* Note. This review is only about the spa, not the resort itself.

My mum and I were just recently up in Paihia for a day and we decided to treat ourselves to a last minute pedicure. We had heard from the locals that the spa at the Paihia resort was a bit pricey (We paid $65 for a 30min pedicure, compared to other places which offered $50 for the same treatment) but was worth it. As this was my treat for my mum and I, I rang up the Spa at Paihia resort and we were so thankful that they could fit us both in.
As we arrived, the spa looked well presented, professional and top quality.
However, It all went down hill from here.
We were introduced to our spa therapist. She was very unenthusiastic, no smile and we did not feel very welcome. We were then told that we would have one spa therapist each, but this didn't happen and we ended up both sharing this therapist. It felt like she was rushing both of us so we didn't feel like we were receiving a personal one-on-one treatment. My mum and I were seated back to back, not a big deal, but as this was supposed to be a mother-daughter bonding experience, not being able to see or talk to each other and having to twist around to show each others nail polish colours was a bit annoying. Worst of all however, is that this therapist we had lacked professionalism. Comments like "I should really use the proper tool for this... but I cant be bothered getting it" left me totally shocked! Also little mistakes like starting to paint my nails after they had been soaking in oil and then realising and having to get all the nail polish off and start again was a little frustrating. She made little effort to make conversation and when we did talk, she seemed very disinterested.

After our treatment, My mum and I were discussing the poor service received. We noted that especially with a cruise ship in the bay, we would have been embarrassed for our overseas visitors who could possibly receive the same poor service within New Zealand.

I work in the hospitality industry and have a personal high standard of how I think service should be. I was extremely disappointed that I was paying extra money for the service of a 5 star resort spa and didn't at all feel I had received the service that was expected.

I will not be coming back to this spa and certainly will not recommend it to any locals or tourists in future.

Beautiful views and nice-sized room but the place is not kept up very well. Crumbs from our kitchen use were never vacuumed up, kitchen utensils were not very clean on our arrival, and what appeared to be bird droppings in the public hallway near the elevator were left unattended throughout our 4-day stay. The front desk clerk showed little knowledge of or interest in local restaurants or attractions. Seemed very overpriced compared to other places we stayed in New Zealand.

We were on the top floor room 401 which have great views over the sandy beach and the Bay of Islands and there was a large terrace area, The suite was well fitted with kitchenette and lounge area. The staff were very friendly and the breakfast was good.Its only a five minute very lovely walk around to the main marina in Paihia where the trips depart. My husband needed a gym facility during our stay which was available just 3 minutes walk away on a pay and go basis.

We booked the so-called pool front ocean view room. After check into the room we can see many restaurant tables between our room window and the pool. It looked like the tables open 24 hours and anyone can sit there just stare at our room. You would not want to close your window curtains 24 hours to lose the ocean view. So we called the front desk and requested to change room. The first lady was nice but she can't make the decision. So second woman who sounded like a manager but a very rude manager asked us to pay extra $90 (!) per day for the room switch. She said we have booked at cheap rate. However we booked at a higher price than what they listed for the same "$90 extra room" (or whatever they call it) on the hotel web site. We tried to resson to the manager but she seemed no any patient with hotel guests other than asking for extra payment. I did stay the hotel consider the nice location. Other than bad front desk service, the hotel room would need some fixup - missing desk chair; many things broken such as light, microwave. We would not come back this hotel in the future when we take vacation again in the area.