Luxury New Zealand holidays provide exceptional retreats in some of the world’s most beautiful settings. Experience a private island escape like no other at the Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa, located in the natural wildlife sanctuary of the Cavalli islands. Arrive aboard your very own 72 foot luxury motor yacht, ‘Missionhills’ available for use throughout your stay which will convey you from the mainland at Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands to your private retreat.
Stay in ultimate privacy at Cavalli Island which can only accommodate four lucky guests at a time providing free reign of the island and its facilities. Choose between the luxuriously furnished cottage which dates back to the colonial settlements of 1800 and the award winning contemporary design of the suite in the main pavilion. The cottage comprises of a large open-plan kitchen, a lounge and dining area with full entertainment system and a patio with veranda and table and chairs. Double doors open onto a king-size bedroom and en-suite bathroom with rain shower, claw foot bath and glass roof. The contemporary suite offers a second lounge and en-suite bedroom which is entirely glass making the most of the spectacularly panoramic views.
Dining is an exceptional experience at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa. Your own award-winning chef caters specifically to your individual tastes, drawing on the very best of New Zealand’s indigenous fare and seafood, some harvested directly from Cavalli’s beaches and bay. You also have the luxury of choosing a location to enjoy your meal, whether it is the pavilion, the patio, a secluded bay or on board ‘Missionhills.’ Cavilli’s focus on its guests’ individual requirements firmly establishes the retreat as the ultimate in luxury New Zealand escape.
Relax and unwind in the state of the art Cavalli spa and choose from new-age or indigenous Maori well-being therapies. From mud wraps to massages this highly acclaimed spa provides comforting relaxation in a beautiful setting. A steam room, infrared sauna and outdoor hydro bath are just some of the options to reinvigorate the senses. As with everything in the Cavalli retreat, the treatments are tailored entirely to your individual needs.
This unique archipelago lured early Maoris from the mainland and their fascinating culture is shared with you on your arrival on the island. Witness the great waka (traditional hand carved canoe) and be greeted with a ‘powhiri’, the traditional Maori welcome.
Explore the stunning natural beauty of the island by taking a visit to the impressive caves with 100 metre stalagmites and stalactites. Hear the legends of the caves that for centuries have been told to the island’s whanau family by local Maori. The island is home to a fascinating array of wildlife including New Zealand’s largest penguins which you can observe nesting and the rare duavacel geckos, the small and friendly reptile exclusive to the Cavalli archipelago. Surrounding the island the sub-tropical waters are rich in sea life with dolphins, whales and rare corals in abundance.
The retreat is situated at the heart of this beautiful ecological utopia with its own natural bay providing safe swimming, snorkelling and fishing directly from the shore. For the more adventurous a number of water sports facilities including kayaks, jet-skis and water-skiing are on offer. Or why not explore Cavalli’s rugged coastline and cliffs on foot or on your own eight wheeled Argo.
For more information about luxury holidays to New Zealand the author recommends Turquoise Holidays, specialists in tailor made travel.
