Sometimes getting away from it all is the only way to truly reset. For most people around the globe, you can’t get much more ‘away’ than New Zealand’s southern Alps. Stunningly ethereal, it can feel like another planet with mirror-like lakes and rugged mountain ranges – sounds like the perfect place to digitally detox and reset yourself, right?
Enter Aro Hā. Supplying health enthusiasts with life-shifting, spirit-lifting experiences in a beautiful setting, the multi-award winning wellness sanctuary is a results-oriented retreat in New Zealand offering ‘adventures in wellbeing’.
Location
Located on the South Island of New Zealand, 40 minutes from Queenstown International Airport, Aro Hā is situated on a beautiful 8.4-hectare property. Nestled into New Zealand’s ethereal Southern Alps, the retreat sits on a sub-alpine terrace with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu.
Accommodation
Designed to rejuvenate the human spirit, Aro Hā’s eco-friendly accommodation is divided into eight luxurious spaces. There are two room types: ‘Monastic Eco Rooms’ (private rooms with king-size beds and shared bathroom) and ‘Shared Eco Suites’ (2 private rooms with king-size beds in each room, suited for 2 people wishing to share).
Inspired by Zen principles, the rooms are refined and uncluttered with minimal furnishings. Natural lighting, recycled timbers, woven natural-dye blankets, organic cotton linen, local wool floor rugs and natural latex mattresses are all part of the retreat’s eye-pleasing aesthetic. Notably, Aro Hā’s design deliberately encourages communal space: the retreat believes that lifelong friends are made when sharing.
Food Programme
Serving up nutrient-dense vegetarian cuisine, the food at Aro Hā is enzyme-active, paleo-friendly, gluten-free and dairy-free. The retreat believes in building health from the digestive system outward, so feeds the body with a diet rich in whole foods, trace minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Good hydration, quality probiotics and optimal alkalinity also play a role in the retreat’s culinary offerings, and although the meals are specifically created for cleansing, they don’t scrimp on taste.
Treatment Programme
Aro Hā was originally conceived as a place for those interested in nature, adventure, self-development, alternative health, and results-oriented fitness. Subsequently, alpine hiking, vinyasa yoga, dynamic movement, healing bodywork and mindfulness practice are all on the holistic activity schedule. Retreats programmes are all-inclusive, and include accommodation, all meals, all activities and airport transfers.
Until May 2018, Aro Hā offers set-date five, six and seven-day ‘Wellness Adventure’ packages, which include nutritional support, nature immersions, mindfulness sessions, yoga classes and functional movement instruction to jumpstart health. The retreat also has a purpose-built spa with infra-red sauna, cold plunge pool and hot tub where guests are encouraged to try ‘Contrast Spa Therapy’, which promotes healing by exposing the body to alternating hot and cold temperatures to increase blood circulation and aid detoxification.
From June to September, Aro Hā offers their signature six-day programme as ‘Winter Wellness Adventure’. Temperatures can range from 10°C and -10°C, so remember to wrap up.
From October 2018 until June 2019, Aro Hā will simplify its programmes to the standard six-day ‘Wellness Adventure’ and eight-day ‘Wellness Adventure Plus.’ Aro Hā occasionally work with guest instructors and feature one-off specialised retreats, such as the Warrior One package coming up in October 2018.
Check out the full range of Aro Hā’s wellness retreats here.
Results
Expect to feel… inspired to overhaul your lifestyle with health as a top priority. The location of Aro Hā will give you a renewed appreciation for the beauty of our natural environment while letting you interact with it in a way that makes you value your mental and physical wellbeing.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
