In the northeast corner of New Zealand’s North Island lies Helena Bay Lodge. This luxury lodge features three kilometres of pristine coastline, four private beaches and many intimate coves.
The property offers a wide range of activities including kayaking, fishing, farm tours and bicycles. 800 acres combine a mix of forestry and open paddocks and with miles of tracks there is plenty to explore.
The inspiration for the architecture of the Lodge came from a desire to achieve timeless legitimacy in the region. For this reason styling ideas were taken from the early European buildings such as The Treaty House in Waitangi, Pompallier Mission House in Russell, Te Waimate Mission House in Kaikohe and the Stone Store in Kerikeri. Modern materials were used, but the appearance is of a building that could have been built a century ago. The base of the building is clad in Northland sedimentary schist, sourced from a nearby quarry, that formed part of the ocean floor 30 million years ago. Fragments of ancient coral, crustacean and mollusc shells have been captured within the stone. Construction of the Lodge began in 2010 and was completed in 2016.
Guests will enjoy exploring the individual rooms of the Main House decorated with its eclectic artwork and treasures, which have been collected by the owners during their travels around the globe. These captivating and fascinating pieces complement opulent interior design.
ACCOMMODATION
Helena Bay hosts a maximum of five individual couples accommodated in five luxury Villa Suites, which are named after New Zealand native birds.
All the Villa Suites have extensive balconies with views overlooking Helena Bay beach and beyond to the South Pacific Ocean. Leica binoculars are provided for the opportunity to view bird life, visiting whales and dolphins, and vessels tracking across the bay out to sea.
DINING
Helena Bay has brought the celebrated Michelin starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 of Southern Italy to New Zealand. Under the direction and the influence of Don Alfonso’s philosophy of respecting the local food culture while incorporating the age-old traditions of the Sorrento peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, fine dining will define the hospitality experience at Helena Bay.
Significant investment has been made at Helena Bay to offer guests ‘Estate to Plate’ cuisine. The menus, which change daily, are created following the Don Alfonso philosophy.
Head Chef Michele Martino was born in Southern Italy. He has trained in the culinary art of fine dining restaurants all around Italy and Europe. In 2009 he welcomed the opportunity to work with the world-renowned Iaccarino family at Don Alfonso 1890, sharing their concept of Mediterranean cuisine. After establishing himself as a trusted and respected Chef under the watchful eye of Ernesto Iaccarino, he was asked to Chef at the Don Alfonso 1890 Macau in the Grand Lisboa Hotel. After a very successful period in Macau, the Iaccarino family decided to utilise Michele’s exceptional culinary skills further and asked him to help implement and establish new ventures; first as Chef de Cuisine in Dubai and, more recently, on the romantic Island of Capri.
Ready for a new challenge, Michele has arrived on New Zealand’s beautiful shores with clear ideas: “I think Helena Bay Lodge is a unique and enchanting place where people can deeply enjoy all of life’s pleasures. The organic philosophy of Helena Bay Lodge meets the history of Mediterranean gastronomy with the Iaccarino family. For this reason I believe that guests who have the pleasure to enjoy our beautiful property will have an unforgettable experience.”
WELLNESS & SPA
Particular attention has been paid to the Gym and Spa wing which has been constructed to reflect the character of a traditional Russian Banya (bathhouse) but in a modern and functional way. Exquisitely decorated with more than a million intricate ceramic mosaic tiles imported from Italy, it has an authentic and welcoming feel. The wing contains a modern gym, massage room, changing rooms, dry sauna, steam room, and cool plunge pool.
The central courtyard of the lodge surrounds a spectacular 25-metre in-ground heated swimming pool. Exclusive to guests, the outdoor pool is ideal for gentle morning exercise or to unwind after a busy day. Afterwards, in the summer months, enjoy the opportunity to lounge on our poolside terrace soaking up the sun.
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