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Added by Jopie, at 22 May 2015
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4 Reviews
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13 January 2017
terrible
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09 January 2017
Wow what can you say about Westhaven Retreat Luxury Lodge. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, your batteries need recharging, or just want to be in a beautiful part of the world away from the daily grind and be pampered then this has to be on your list. Built over 10 years by the family that runs Westhaven, this lodge shows the attention to detail they have painstakingly put in to reward you with relaxing pleasure. The family are a delight to be with (and yes I’m including ‘Bear’ the dog – my new buddy) and will spoil you rotten with hospitality.
As for the property, a myriad of different landscapes await. From rugged coastline to private beaches, wide open green pastures to dense forest and a myriad of rock formations. If you love scenery, look no further. At times I thought I was in Scotland, Hawaii, and even a remote film/tv set such as of Lost, Game of Thrones, King Kong etc.
As for details: Food was amazing; you certainly won’t get hungry with a huge breakfast (hot made to whatever you like), lunch, afternoon tea and 4-course dinner. Worst part is losing the extra weight you may gain if you don’t burn it off during the various walks.
The Luxury Suite was very spacious with great views no matter from the room or the ensuite. The king size bed was very comfortable and no back or sleeping problems at all. If the 2 person spa overlooking the inlet and mountain ranges doesn’t take your fancy, there’s the 24 metre (78’) indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. While you’re there get a relaxing massage to really spoil yourself.
Yes there is fast wi-fi available to check your emails and see what’s happening in the world (though why would you want to know that while relaxing) however as they are remote it’s not a cheap service they can connect to, so you’ll have to leave your Netflix addiction on hold.
We drove in from Nelson and didn’t have any problem finding the place with the instructions provided and with offline navigation (Sygic/Tom Tom Maps. OSM Maps stopped short of the actual entry however will get you on Te Hapu Rd) If you have internet on your mobile, then Google maps will get you there. The drive itself is lovely in itself and albeit a fair bit of dirt/gravel road, any car will be easy to traverse the beautiful countryside.
All in all, I highly recommend staying (at least 3 nights) at this wonderful part of the world. If price is the deciding factor, you can spend a lot more in a 5 Star Hotel with room and meals and be nowhere as near relaxed, spoilt and rejuvenated than you will be at Westhaven. I look forward to going back.
PS. Say Hi to Bear for me.response / report this review -
24 November 2016
great place .in the wilderness
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29 May 2015
Words alone cannot describe this magical placeI tried to capture this unique paradise in pictures and videos, but the reality cant be beaten!
This remote and private owned peninsula is one big adventure and exploration. You will find secluded beaches, natural forests, a marine reserve, national park, a nikau forest, unique rock formations and an amazing host family (every time I took a walk, I was surprised by every hill as the beautiful scenery continues and continues :))
Monika & Bruno as well as the whole family are hospitable, generous and witty. By the way Bruno designed the lodge by himself and the family built this massive complex in ten years. Simply incredible, I would say.
If you dont want to explore the peninsula by yourself, the family offers various tours like kayaking, quad biking, mountain biking, fishing (excellent!)
I am more than happy that I discovered this place and it definitely has become my precious of New Zealand :)
PS: cuisine and accommodation are just as overwhelming!response / report this review
