New villas being under construction  
After clearing many obstacles along the way, the long awaited Villa Project at Fantail Lodge and Garden Villas in Katikati (Tauranga region) is all go.

Fantail’s owner/operator Harrie Geraerts has recently secured funding for this ambitious development project, and building has now started.

CEO Tourism New Zealand George Hicton (at time of announcement), Western Bay mayor Ross Paterson and Lodge owners Harrie and Barabara Geraerts

The lodge’s capacity, which started 20 years ago with just one guest bedroom, will soon grow to 30 well appointed rooms. The Fantail Lodge Villa Project is the largest tourism related development project in the region since the establishment of the Sebel Trinity Wharf Hotel, and arguably the largest ever on the outskirts of Tauranga.

The existing lodge will remain as a boutique country lodge, but it will soon have a ‘private’ village of luxury villas incorporated in the overall operation. The focus on genuine hospitality, comfort and style will certainly not be compromised, including fibre optics to future proof the fast development of technology. “But most of all”, clarifies Harrie, “the village will stand for tranquillity, sound quality and good mana. It will reflect a true country estate environment.”

Some of the villas are already sold to conservative long-term investors who can expect a realistic return. There are a limited number of villas still for sale, as the lodge intends to retain a number of villas in own ownership. “For us, it is essential not to become another glossy hotel. We make every effort to hold on to the culture and pure environment that has been carefully created in the past 20 years. It will set the tone for the years to come”, explains Harrie.

Fantail Lodge is a sought after retreat for small to medium size conference groups on exclusive basis, away from the distractions of city locations.

“I must admit that it has been challenging at times to cater for the changing conference market”, says Harrie. “Our location is ideal and our facilities certainly are of the desired quality, but we could not accommodate larger groups. With the Villa Project expected to be completed in June 2010, this will be a problem of the past.”

Fantail Lodge is the first business in the industry since the credit crisis that has managed to secure funding at this scale. Due to their long track record, proven expertise, integrity and excellent securities, the goal that Harrie set for himself at the tender age of 14 is now reality. “As a chef and host, the ultimate satisfaction is to create a warm, hospitable environment where guests feel appreciated, where they can take pleasure in the good things in life, enjoy and be themselves.”

Harrie Geraerts is a well-seasoned operator, and a qualified chef by trade. He holds qualifications in hospitality management, human resource, institutional kitchen management, game butchery and wines, to name just a few. Harrie is also a floriculturist, orchardist and innovative hospitality marketer. He also is on the jury panel of the annual Culinary Fair and Restaurants of the Year Awards.

Supported by his wife Barbara and their 4 children, there is no doubt that more developments will follow. It is his aim to increase the exposure for hospitality in the Tauranga region, and to help attract a very sound future growth for the industry in the region for many years to come.