
Strategy & Planning
Luxury Lodge & Destination Spa
Horwath HTL was engaged to provide strategic assistance regarding the development of a luxury lodge and destination spa within a master-planned community.
The engagement included a comprehensive market demand analysis, benchmarking against comparable luxury properties, and the preparation of indicative operating cashflow projections for both the lodge and spa components.
Project Scope
Our work began with a detailed assessment of the regional and national visitor markets, competitive positioning, and guest expectations relevant to high-end accommodation and wellness experiences. The analysis considered the site’s unique locational advantages and opportunities for differentiation within the competitive landscape. The engagement also included the development of a tailored financial operating model, integrating revenue projections with staffing, pre-opening, and ongoing operational cost assumptions.
Throughout the project, we worked collaboratively with the client to agree and update the optimal design, concept and key revenue assumptions for the lodge and spa. The client made a series of updates to the design of the lodge and spa based on our reviews and recommendations to optimise the guest experience and maximise revenue potential and operational efficiencies.
We also worked with a specialist local heath and wellness subcontractor to ensure the spa design and concept were in alignment with best practice and evolving market trends, and that our projections were informed by actual market performance.
Outcomes & Benefits to the Client
As a result of this engagement, the client benefited from actionable insights and strategic recommendations that informed key decisions on property positioning, design, and operational planning. Importantly, our independent assessment provided the project’s investors and sponsors with a robust evaluation of the investment opportunity and overall feasibility of the development. This has given stakeholders increased confidence in the project’s market fit, financial outlook, and long-term sustainability, supporting their objectives for successful delivery and value creation.
Contacts for Project
Project Location
North Island, New Zealand