If money was no object and a luxury holiday in Nelson-Tasman was on your radar, you’d probably be booking a night in one of the region’s stunning and often-little-known luxury accommodation providers. While many of us may not even be aware these lodges exist, Adrienne Matthews takes a look inside at some of the very best in our region.
In a few months tourists will start to flock back to our part of the world and among them will be the rich and famous, some of whom will be spending thousands of dollars a night on accommodation and thousands more experiencing the very best of Nelson-Tasman.
Having worked especially hard during the last few years of Covid to attract New Zealanders to their facilities, accommodation owners are optimistic about the future. Tracee Neilson, the visitor destination manager for the Nelson Regional Development Agency, says there are good summer bookings coming in from overseas tourists. “This is a really important part of our local tourism industry that flies completely under the radar,” she says.
“Tourists who stay in this type of accommodation are very private so not much gets talked about it, but they contribute a substantial amount of revenue to many businesses in the region. Not only do they stay in the high-end luxury accommodation, but they also spend on adventure tours, art, wine, food and the like. It is encouraging to see them beginning to come back to our shores.”
Clifftop Retreats in Aporo Road, with its spectacular views out into Tasman Bay, has had its share of local Nelson people to stay but it looking forward to overseas tourists coming back. “[Locals] love that they can drive a short distance from home and be in a completely different world”, says owner Bob Haswell.
At Clifftops, an architecturally-designed, purpose-built cottage is set amongst a huge garden that, after a twenty-one year labour of love, resembles an arboretum. Special touches include a unique shower with two of its walls being windows into a native garden, while a skylight over the bed showcases the night sky in all its glory. A luxurious clifftop spa and treatment room, provision of beautiful robes, alpaca throws and a selection of delicious treats, including local wine and beer, are much appreciated touches.
Westhaven Luxury Retreat perched on a hilltop above the Whanganui (Westhaven) Inlet, south of Farewell Spit and with the Tasman Sea crashing on beaches on the western side, is another that has welcomed many New Zealanders, in part, due to its location. Austrian immigrants Bruno and Monika Stompe fell in love with the four hundred hectares of land in 1991 and have put their luxury mark on it with buildings constructed from timber, enhanced by a hundred tonne of Otago schist and with recycled rimu and teak on the interiors. Aided by daughter Monika and her husband Tomas Vratil, the family manages the luxury accommodation which includes a heated indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy spa and infrared sauna.
Guest rooms have private verandahs, luxurious king beds, hydro-jet showers and private bars and extensive views. “The scenery takes people’s breath away,” explains daughter Monika. “There are seven walking tracks including a favourite that goes through the second largest Nikau forest in New Zealand with trees up to three hundred years old. Below, on the west coast, is the palm-rimmed private Turtle Beach. Another takes them to the highest point on the farm with three hundred and sixty-five degree views and spectacular limestone rock formations.”
For those looking for luxury in the city on a historic site, Pihopa Retreat, set in five and a half acres bordering the Bishopdale Reserve, is an ideal location. With park-like gardens from its time as the Nelson Anglican Bishop’s residence that includes many heritage trees, it now has six luxurious suites and is a much desired location for getaways along with special occasions such as weddings. Owner Sarah Mellor spent twenty years experiencing many different accommodation types around the world and was thrilled to find the hidden gem that is now Pihopa. “I have tried to incorporate the best I have seen elsewhere here in one place,” she says. “When people come to stay I want them to feel that they are experiencing something unique.”
The spacious, private suites, named after previous bishops, are the epitome of luxury and appointed in keeping with the property’s heritage. Each has balconies with views onto the gardens and well-equipped kitchenettes. The attention to detail includes the provision of local treats such as chocolate and honey made from Pihopa’s own beehives. Luxury travellers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental standards the places they stay at abide by. Pihopa has an extensive range of sustainability practices in place and has achieved the Ekos Carbon Friendly Certification.
Fishing is an experience that attracts luxury tourists from around the globe to this region and there are several luxury lodges that cater to the fisherman’s every need, including Stonefly Lodge. Sited in Stanley Brook, it was the dream build of Australians John and Kate Kerr who spent five years visiting New Zealand to locate the perfect site for a luxury fly fishing lodge. “We would come over every summer,” says John, “and finally we found this wonderful spot only fifty minutes from Nelson city and on the banks of the Motueka River with views to the Mt Arthur Range.”
The lodge is constructed of timber and stone from the one hundred and forty hectares on which it sits, providing a “rocky mountain” warm and sumptuous ambience in keeping with the surroundings. All rooms come with private ensuites and the best of linen is used along with hand-crafted furniture and New Zealand art grace the walls. As with all local luxury lodges, local masseuses and beauticians are made available for guests.
The new Falcon Brae Villa, situated above Stonefly Lodge in the Motueka Valley, is an award-winning development, built to the highest of standards for the most discerning clients. With rivers on two sides and spectacular native bush walks, its shape echoes the falcons that fly above. A rich tapestry of timber including oak and red cedar is used in its construction, along with precision stonework. The interior contains sumptuous living areas including a sunken bar, three dining spaces, grand piano, media room and high-end commercial kitchen where executive chefs prepare gastronomic delights. Three guest suites with floor to ceiling windows show off the spectacular views, each with a cocktail bar, substantial living area, luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms. Alongside the helipad there is a modern gym, pool and spa and a barbecue area for outdoor dining. Falcon Brae’s owners have made the buildings as sustainable as possible with a large ground-based solar array. A local spring water source is utilized for everyday use and the property has its own wastewater system. Stonefly and Falcon Brae are noted for their cuisine. “For several years we have been working with our executive chef of Stonefly and Falcon Brae Villa to produce a cookbook that has just been released,” says John. “‘Flavours to Savour’ is a celebration of many favourite recipes that have been served to our guests from all around the world.”
Falcon Brae Villa is designed for exclusive use, however special domestic rates are offered while the borders are still restricted where individual suites may be rented.
Owen River Lodge in the Owen Valley near Nelson Lakes has been the passion of Felix Borenstein for the last nineteen years. It is the first fishing lodge in the world to obtain B Corp certification which measures social and environmental performance. Fifty percent of their guests are repeat visitors. “The quality of the fishing here is outstanding,” says Felix. “We provide an extensive library of up-to-date fishing gear for our guests and our chefs produce outstanding food. Our priority is to provide top comfort and experiences for people in a comfortable, relaxed environment where nothing is a bother.”
So, how much would a stay in one of these luxury lodges cost? Accommodation rates can vary depending on the time of year and whether they are booked per suite or for exclusive use. But expect to pay from $450 per night to $1990 for a couple per suite.
So what do the rich and famous do when they’re visiting our region?
