Aro Ha, a purpose built luxury health and wellness centre, is set to open overlooking Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand in January 2014.
Two friends, Damien Chaparro and Chris Madison, have created the retreat that is based on Vinyasa Yoga, sub-alpine hiking, functional strength training, meditation, therapeutic massage, and detoxifying vegetarian cuisine.
The friends came up with the concept in early 2010 after discussing their shared interest in creating a transition space for those interested in nature, adventure, self-development, alternative health, and results-oriented fitness.
When searching for the location, factors including natural beauty, energetic feel, access, social structures, stability, and international appeal were considered.
Once the location was discovered and local government consents were approved in 2012, the creation of Aro Ha began.
The purpose of the facility is to “create a place that supports self-awareness, physical fitness, and connection with true nature.” The aim is to combine multiple aspects of wellness into one condensed experience.
Located in the regions Southern Alps, the 21 acre (8.4 hectare) retreat sits on a sub-alpine terrace in a secluded cluster of Wyuna Preserve.
Sustainability is at the heart of the development, which will incorporate off-grid power and New Zealand’s first renewable distributed hydronic heating scheme.
Every aspect seeks to provide best practice for living in balance with nature. Localised food production from permaculture gardens is used to create a menu designed by chef Suzie Bohannon.
The target group size is 14 guests for three-to-seven day retreats. The retreat has a maximum of 32 guest capacity and up to 80 guests for a one-day event.
All aspects of the group retreat are compulsory to enable the groups form a bond as they move through the experience together.
Founder Chaparro said: “Aro Ha is designed to support exceptional personal growth, both physically and spiritually.
“We feel a program that combines all the elements of true health, from built form to mindfulness, is a great way to support a shift in lifestyle.”
