On spa day, we’re allowed to sleep in a bit. Not to mention the soothing sounds of torrential downpour helped our busy minds stay in restful slumber. It’s the first time we’ve had rain on our trip, but it was a warm kind of rain that you wouldn’t mind being caught in. So we strolled over to Polynesian Spa, draped in the finest plastic New Zealand branded ponchos. The downpour was immediately lessened as we stepped out the door, but the sulfuric gusts became more vigorous and lifted Ilana’s summer dress like in the movies.
The soft drizzle cooled Brevin’s head whilst we tubbed in 3 of the alkaline pools and 1 acidic pool on site. The views of the bay from each pool were delightful, but the screeching seagulls reminded us of our own mortality within these natural pools. There were also geothermal heated reclining chairs where one could take in the day with a warm buttocks. We then got into our giant fluffy robes and “boy socks” (weird netted underwear they give you for your massage) and headed to our couples massage room where Brevin got his first ever massage. He was a fan. Muscles were rubbed, oil was lathered, and relaxation was had. Post-massage we enjoyed a private tea sitting, followed by a dip in a private alkaline pool, followed by a not-so-private light luncheon.
Back at the Prince’s Gate Hotel, we indulged in a 7 course degustation Taste of New Zealand feast prepared by renowned chef of the hotel. This was one of our greatest meals of the trip so far, and the portions were more than generous. Highlights include Maori potato bread, pork and dumpling soup, lamb shank, and eel crostini, to name a few.
