I realized that enveloping our body in the warmth of a hot spring takes us back to the days where we once floated in the embryonic cocoon, a place of warmth and comfort.

That’s why when most people step in and first feel the heat, they let out a deep sigh of recognition and peace here at last.

“How good is this?” I squealed to Kalyra as we rolled from our tummies to our backs admiring the views out across the steaming Lake Rotorua.

How good is this?

It was only after five minutes that I found myself truly unwinding. I realized I had been tense, waiting for the water to run cold as it does so soon after stepping into a warm bath.

Oh wow! The lights went on, this bath is never going to run cold.

I can sit in here as long as I want. The water running from the surrounding volcanoes was going to take care of that.

Ahhhh…

Where is the chardy?

I let go and peace washed over me as did a overwhelming feeling of tiredness. As if the spring was sapping out of me all that energy that constantly fuels me, allowing my body the space it needs to rejuvenate.

ahhh the serenity

A Haven of Healing

That’s what the world class Polynesian Spa in Rotorua is known for and I felt it healing me.

We started in the Lakeside Spa after a heavy day exploring the city.

Kalyra couldn’t wait to go for a swim in the pool. She bounded around with that ceaseless energy, while I just wanted to lean over the rock ledge of the pool and look through the reeds and natural Kiwi flora at the serenity of the steam swirling over the lake in the distance.

“We really needed all day here Craig.”

I was dreaming of the massages and spa therapies just waiting for me in the rooms inside and of course sun-downers while we eased away our stresses in the warmth of the deluxe thermal baths.

Daddy and his girls

But time and Kalyra had other plans…

she loves a slide

She wanted to hit the slide in the family spa area. There were two mineral pools overlooking the toddler pool so we could relax while Kalyra slipped and slid the afternoon away.

The Polynesian Spa, voted as a world top 10 spa, also has adult only areas with seven hot mineral spring pools overlooking the lake.

They sounded divine and the priest spa pools with radium hot spring water renowned for its therapeutic properties has my name written all over it next time we visit.

Love sparing with my girls

“In Rotorua all you can do here is eat, sleep, and spa,” our waiter told us later that evening.

Sounds like the most perfect place to spend a week’s vacation, or more.

The lakeside spa

Rotorua and Polynesian Spas, I will be back to take you up on that indulgent retreat.

Polynesian Spa – The Facts

Where:  Lakeside, Hinemoa Street Rotorua
When:  8am-11pm daily
Cost:  Starting from $14 – $43 each spa has a different price
Website:  PolynesianSpa.co.nz

Does this sound like the kind of therapeutic haven you need?

Our visit to the Polynesian Spa was part of our hosted stay by Tourism New Zealand

35 thoughts on “Therapeutic Indulgence in Rotorua”

  1. There is nothing quite so relaxing as a good soak in a spa. Its been years since I’ve been to Rotorua but looking forward to it when I get back now.

  2. Lina@WordsThatInfluence

    Awww, what a good looking family!
    And Savannah is growing sooo beautifully and quickly! Amazing.
    Thanks for sharing this experience with us. Awesome!

  3. This sounds so good. We went to Pai recently and they have the hot springs, but we didn’t go- the weather was so hot and I was not feelin’ it. Hopefully the weather is going to cool down soon and we can go back and enjoy. Looks like you had a great time.

    1. It would be hard to get enthusiastic for hot springs when it is hot weather. I’d love to go to Pai, I’ve heard some good things about it

  4. Hi Caz & Craig
    Just dropped by for the first time in a while and what a great post – looks awesome and soooo relaxing! Congrats on Savannah! I hope your ugly stick is sharp as your girls are going to be stunners!
    Cheers
    Tina

    1. Hey Tina!!
      Just read your other comment first and I commented on how great it is to see you again. Looks like you are having fun in Vietnam??
      Craig has his shotguns ready!

  5. How funny. I just found out about the Polynesian Spa yesterday during my NZ research. Q & I plan on doing the adult only pools and priest spas. Was only thinking we needed a half-day here, but looks like a full-day may be necessary thanks to your review!

    1. Cool- so glad you were planning on going there. The adults only pools look great- we couldn’t experience them though because of the kids. Are you going to have any of the spa treatments? If not then a full day might even be a little too much as the heat of the pools can get a little draining. But if you are going to have massages etc then stay the whole day.

  6. I loved the thermal spas in New Zealand and the Polynesian Spa was one of the nicest – relaxing with those gorgeous lake views in front of you. Slept so well afterwards. Thanks for bringing back some good memories.

  7. Ahh, I love places like this. One time I went to a similar place in Costa Rica. I spent too many hours soaking in the pools (all with different temperatures). Definetly, want to go back.

    1. They are so relaxing. You have to drink a lot of water if you stay in them for awhile as you can feel it draining away all your inner liquid!

  8. Oh wow that sounds amazing – but I think I would have a problem! I would sit and never ever want to leave…the way you describe those hot spas sound the best! I reckon a week long stay, and you would feel like another person 🙂

    Thanks for sharing – love the photo of Craig with his two girls.

    Cheers
    Lisa

    1. that is a precious photo! I love how Savannah’s hand is holding his chin. So sweet!
      Hey we drove past a bus today decked out as a traveling wagon- so cool. We thought of you and your family.

  9. Hi Caz,
    Oh my, I am green with envy. That looks like an amazing experience, relaxing in a pool while looking out over the lake. I think I wouldn’t want to leave if all I can do is sleep, eat, and spa.
    It’s a nice feeling looking at your family having a wonderful time. I’m going to plan something similar to take my kids to.
    Nice photos, thanks for sharing!

  10. We have thermal baths in my end of Germany. I have started going every few weeks after work. It really does help. I think I’m ready for another visit this week.

    1. That sounds cool Andrew. I would love to have something like that close by that I could go to every week. Great to hear that regular visits do make a difference

  11. Sounds like a great place to spend time, “…nothing to do but eat, sleep and spa…” yes, please. Thanks for sharing the details of what sounds like a very relaxing vacation!

  12. Such a lovely place to relax. I visited in 2007 and remember forgetting my shorts and had to go in with just my underwear on but luckily it was virtually empty 🙂 Also the water ruined my silver ring 🙂

    Great place.

        1. Ha Ha! Thank goodness for that!
          We call them boxers as well- the speedos we call ‘budgie smuglers’ which I cannot say without laughing hysterically

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

4 Powerful Ways to Travel More & Create Better Memories
Want to know how we've made a lifetime of travel for 25 years? In
This is what gives us incredible memories to share around the campfire. Join our community for insider tips and updates!
Scroll to Top