A ThermaShield Initiative
Ascent Wellness
A world-class retreat dedicated to human reconnection, personal growth, and genuine wellbeing.
What is Ascent Wellness?
Ascent Wellness is a world-class retreat currently being developed in New Plymouth, New Zealand, on land that has already been secured with resource consent granted.
The project is funded through a simple but powerful commitment: ThermaShield pledges 50% of all company profits toward building and developing this retreat.
Our vision is to create a place dedicated to human reconnection, personal growth, and genuine wellbeing - something increasingly rare in the modern world.
The Vision
A Complete Retreat Environment
Every structure and space is designed to support reflection, learning, and connection.
A-Frame Temple
For meditation, workshops, and group gatherings
Accommodation Lodges
Four A-frame lodges providing peaceful private spaces
Magnesium Spa & Hot Pools
Designed for relaxation and recovery
Traditional Sweat Lodge
For deeper ceremonial experiences
Teaching Annex
Lecture space with kitchen and treatment rooms
Communal Spaces
For shared meals, reflection, and conversation
The intention is not luxury for its own sake, but a space that encourages authentic transformation and human connection.
The Challenge
What Problems Are We Tackling?
Modern life moves fast. Social media amplifies comparison. Many people now spend more time interacting with screens than with each other.
When people feel lost or disconnected, they often turn to coping mechanisms such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, unhealthy food, or endless digital distraction. These behaviours are rarely the real problem - they are symptoms.
Beneath them sits a deeper human challenge: a loss of meaning, connection, and belonging. This is the challenge Ascent Wellness aims to address.
The Experience
A Four-Day Immersive Retreat
Participants attend a four-day retreat where they step away from digital noise. Phones and devices are set aside. Instead, participants are immersed in nature and guided through experiences designed to reconnect the mind, body, and community.
- Guided group discussions and reflection
- Mindfulness and grounding practices
- Breathwork and relaxation sessions
- Sauna and cold plunge experiences
- Outdoor exploration and nature immersion
- Shared meals and fireside conversations
- Light physical challenges designed to build resilience
Challenge by Choice
Participants are encouraged to explore, but no one is ever forced into any activity. Real transformation happens when people feel safe enough to step outside their comfort zones at their own pace.
A Place to Reset
Near Mount Taranaki
Located near Mount Taranaki, one of New Zealand's most striking natural landscapes, Ascent Wellness offers people the rare opportunity to step away from the pressures of everyday life.
When distractions disappear, something begins to shift. Thoughts slow down. Conversations deepen. Perspective returns.
By the end of the retreat, many people leave with something they did not realise they were missing: a clearer understanding of themselves.
Why ThermaShield Supports This
At ThermaShield, we believe business can be about more than profit. Our company builds high-performance thermally broken windows and doors that improve buildings across New Zealand.
But we also believe success brings responsibility. That is why 50% of company profits are committed to building Ascent Wellness.
A place where people can reset, reconnect, and return to their lives stronger, clearer, and more grounded than before.
Building More Than Buildings
Why a Window Company?
At first glance, it may seem unusual. Why would a company that builds windows and doors invest in creating a wellness retreat?
The answer is simple: Buildings shape how people live.
A well-designed space can change how a person feels, how they think, and even how they connect with others. At ThermaShield, we spend every day improving buildings across New Zealand.
But over time, something became clear. While better buildings improve people's physical environment, many people are still struggling with something deeper - stress, disconnection, burnout, and a loss of meaning.
We realised that improving buildings was only part of the picture. So we made a decision to invest in spaces that support human wellbeing and personal growth.
Because sometimes the most important structures we build are not made from steel or glass. They are built within ourselves.
Get Involved
Supporting the Ascent Vision
While ThermaShield has committed 50% of company profits to developing Ascent Wellness, we recognise that projects of this nature are often strengthened through collaboration.
We are actively exploring opportunities for:
- Wellbeing and mental health initiatives
- Community development programmes
- Cultural and educational organisations
- Philanthropic foundations
- Research partnerships
- Retreat facilitators and educators
If you are interested in supporting or collaborating with the Ascent Wellness project, we would welcome the opportunity to connect.
Get in Touch