That’s lifestyle
A forward-thinking development on the cusp of Mt Maunganui and Papamoa brings together two unique destinations to redefine not just the way retirement villages look, but the whole concept of retirement itself.
WORDS Andy Taylor PHOTOS Jahl Marshal
Pacific Coast Village and Pacific Lakes Village are in prime locations close to the spectacular Bay of Plenty coastline. The setting is consistently voted one of New Zealand’s top beachside holiday spots, but these residential properties don’t just rest on the laurels of location, location, location. Instead, they’re creating an entirely new retirement experience as part of the Generus Living Group, who’ve built an unrivalled reputation since the 1980s for creating some of New Zealand’s most respected lifestyle villages.
Already an admired destination, Pacific Coast Village is a place people are proud to call home. As manager Carl Braddock says, Pacific Coast’s model isn’t based on the outdated concept of a ‘retirement home’ but is firmly rooted in hospitality. “Our team and our thinking come from a hospitality background, so we aim to offer something with a very different feel – something more like a resort, with lounges and eateries you’d be happy to visit and invite friends to visit,” he says.
It’s a concept that has very much found favour with locals. Many service clubs have gatherings here, and Pacific Coast’s The Grill Brasserie was voted 2019’s Restaurant of the Year by the Tauranga Beefsteak & Burgundy club; it’s a favourite among families in the area.
Given the Village’s setting and facilities, it’s easy to see why. The centerpiece Beach House Community Centre houses the brasserie, an eatery and a lounge; a club lounge bar; study, craft and activity rooms; a hair salon and spa treatment room; and a movie theatre. Taking design cues from the classic Kiwi beachhouse, the Summer House is home to a lounge and library area complete with fireplace and television, pool table, bar, kitchenette and dining space. Immaculate grounds, a pool, spa and gardens complete the picture, all backed up by the kind of elevated care that’s nice to know is there but doesn’t get in the way of enjoying life.
“I really think we’re doing something ahead of the curve here,” says Carl. “We run everything on a style and service level of 4 to 4.5 stars, while also offering advanced care. In March, we’ll add to this when construction of our Hikurangi independent apartments begins – these will offer a bit extra for residents who need some more help around the home and will even feature concierge-delivered vehicles for independence. This is a really active place – and we’re here to make sure residents get the most out of what this great location and community has to offer.”
This leading of the curve is echoed at Pacific Coast Village, which has state-of-the-art facilities and a true focus on wellbeing and community spirit. “We really set out to ask the question: ‘What is retirement living?’ and we’ve made a conscious decision to meet the needs of residents rather than have them adapt,” says manager Mark Vincent. “This worked very well – so much so that we’ve had visitors here ask, ‘Where’s the retirement home?’ when they’re standing in the middle of it!”
It’s an easy mistake to make. Pacific Lakes Village is fantastic, with buildings and facilities that merge with the coastal setting and park-like grounds, and come together to offer so much more than just somewhere to live. With the next stage of construction already underway, there is even more to come.
“Assisted living is the point of the village, but it wasn’t the starting point,” says Mark. “The model is to provide an active living lifestyle; it’s not just about ‘retirement’, because the generation that’s coming into that part of their lives isn’t stepping back from life, they’re starting again, and we’re here to make sure they make the most of that.”
The embodiment of this approach ranges from not just the more expected elements – such as great accommodation, man-made lakes and on-site restaurants and cafés – but to facilities not usually seen in retirement villages of old. “There’ll be a market garden, commercial glasshouse and climate-controlled growing house, and a variety of fruit trees scattered throughout, enabling residents to grow their own produce and connect with their surroundings,” says Mark. “In addition, the Lake House – which will be the focal point for the village and completed in 2021 – will have sweeping decks, a barbecue area, a bowling green and the like, and it’ll be operating off the grid, with solar power and a rainwater recycling system.”
Like Pacific Coast Village, Pacific Lakes Village is an active part of the local community. “This is a great location, close to the beach and shops but not isolated, so residents are still able to enjoy the city and the coast, and keep in touch with friends and family,” says Mark. “It’s a great lifestyle, a home away from home but with extra care there when you need it.