Aro Hā Media Pack 24 September 2013 1
PRESS RELEASE 3 ARO HĀ FACT SHEET 4 GUEST PROFILE 5 GUEST RETREAT LEADERS AND EDUCATORS 5 CAPACITY 5 PROGRAMME 5 AN EXAMPLE OF AN UNAPOLOGETICALLY HEALTHY DAY 6 UNIQUE FEATURES 6 FACILITIES 6 RETREATS AND PRICING 7 CONTACTS 7 2
Press release 23 September 2013 First of its kind wellness centre to open in New Zealand A purpose built, self- sufficient, luxury Wellness Centre is set to open in spectacular surroundings near Queenstown, New Zealand on January 12, 2014. Aro Hā offers innovative all- inclusive Wellness Adventures. The program blueprint has been refined over the last 10 years and is based on Vinyasa Yoga, sub- alpine hiking, functional strength training, meditation, therapeutic massage, and detoxifying vegetarian cuisine. Aro Hā is evolving the model of detox spa retreat, where multiple aspects of wellness are combined into one condensed experience. It s a place where people come to change their perspective, and return to centre. Bodies become lean, strong, and flexible, as minds become calm, clear, and present. A few proven effects of this type of program include lifting depression, improved learning, increased self- esteem, weight loss, and improved body image. Designed and constructed by a team of New Zealand's leading consultants, Aro Hā exemplifies best practices for living in balance with nature while meeting our modern needs. Localised food production from permaculture gardens is used to create a signature menu designed by chef Suzie Bohannon. Off- grid power capability, Passive Haus building techniques, and New Zealand's first renewable distributed heating scheme all ensure the retreat treads lightly on the local environment. Two friends, Damian Chaparro and Chris Madison, have created Aro Hā. Aro Hā is designed to support exceptional personal growth, both physically and spiritually, says Chaparro. 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. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Aro Hā welcomes its first lucky guests January 12, 2014. ENDS For further information, or more detail on programs, buildings, landscaping or permaculture philosophies, please visit www.aro- ha.com or contact Paula Ryan on +64 3 442 7011 or media@aro- ha.com 3
ARO HĀ FACT SHEET Why To provide a retreat experience full of discovery, adventure and fun that heals, builds fitness and well- being while facilitating awareness that will provoke fundamental change within our greater human family Show how it s possible to live largely self- sufficiently in simple luxury, providing food, energy and waste management requirements on site while regenerating the environment and people Create architectural built form, landscaping and infrastructure that embrace and reflect the surrounding natural environment and passively teach and inspire. Create a new business model based on community. Create a place that fosters the connection between nature, wellness, and humanity s need for transition to a regenerative existence. Provide a campus for expert teaching that attracts international guest educators What An environmentally aware, self- sufficient, purpose- built, health and wellness retreat. Aro Hā fuses state- of- the- art building techniques, permaculture based self- sufficiency and world- class wellness programs. Where When Who Located in New Zealand s ethereal Southern Alps, the land was chosen for its beauty, natural energy, access to adventure hikes, international appeal and accessibility. This 8.4 hectare site (about 21 acres) sits on a sub- alpine terrace in a naturally secluded cluster of Wyuna Preserve. It s a 35- minute drive from Queenstown and 5 minutes from the Glenorchy township. Dramatically beautiful and part of the region known worldwide as the adventure capital of the world, the land has remarkable views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps Open January 12 2014. Design and build was a three year project Construction completed 1 December 2013 Chris Madison and Damian Chaparro are the partners delivering the Aro Hā project. The purpose of the facility is to create a place that supports self- awareness, physical fitness, and connection with our true nature. 4
Guest profile People who want an adventurous, fitness experience. People seeking a transformative life affirming experience People seeking to lose weight, dissolve stress, and set a new course for their wellbeing People attracted by world class guest educators Guest Retreat Leaders and Educators Aro Hā has a collaborative culture and welcomes new ideas and new thinking. Our intention is to provide an optimal turnkey platform for hosting mind- blowing wellness adventures. So we welcome guest leaders and educators from all sectors who can share ideas that lead to a better world and greater mindfulness. One of our primary goals is to remove the burden of orchestrating retreats and education sessions so leaders can focus on what they do best. Aro Hā has been developed for retreat leaders, by retreat leaders. Our first guest Retreat Leaders are Ryan Patterson & Nianna Bray who ll host the Away Inward retreat from February 2 8, 2014. Capacity Maximum of 32 guest capacity Target group size is 14 guests for 3-7 day retreats Up to 80 guests for a 1- day event Each retreat has an 8 person minimum Programme Our template for optimal wellness has been refined to provide guests with a life- altering glow. Programs are based on the essentials of wellness. We use Vinyasa Yoga, sub- alpine hiking, therapeutic massage, dynamic movement, introspective techniques, and detoxifying cuisine to help guests move toward real health. Unlike most programs, ours are compulsory. Our small groups move through the bespoke experience together. They are challenged, they succeed, and they bond together. Aro Hā Wellness Adventures are results oriented programs, with nothing superfluous. Our retreats are all- inclusive, with everything from daily massage to airport transfers included. Guests arrive, unplug, and are seamlessly guided toward health. 5
An example of an unapologetically healthy day Morning Mindfulness Practices Sunrise Vinyasa Flow Yoga Breakfast Sprouted Avocado Benedict, w/ Cucumber Lime Juice Cleanser 10-16km, 3-4hr, Sub Alpine Hike Lunch Seed Cheese Sushi Hand Rolls, w/ Creamy Tahini Dressing Therapeutic Massage Nutrition Demo Making Kimchi and the Role of Fermented Foods Functional Strength Training Class Restorative Yoga Dinner Carrot Tacos w/living Green Chile Corn Chowder Contrast Spa Therapy Time (optional) Organic food mostly grown on site and prepared by Aro Hā chefs Unique Features First of its kind in New Zealand and possibly the world Wellness programmes refined over 10 years Experienced and qualified educators masters in their fields Incorporation of Permaculture design principles Environmentally sustainable purpose built design New Zealands first distributed hydronic heating scheme fueled by solar thermal and a log boiler backup Resilient localized off- grid infrastructure systems Incorporation of Passive Haus design techniques for high efficiency, and reduced environmental impact Capable of supplying energy requirements through photovoltaic and micro- hydro generation. Roof- water and grey- water re- use Facilities Aro Hā has been architecturally designed and constructed using best practices from Permaculture, Passive Haus, and sustainability. The facilities intelligent off- grid systems can facilitate guest learning. Each accommodation unit can report on its consumption of power and water, providing potential for education, and environmental awareness. 11 buildings Beautiful multi- function communal building Lounge Dining room Guest accommodation Staff accommodation Spa hot tub, cold plunge, Finnish sauna, Infrared sauna, cooling bed Massage & treatment rooms 6
Permaculture Gardens & Orchards Hiking trails Retreats and Pricing All retreat pricing is fully inclusive accommodation, meals, programme, spa therapies, education. There are no add ons. Prices start at $2250 pp for a 3 day Jump Start retreat. Click on a retreat for room types and full pricing details. Delve Deep - Signature 7 Day Wellness Adventure Our flagship adventure is an all inclusive week long program that rewards your persistent hard work with a life- affirming glow. This challenging programme makes full use of our purpose built facility, experienced staff, and world heritage surroundings. Invigorate & Enrich Signature 5 Day Wellness Adventure For those with a bit less free time, this powerful intensive is an all inclusive program that rewards your persistent hard work with a life- affirming glow. Invigorate & Enrich makes full use of our purpose built facility, experienced staff, and world heritage surroundings. Jump Start - Signature 3 Day Wellness Adventure Designed as a quick fix an immersive recharge to help jump start some good habits. Jump Start makes full use of our purpose built facility, experienced staff, and world heritage surroundings. Contacts For further information about Aro Hā, interviews, hi- res images or familiarisation requests, please contact: Damian Chaparro, Managing Partner o NZ Office: +64 3 442 7011 o Email: damian@aro- ha.com Paula Ryan, Office Manager o NZ Office: +64 3 442 7011 o Email: paula@aro- ha.com Alexa Forbes, Communication o NZ Mobile +64 21 296 4255 o Email: alexa@aro- ha.com 7