New Spa Pool For Dragon Tree Lodge

One of our priorities for the Lodge has always been to provide a luxurious spa pool for socialising and relaxation. This past weekend we enjoyed our first celebratory glass of wine amidst the jets and bubbles on a beautifully sunny winter's day, with the view from the pool just as we'd hoped it would be - the Dragon, the sweep of the bay and the green, rolling countryside stretched out below.

We think our guests are going to love the accompanying outdoor solar-heated shower, the firepit and the quirky seating area around it. We are adding plants for colour and fragrance and this will soon be an area to delight the senses.

The pool itself is great - a wonderful hydrotherapy seat that is a treat for the neck and shoulders and back, plus a lounge seat that gives a great back massage. The pool will seat seven in all, so it's great for a party of friends to enjoy. Add to this built-in aromatherapy and relaxing music nearby, and it's a real treat.

So much so, that when we got out after our photo session (thanks to Rosemary and Ceridwyn for taking the pix) we felt slightly weightless and bouncy! - not the effects of one glass of wine, thank you.

Hello Mr President

Sure enough, Philip was elected (unopposed) to the position of GABA president and I must say I felt very proud as he spoke so well, and then graciously introduced the Prime Minister and conducted the question time to follow. Helen Clark got a rousing reception as she recounted all the changes that the present Labour government has initiated which benefit gays and lesbians.

Afterwards I was also introduced to her and I must say a) she is smaller in person than you would imagine and b) she is very chatty and easy to talk to. I was impressed with the way she stayed right until the end of the event, talking with people and posing for photos with them. We hope to have a pic or two to post soon.

Meanwhile I got the opportunity to chat further with Peter Kaiser, long-time partner of the Minister of Education (Hon. Chris Carter) who is keen to get visiting friends to come and stay at the Lodge.

We're really hoping that Philip's role as President will increase the profile of Dragon Tree Lodge! At least, he said afterwards "People are treating me differently already". The retiring president's partner Horst, told me that he would give me all his hats, shoes and handbags now that I am going to be "First Lady". Cheeky!

Just call me Imelda.

Can I touch you, Philip?

Crikey! Philip has been asked to stand for President of GABA by the current President who is standing down. If elected, his first responsibility will be to introduce the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, who is our guest of honour on Wednesday 2 July. I must take my camera along!
Helen Clark
Even though there is so much to do in the development of our business, we agreed that Philip should stand for President because it will give our business really good exposure! Watch this space!

Gay it up!

Let's face it, gay men have a different sense of style to lesbians. The Lodge is already attractive and well set out for accommodation and a sense of hospitality, but it's just not gay enough! That's why we're developing the spa area as a relaxing communal outdoor space.

Meanwhile, indoors, while we were in Kerikeri enjoying the hospitality of Geoff & Chris at 88 Lodge, we went shopping (it was raining) and found a beautiful chocolate comforter and matching accessories to "gay up" one of the bedrooms. Of course two queens umming and erring over what to choose can take all morning and it was really only the prospect of lunch that made us decide.

The following weekend Ian gets despatched to a local sale to choose more comforters and europillows to 'enhance the bedroom experience' for our prospective guests. Hooray - Philip liked what Ian chose, just as well.

More furnishings, plants, etc still to be decided upon. There's one orchid in residence already and so far Rosemary has managed not to kill it. This weekend: get that spa pool going, girlfriend!