02 HELENA BAY, NEW ZEALAND
WHAT: Both secluded and extremely exclusive, Helena Bay offers three kilometres of pristine coastline, four private beaches and many intimate coves, all for a maximum of five couples at a time. An adults-only retreat, this luxurious boutique hotel sits on the north-east corner of New Zealand’s North Island and is a 40-minute helicopter ride from Auckland. WHY There are three 700 sq ft Junior Suites and two 1,450 sq ft Villa Suites – all name after New Zealand’s native birds. Here, you’ll enjoy extensive private balconies with views overlooking Helena Bay beach and beyond to the South Pacific Ocean. Inside are carefully chosen, sumptuous handmade linens, hypoallergenic pillows and duvets by Hefel of Austria and Feiler towelling from Germany. The bathrooms showcase exquisite mosaic tiling, complemented with accessories by Labrazel from Italy and Swiss-made guest robes by Christian Fischbacher, while Molton Brown provide the finishing touches to a sophistication and luxurious experience.
EXTRAS This 800ac property offers a wide range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, farm tours and bicycles, on its mix of forestry and open paddocks, with miles of tracks to explore. Twenty kilometres off the coast are the Poor Knights Islands, which have been shortlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They feature the world’s largest sea cave and are populated by orca, dolphins and hundreds of fish species. The main house includes a library, formal and informal dining areas, outdoor fire pits, gym, sauna and steam and massage rooms, a cold plunge pool and a heated swimming pool.
