Boutique New Zealand retreats

Once travel restrictions ease, the opportunity to take time to relax will be at the top of many traveller's itineraries. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of New Zealand and indulge with these three unique luxury retreats by Boutique hotels and Lodges NZ.

Owned by Susan Roberts, with over 35 years in the travel, tourism, airline and hospitality industry, Boutique Hotels & Lodges NZ is one of the leading international accommodation marketing companies in New Zealand. Partnered with over 20 unique, luxury retreats across New Zealand, their curated collection of hotels, lodges and villas offer travellers an individual and bespoke experience, providing ambience and attention to detail sought by today’s discerning travellers.

These unique boutique hotels, lodges and villas offer an historic, architectural or artistic focus; nestled on hilltops providing stunning ocean and lake vistas, through to majestic mountain scenery. From the sub-tropical north, past volcanoes and serene wine growing regions, through to the ancient glaciers and ruggedness of New Zealand’s South Island you will experience warm, personalised service from genuine New Zealand hosts.

Read on and explore three of our favourite New Zealand retreats featured by Boutique Hotels & Lodges NZ…

Maruia River Retreat: Tasman region, South Island

A destination to focus on wellbeing and connect with nature, this relaxed yet luxury accommodation is nestled between Nelson, the West Coast and Christchurch and set within a stunning river valley. The Retreat offers seven luxury villas, accommodating a maximum of 14 guests across the entire retreat – no kids allowed, making this the perfect destination for couples to relax and unwind from the bustle of everyday life.

Set amongst 200 hectares of Beech forest alongside Maruia River, this location boasts a wide range of activities to keep you busy including white water rafting, Bullet Jet boats, nature walks, and mountain bike treks. Or you can explore the nearby towns with easy driving distance across the West Coast, Nelson Lakes District and Lewis Pass.

Rest and relax with Maruia River Retreat’s Wellness facilities, which includes an outdoor hot tub, Finnish sauna and massage treatments. Plus you can enjoy complimentary daily yoga and meditation classes. In the evenings, the Main Lodge is open to sample local wines, craft beers and the best spirits the region has to offer. The cuisine is prepared in a gourmet kitchen sourced with local ingredients, mainly from The Retreat’s vast surrounding gardens.

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat: Lake Pukaki 

Overlooking the turquoise blue waters of Lake Pukaki, and located on the edge of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park in the beautiful Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. This luxury retreat offers spectacular views up Lake Pukaki to the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook – this retreat can be enjoyed in all four seasons.

The Retreat accommodates up to 4 guests in the Ashley Mackenzie Villa, and an additional 8 guests in the Moraine Villas overlooking the Ben Ohau Range – with just one group accepted at any one time. The Ashley Mackenzie Villa is private and romantic, including the exclusive Fantail Spa which features a sauna, hot tub, workout room, and massage room – or have a soak in the wooden hot tub with stunning views to the lake.

You are spoilt for choice with activities in the area. In summer enjoy the onsite AstroTurf Tennis Court, Petanque Court, or a round of Croquet on the lawn, and in the winter months give the curling rink a try. Bikes are available to take advantage of the cycle tracks surrounding the retreat, or you could explore the local glaciers in the Aoraki Mt Cook World Heritage Park. These are just 1/2 drive away from the accommodation, or see the glaciers from the sky – there’s a helipad on site.

Donkey Bay Inn: Russell, Bay of Islands

Voted the World’s Most Eco-Friendly Hotel (World Boutique Hotel Awards, November 2019), and also judged as Australiasia’s Most Inspired Design Hotel. Donkey Bay Inn, overlooking the gorgeous Bay of Islands is everything you never expected.

With a sitting room and bar featuring soaring ceilings, eclectic furnishing, and spectacular artwork. With a free-standing curved library with books abound and the cool summer breeze to enjoy wafting through the double set of French doors opening to the garden. There are four eclectic and exotic styled rooms to enjoy, all with wide views of the bay, and balconies or terraces offer private spaces for occupants to relax in the evenings.

Take a walk down to the private, naturist beach or simply walk to nearby Long Beach, this is the perfect spot to take a swim or relax on the white sands. Alternatively, be chauffeured into Russell by the vintage Daimler DS420 limousine to dine and discover the historic town.

The Hotel is sustainably cooled under a huge living roof, and the estate is entirely energy-efficient, producing its own electricity. There is also a private winery, producing only natural and conventionally-vinted vines, an olive grove, beehives, chickens, organic vegetable garden, and self-sufficiency in water and power, this Inn is a self-contained luxury eco-system.

Explore more luxury retreats by Boutique Hotels & Lodges NZ, click to visit their website.

Boutique Hotels & Lodges NZ are exhibiting at the Luxperience Virtual event, 13-16 October 2020. Interested in being part of the event as an exhibitor or buyer? Click to find out more.