Supreme Indulgence

THE VIEWS DOWN THE LONG SWEEPING BUSH-CLAD VALLEY ARE MAGIC. THE SUNSETS ARE SOMETHING ELSE AND TAKE THE BREATH AWAY. IN THE DISTANCE, A GLIMPSE OF THE SEA AND THE TWINKLING LIGHTS OF TAURANGA GETTING READY FOR BED. DOWN IN THE VALLEY, THE POHUTUKAWA AND REWAREWA ARE IN BLOOM, HERALDING CHRISTMAS AND PEACE IN THE NEW YEAR. EVERYTHING IS WELL WITH THE WORLD.

 

This UNO. correspondent has been here before. It was three years ago but not even a former acquaintance prepares you again for the sheer beauty, peace and comfort that makes the Ridge Country Retreat so special. Although this up-market lodge is a mere ten minute drive from the Tauranga CBD, Bayfair or Papamoa, it is sited in the hills behind Welcome Bay, up the winding Rocky Cutting Road, and enjoys its own splendid isolation and unique position nestled amidst native bush and positioned to capture stunning views and enjoying an ambience of tranquillity, comfort, peace and security. It is without doubt the supreme indulgence - and right on our doorstep here in the Bay of Plenty.

Co-owners and ‘mine hosts’ - and very special local characters - Penny Oxnam and Joanne O’Keeffe, are justifiably proud of what they have achieved for tourism and the local market since they moved from their former restaurant business in Papamoa six years ago to this idyllic location in the hills of Western Bay. The lodge is impressive by any standards with its sumptuous suites, conference rooms, beautifully appointed dining area and lounge, landscaped grounds with a large inviting barbecue area and an inviting lawn- fringed outdoor heated swimming pool.

But right now the place is swarming with plumbers, chippies, electricians and concrete workers as ‘Penny’s Army’ prepares the additions - six brand new roomy luxury villas and additional meeting room - for occupation in early January.

“We have bookings from 10 January for the six new villas and conference facilities so I can assure you, with utmost confidence, that everything will be ready by then”, she laughs - “sort of!”

They have both committed themselves to the new additions to the lodge with the idea of capturing a niche market for exclusive workshop retreats, in addition to the Lodge’s standard services for special events, corporate conferences, weddings, anniversaries or that romantic luxury weekend for two - thoroughly spoiled, thoroughly pampered.

 

EXPANDED FACILITIES

 

“We now have three conference rooms and 11 suites or villas, so we can accommodate an in-house group of up to 22, in addition to large one-day groups of up to 120 for special functions such as one-day conferences, weddings or Christmas and birthday parties”, said Penny.

 

“People who come here are seeking peace and quiet, security, comfort, and good recreational opportunities, such as their own outside thermal baths to relax in and enjoy the sunsets - maybe with a fine glass of the best vintages - a pleasant barbecue area, an outside in-ground heated swimming pool, plenty of walking tracks through our bush on 35 acres and easy access from a helipad on the front lawn to the city for urgent business appointments, or for top tourist excursions to Mayor or White Islands”.

 

The owners are also making a substantial contribution to the environment with the style and functioning of the buildings themselves, and the use of bore supplies of both hot and cold water. Accessibility to thermal supplies means that the new villas have been reticulated with natural in-floor heating, plus individual and private outdoor heated baths for guests.

 

Joanne was excited about the potential for development in 2009 - especially planned specialist workshops from May next year .

“These will be displayed on our website - www.rcr.co.nz so keep an eye out there - and the two to three-day workshops will include all meals, accommodation and specialist qualified instructors”.

She said that some of the instructors already booked for 2009 include a Chef de Cuisine from New York; one of Australia’s leading nutrition specialists, now residing in Auckland; doctors of natural therapies of Ayurvedic Medicine; internationally acclaimed New Zealand artists; cooking classes; instructors in digital photography and wine appreciation; plus wellness and lifestyle classes.

 

They were both confident about the attractiveness and popularity of these exclusive retreats and the new facilities being provided to cater for them.

“People enjoy peace, luxury, security and good food and wine. We deliver”, said Penny.

The six new villas are just great - very spacious at over 70 square metres, nice roomy open plan feel with generous bathroom and bath facilities, and tempting personal outside thermal baths with each villa, and a generally relaxing atmosphere with huge views”.

 

Joanne listed the Ridge Country Retreat’s main functions - conferences for corporate clients, special holidays for international guests, wedding ceremonies and receptions, private dinner parties, spa weekends, holiday and health retreats, plus local, national and international special events.
There is no doubt about it - the Ridge Country Retreat has a beautiful feel to it.
It’s something special.