Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has earned national recognition at the 2025 Spa & Wellness Awards, named Most Unique Property. The venue was also featured in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 list. Published yearly by the global travel authority, this list features the top 50 must-visit destinations and essential experiences for next year from around the globe.
These wins highlight the growing influence of wellness tourism and the importance of culturally grounded, innovative experiences in shaping the future of the industry.
Held in Byron Bay and founded by wellness advocate Kris Abbey, the Spa & Wellness Awards celebrate excellence across spa, travel and wellness sectors. Judged by a respected advisory board and supported by traveller votes, the awards focus on quality, sustainability, originality and innovation: values that Wai Ariki embodies.
The venue, located in Rotorua, New Zealand, offers a wellness experience rooted in Ngāti Whakaue (local tribe) cultural traditions. Designed to integrate the region’s geothermal landscape with Māori healing practices, Wai Ariki is a space where architecture, culture and wellbeing converge. The property features two distinct spa journeys: Wai Whakaora (Restorative Journey) and Āhuru Mōwai (The Sanctuary) each founded on te ao Māori values and designed to offer peace and rejuvenation.
Debbie Robertson, General Manager at Wai Ariki, reflected on the significance of the award:
“The property is a culturally, architecturally and experientially unique space that honours our tūpuna (ancestors). Its physical design is infused with local whakairo (Māori carvings), while reflecting the volcanic colour palette of the surrounding rohe (area).”
“We are proud of Wai Ariki’s continued positive impact on our Rotorua community and grateful for this recognition.”
Wai Ariki has previously been recognised for its design excellence, including being a finalist at the World Architecture Festival and winning a Commercial Architecture Award in 2024. These accolades reinforce its standing as a world-class destination that blends tradition with innovation.
As wellness tourism continues to grow, Wai Ariki is setting the bar high for what meaningful, restorative travel can look like. These awards and recognitions celebrate the venue’s ongoing investment into community wellness, while highlighting the evolving role of spa destinations in promoting health, culture and connection.
