A school camp for adults is how the American behind Glenorchy's proposed retreat and meditation centre is describing it.
Damian Chaparro, of Chrysalis in the United States, has permanently moved to New Zealand to start up his latest venture, the Aro Ha Centre.
He plans to set up the centre 4km from Glenorchy.
Speaking from Los Angeles, Mr Chaparro said the centre's programmes, which would include meditation, philosophy and massage, would target locals, as well as international visitors.
"There will be a platform of services available for locals ... and team-building exercises for local businesses."
He said the resort would be "flavoured by eastern philosophy".
The Aro Ha Investment Trust has lodged an application for resource consent to Lakes Environmental to build the complex.
"I think people will love it," Mr Chaparro said.
"Kiwis are very active by nature and love the outdoors." Mr Chaparro wanted to bring people closer to nature and create wellness.
"I think what we are doing is going to benefit the community and put New Zealand on the map for holistic health." The yoga, pilates and meditation teacher has been in New Zealand for seven months, trying to find the ideal spot for his centre.
He said the chosen setting was perfect.
"You turn that corner and it's just like, wow, every time," he said.
"New Zealand was on our radar almost immediately and it never left. You've got good people, beautiful scenery and a stable government."
The centre will cover 5.9ha.
If given resource consent, it will include a spa building, three accommodation buildings, a community building (the hub) and the main "Aro Ha room" for meditation and teachings.
Aro Ha will sleep up to 32 visitors a night, although Mr Chaparro would work with smaller groups.
He hoped to employ at least 13 full-time staff to work and live at the centre.
He also hoped to set up a shuttle service from the airport.
The programmes at the centre would run for seven to 14 days.
"It's a little bit like a school camp, but for adults," Mr Chaparro said.
