Rydges Hotels and Resorts has moved into the realm of golf-based resorts, signing a management agreement to operate its first golf course and resort in New Zealand.
The Rydges Formosa Golf Resort, due to reopen following rebranding in November, is located around 40 minutes’ drive from the Auckland CBD and can also be accessed via the Pine Harbour Ferry. It is an expansive facility, spread over 170 hectares and features clifftop views over the Hauraki Gulf.
The resort will reopen with 50 refurbished one-bedroom villa dotted around the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by national golf legend and 1963 Open Championship winner, Sir Bob Charles. Villas are flexible and can be converted into two-bedroom layouts to suit larger parties. The resort also offers a restaurant and bar, conference and meeting facilities able to cater to up to 300 guests, onsite health facilities and a new driving range.
The change of ownership at the resort comes following a buyout by Beachlands South Limited Partnership – itself a joint entity owned by NZ Super Fund and associated parties of Russell Property Group. Current Rydges Wellington General Manager, Marcus Keenan – a former Chair of the New Zealand Hotel Council (Rotorua region) – will caddy the property as its new GM and brings over two decades in hotel management to his new post.
Event Hotels and Resorts General Manager for NZ, Simon White, said the new resort is expected to generate an enthusiastic response from the market, endorsing Keenan as the right man to run the resort.
“Marcus has extensive experience in hotel management – both nationally and internationally – including involvement with hotel refurbishment, rebranding and the reopening of properties,” White said.
“The location has world-class views and following the refurbishment and under the management of Marcus and his team – this will be a very exciting and sought-after resort.”