The Sanctuary at Bay of Islands

The Sanctuary at Bay of Islands epitomises exactly what this area of New Zealand’s North Island is all about, sitting as it is amidst the serenity of a private bush reserve packed with rarely seen native rainforest, and picturesque lookout points alike.

It can all be admired firstly from the lodge itself, thanks to wraparound terraces and an elevated location on the hillside, and then during various outings, nature walks, time on the nearby coast, or during a boat trip on the lookout for Dolphins and Orca – if luck is on your side!

The scene really is set at The Sanctuary for a truly intimate exploration of this, one of North Island’s most captivating regions, aided by the fact that there’s only four luxury suites available at the lodge. That means peace, wellness and personal service in equal measure, whether taking time out in the gorgeous sea-view infinity pool, enjoying a massage on the deck or yoga class out in the hills, or tucking into gourmet home-cooked cuisine in the company of your fellow guests and chef, who’ll be working away in the open-plan kitchen/dining room.

Inside The Sanctuary at Bay of Islands it’s actually much more contemporary than you might expect, with modern furnishings, gadgets and chic décor found throughout the balconied guestrooms, plus walls of glass along the main building which also allow for never-ending coastal views. So then, for a tranquil, private escape full of fine food, easy access to some of the highlights of Northland, timeless views, and genuine exclusivity to boot, The Sanctuary at Bay of Islands is your answer.