The Best of New Zealand Spas are pleased to offer this update on indulgent spa experiences offered by the top spas in this fabulously scenic country. This month we profile one of our most celebrated properties, The Spa at Hanmer Springs.

The Spa at Hanmer Springs - Record Breaker

Nestled in the magnificent South Island high country, Hanmer Springs is just a short, yet spectacular, 90 minute drive north from Christchurch.

There is plenty to offer in this tourist town, but for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Hanmer Springs is the perfect retreat. Decadence, pampering and self-indulgence are all words that spring to mind when visiting Hanmer Springs.

And top of the list of 'must do's' is a visit to The Spa at Hanmer Springs. The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa opened its new multi-million dollar world-class spa complex in 2007, offering an exclusive range of beauty and therapeutic treatments.

The Spa at Hanmer Springs enhances the town's reputation as New Zealand's premier alpine spa village, with its staff of 28 undertaking more than 24,000 treatments a year, making it one of the busiest spas in the country. April was a record-breaking month for The Spa - its 17 therapists performed 1,896 treatments, with 1,205 of these being massage treatments and it ran at an occupancy level of 93%.

The Hysterical, Bogus Beauty and True Record

A fake beautician called Rachel peddling flim flam; a Roman Catholic Priest with arthritis and a penchant for thermal heat; a water jet massage said to treat 'hysteria, engorged liver or piles'; and a tourism complex named after the Duchess of York (who then declined to use it)..... Read more

Shower with a Snail?

Snail showers, an ice experience and herbal tea rooms are all part of the Auckland Langham's Chuan Spa offering health and beauty treatments based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Snail showers form the first part of a "Chuan tribathing ritual" which is undertaken at the start of a treatment. Read more

About The Best Spas of New Zealand

The Best Spas of New Zealand offer premium visitor experiences. Many have received international recognition through awards they have won for the quality of their treatments and facilities. Each is also either Qualmark endorsed or in the process of obtaining formal endorsement under a spa specific quality criteria. Qualmark is the New Zealand government-backed quality programme for tourism businesses.

When you travel to and around New Zealand, we want to make sure a spa therapy is part of your itinerary, so plan your time to allow some relaxation and soak up the New Zealand experience in the most indulgent way possible. To find out more, go to www.bestspasofnewzealand.com