“This intimate retreat is set in the northeast corner of New Zealand’s North Island. The hotel's luxury villas, named after native birds, look out onto the pristine coastline from private terraces and offer a cosy living space with a log fire. Complete the experience with a luxury helicopter tour.”
“This intimate retreat is set in the northeast corner of New Zealand’s North Island. The hotel's luxury villas, named after native birds, look out onto the pristine coastline from private terraces and offer a cosy living space with a log fire. Complete the experience with a luxury helicopter tour.”
Hotel Review
Set in spectacular, secluded grounds on the tip of North Island's northeast coast, this hotel offers guests a luxury nature retreat with ultimate discretion and personalised services. At just five guest suites, the hotel is an exclusive bolthole, a fact reinforced by its helipad, tennis courts and tranquil, private coastline. Spacious yet intimate, this New Zealand hideaway is a favourite with anyone who comes to stay.
Guests can choose from three suites and two private villas named after New Zealand native birds. Plush, European furnishings, from king-sized beds to deep carpets, make these rooms feel especially indulgent. Sliding doors open onto private terraces with views over the coastline, an impossibly beautiful place to start the day; book a villa for a separate living space with a cosy wood-burning fire.
Dining is overseen by Michelin-starred Head Chef Michele Martino and operates on a farm-to-table premise, with the emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Move from your fine dining experience to the outdoor firepit for drinks, or book a rejuvenating treatment at the hotel's sleek spa. For active guests, there is everything from diving to game fishing and acres of hikes to keep you entertained. An idyllic island getaway.
Written by Hugh Graham-Watson
Recommended For
- Beach Life
- Set on the coast of North Island, with miles of private beach for guest-only use, book this hotel for an exclusive seaside break
- Romantic Break
- With luxurious private suites, spectacular grounds and a sleek spa, book this hotel for an indulgent romantic getaway
- Active Holiday
- The grounds of this hotel allow for a wide range of activities, from fishing to hiking and diving
- Fishing
- Enjoy an afternoon by the water on the hotel's pontoon; the hotel can provide an extensive range of quality fishing equipment
- Great walks
- Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the island on the hotel's walking trails, helpfully signposted for guidance
- Diving
- Dive to the Poor Knights' Islands and explore a myriad of spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels
- Intimate
- Romantic
- Views
- Secluded setting
- Quiet
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Outstanding location
- Sit-out Terrace
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Sea Views
- Boutique
- Chic
- Gym
- Luxury
- 5* Luxury
- Beach nearby
- On an island
- Disabled access
- Wellbeing
Facilities
- Outdoor dining
- Can be arranged anywhere on the estate
- Swimming Pool
- Outdoor
- Parking
- Safe
- Massage
- Views
- Wifi
- Fireplace
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- No pets
- Sit-out Terrace
- Adult Only
- Sitting Room
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Garden
- Gym
- Room service
- Disabled access
- Suites
- Air conditioning
- Concierge
- Satellite / Cable TV
Activities
- Fishing
- Enjoy an afternoon by the water on the hotel's pontoon; the hotel can provide an extensive range of quality fishing equipment
- Great walks
- Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the island on the hotel's walking trails, helpfully signposted for guidance
- Diving
- Dive to the Poor Knights' Islands and explore a myriad of spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels
Map & Location
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Other Reviews
Helena Bay
Helena Bay is a remarkable North Island lodge with just five suites, and an ideal spot for a romantic getaway. Private beaches, mesmerising views over the Pacific, impeccable service and facilities, plus a masterful Italian chef make this one of New Zealand’s hottest tickets.
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
