Time the greatest luxury at upscale lodge

BY JARED SMITH

For the new owners of Oakura's day spa Prudence Place, this is a case of coming home for healing.

Nikki and Scott McKinnon have opened Taranaki's newest boutique lodge and day spa to attract upper market travellers who want to explore or just relax in this growing region.

The McKinnons viewed the property, nestled in the little coastal village by the beach, on their computer from their small flat in London two years ago.

Nikki knew it was time to come home.

Grief-stricken at the time, she is the sister of former New Plymouth photographer Trent Keegan, who in May 2008 was found dead in a trench in Nairobi after an alleged robbery.

The story, which attracted international headlines, saw Kenyan police arrest two men for robbery and assault, who were later acquitted.

No further suspects have been found to date.

Nikki returned to New Plymouth for her brother's funeral and memorial services.

She and her Australian husband Scott, a cameraman who has worked in 136 countries, considered coming back to run a business.

Her parents looked at the property back in July-August 2008, and soon the couple were set to return permanently.

"I saw the place and thought, 'wow, could we? Could we?'," Nikki says as we sit in the sun out by the pool, with the Kaitake Ranges just across the valley at our backs.

"We always wanted to do a bed and breakfast, and timing is everything - you always dream of this but don't believe it's going to become a reality," Scott adds.

Having both travelled around the world and developed a preference for five-star accommodation, the couple had been looking at the corporate boutique business for some time, appreciating what a getaway location can offer.

The property was designed by the firm headed by prominent New Zealand architect Ian Athfield.

Nikki has redone the interior designs, added motifs, and arranged the layout of the complex to provide international style in Oakura.

"We've brought back a little bit of Europe to New Zealand."

Watching from England, she had also seen how much her old home had grown and marketed itself to boutique clients, Nikki says.

"There's a lot of positives going on in Taranaki and I wasn't sure there was the accommodation to meet it.

"It's beautiful by night because you have the stars. You don't get the stars in London.

"Returning to Taranaki after almost 20 years in the international entertainment and media industries, we were blown away by the landscape and the atmosphere."

With central heating, including a log fire, and the sun areas of the house designed to retain warmth, Prudence Place is perfect for all seasons.

The two spacious luxury suites - named Koru and Tui - feature double doors opening to a private garden courtyard, a swimming and spa pool from which to view the rural vistas.

Wooden tables and chairs, sun lounges, and backgammon make for relaxing days outside.

You appreciate the little things like the pool having a small table in the corner for your drinks.

In a tough market, Scott says, it's all about attention to detail.

Each bedroom has super-king beds with Italian linens from New Plymouth company Bianca Lorenne.

Private bathrooms are stocked with complimentary Living Nature products from its newly- released natural skin care range.

For corporates, there is complimentary wireless broadband internet.

For those on a getaway, a large selection of books, DVDs and music is also at hand.

"The modern definition of luxury is about so much more than a well-appointed room - it's about having access to beautiful things and having the time and the environment to really relax and spoil yourself," Nikki says.

The couple have created specific packages targeting certain customer needs.

One is a surfing holiday where Scott will use his camera skills to film guests' adventures. Another, the "Babymoon", is for couples on their final private time before becoming parents.

One could also try the romantic weekend package where everything can be catered for - be it treks, trips to the beach, or some shopping.

Wedding packages and golf packages are also available.

"By adding a day spa and boutique shop to Prudence Place, we've been able to integrate luxury to every aspect of the experience and ensure that our guests get the greatest luxury of all - time," Nikki says.

- © Fairfax NZ News