Mahu Whenua, A Life-Changing Retreat in New Zealand
A few months ago our award-winning New Zealand experts at MajorDomotipped us off about a phenomenal new retreat they would be launching towards the end of the year. We were eagerly anticipating its arrival and now we’re thrilled to introduce the Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Homestead & Eco Sanctuary, an expansive and incredibly beautiful eco luxury homestead with a mission. Preview this one of a kind retreat with us below.
Located near Wanaka in the spectacular Southern Lakes area of the South Island, Mahu Whenua extends over 550 square km (200 square miles) over stunning high country owned by globally-recognised record producer Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange.
Since acquiring the property, Lange’s vision has been to regenerate the land especially through sustainable farming practices and native bird breeding programme. Incited by this program’s success, he has officially protected more than 90% of the land, making it the largest conservation undertaking on private land in the country’s history. In fact, Mahu Whenua aptly translates to “Healing the Land”.
“While small areas of the land are currently open to walkers, runners or bikers on high ridge trails, there are tens of thousands of hectares that are 100% private to guests, making this a truly exclusive and unique experience,” explains Lisa Hayden, co-founder and co-director of MajorDomo. “It’s hugely exciting news for the luxury tourism industry especially as the demand for this type of experience is very high for our client base.”
The homestead is set amidst glacial valleys, mountains, alpine lakes, forest and meandering rivers, yet is only a fifteen-minute drive out of Wanaka township. It offers rustic yet stylish accommodation for up to 12 guests; eight in the main Ridgeline Homestead and four in two separate guest cottages.
In keeping with Lange’s principles, MajorDomo has designed specific experiences to coincide with his long term vision for like-minded guests who would appreciate his environmental initiatives.
“Guests could revel in this conservation hideaway for the duration of their stay and never see another soul on the property, apart from those who are there to ensure they get the most out of their experience,” adds Fiona Stevens, MajorDomo’s other brainchild.
All stays are bespoke and fully hosted with guided experiences including horse trekking, overnight stays at shepherds’ cottages around the station, heli-skiing, mountain biking, 4wd adventures, farm tours, picnics, backcountry touring and yoga. Guests are also encouraged to observe or engage in conservation practices such as replanting areas with native trees, and learn about a native bird and plant regeneration programme.
Guests can venture slightly further afield to nearby Milford Sound where they could catch crayfish for their evening meal, prepared by the homestead’s private chef and served with the best local New Zealand wines.
Geared towards families or groups of friends seeking an adventurous “return to the land” retreat or travelers wanting a luxury retreat in ultra exclusivity, it’s also ideal for small corporate or incentive trips. Regardless of what draws visitors here, MajorDomo strongly feels that each guest will take some ‘ownership’ of the environmental work that’s underway at Mahu Whenua, making it an exceptional, mind-shifting experience going far beyond an average holiday.
Tailor your perfect New Zealand retreat with MajorDomo at this link and learn more about the founding of the company in this article.
Many take a holiday to unplug from the world, their busy schedules and accumulating work stress. If you’re seeking a real getaway, travel to one of these ultimate escapes around Asia and Australasia where you can challenge your mind and body in the most phenomenal ways and places. Leave your worries at home and be prepared to be transformed.
Amara Mountain Resort – Kalaw, Myanmar
Having recently opened to international tourism, Myanmar is an excellent Asian destination for those seeking a cultural retreat, especially by venturing up into the country’s majestic mountains to the Amara Mountain Resort. Located near Kalaw at an altitude of 1250 meters, you can’t help but switch off at this former British guest house.
The best way to begin your retreat would be by arriving via a two-day hike from Lake Inle, however, you can also reach the resort by bus, car or train or plane into Heho airport, a 45-minute drive away. Once there, you’ll be engulfed by the enchanting mountain mist and the charm of the historic property.
Originally built in 1909, it has been carefully converted into an exclusive hotel with a refined colonial ambiance. It has just ten rooms, each with its own open fireplace. The lounges and the separate dining room feature lovely turn-of-the-century antiques.
Your worries will evaporate with morning fog as you relax in the resort’s manicured English gardens, decompress in the sauna or simply gaze over Kalaw and the Shan Mountains from the terrace, absorbing this exceptional peace, privacy and tranquility.
There are a variety of other activities available to the guests such as golf at the nearby 9-hole golf course, trekking to the Kalaw National Park, excursions to the vibrant market of Kalaw or to the villages of the Palaung, Danu and Pao people, where you can discover the local customs and cultures.
Meals at the resort are healthy, traditional Myanmar and Western dishes and include organic fruit and vegetables from the onsite garden.
Learn more about this cultural escape for the mind and body at Amara Mountain Resort.
Samujana – Koh Samui, Thailand
With magnificent architecture, stunning views and fantastic fitness facilities, the spectacular Samujana resort on the gorgeous Thai island of Koh Samui offers guests the perfect place to reconnect with a healthier and more balanced mind, body and soul. Samujana has suggested this proposed itinerary to help guests plan their healthy, healing days at their private luxury villa.
“The perfect way to start one’s day at Samujana is with an early morning private yoga class. Whether at the edge of an expansive infinity pool or on a quiet secluded beach, yoga sessions at Samujana push the boundaries of luxury and privacy.
“A healthy breakfast prepared in-villa with the freshest ingredients by personal chefs gives guests an extra kick-start to their mornings. Alternatively, visitors looking to detox can enjoy the Easy Detox Deluxe programme – designed exclusively for Samujana by leading spa experts, Amrita.
“Guests can enjoy workouts from personal training sessions to high intensity Tabata interval training, crossfit coaching classes, personalised strength training sessions and – for the truly dedicated –boot camp sessions. Alternatively, train in the art of Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport, with AJ – a passionate and talented personal trainer. The in-villa gyms and expansive swimming pools offer the ideal place to enjoy exercise at one’s own pace too.
“Enjoy a post-workout afternoon refreshment from Juice Queen; an expert in holistic practices who combines the freshest organic products to create cold-pressed daily juices, which in turn promote beauty, wellness, and longevity.
“As the sun sets on Koh Samui guests can treat themselves to an indulgent massage and nourishing beauty treatment from the island’s top therapists. From stimulating foot scrubs to traditional Thai massages and exfoliating facial treatments, guests will wind-down to dinner feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated!
“Top Thai chefs will prepare a healthy feast using the freshest, local ingredients including green papaya salad, Andaman tiger prawns and local fish baked in banana leaf. The dinner setting can be a Thai pop-up restaurant, pool-side BBQ or candlelit beach dining. After just one day at Samujana guests will be well on their way to a more relaxed, rejuvenated and healthier self.”
Begin planning your healthy holiday in Thailand by contacting Samujana.
Aro Hā – Southern Alps, New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the best countries to get away from it all, however, not all retreats were created equal. Our experts at MajorDomo take us high up into the ethereal Southern Alps to the multi-award winning Aro Hā. This unique retreat fuses advanced eco-accommodation, permaculture based self-sufficiency, and world-class results-oriented programming.
Located just a 40-minute drive from Queenstown Airport, Aro Hā is a next-level wellness experience offering life shifting, body morphing, spirit lifting retreats and condensing optimal living practices into signature ‘Wellness Adventures.’
“The sensational scenery itself is enough to give you the first mind shift, however, you will soon realize that this is not your normal spa retreat, says Lisa Hayden, co-founder of MajorDomo. “Aro Hā is the first wellness centre of its kind.
“Their ‘Wellness Adventures’ are based on a template for optimal wellness and have been refined to provide guests with a life-altering glow. The programme is comprised of yoga, sub-alpine hiking, dynamic strength training, therapeutic massage and vegetarian cuisine.”
The retreats are all inclusive so there is no need for credit cards after arrival and no decisions to make. Guests arrive, unplug and are seamlessly guided toward health. Retreats are personalised and intimate, you will be challenged during your stay and rewarded with a sense of achievement and glow by the end of the retreat. Most abilities are catered for and all activities can be taken at your own pace.
“The food is incredible – when on retreat you really look forward to what the talented chefs have prepared for your snacks and meals,” Lisa tempts us further. “The guiding and instructing team are caring, funny and experts in their fields. Hiking in the hills and mountains around Queenstown and Glenorchy is the best spirit lifting exercise. You leave the retreat but it doesn’t leave you. I want to book my next one straight away!
“A friend, Jenny described the Aro Hā experience perfectly: “It is the best thing I have ever done for me in my whole life.”
Take the first step in changing your life at the incredible Aro Hā by contacting MajorDomo here.
Vatuvara Private Islands, Fiji
You can have the ultimate escape from the world on the distant Fijian paradise of Vatuvara Private Islands. With only three one-bedroom villas, you will virtually have this gorgeous island to yourself. Remote and secluded from the rest of the world, it is the perfect place to press the reset button.
“We work carefully with all guests in advance to design the perfect wellness itinerary,” explains Krystel Gough of Vatuvara Private Islands. “We provide yoga on request and each villa has a yoga deck or courtyard which lends to a relaxing practise.
“In addition, our menus blend fresh organic produce with a priority on wellness and attention to individual requirements. We are also equipped to host preferred wellness & fitness experts. Their spa treatments will allow you to surrender the senses and rejuvenate the spirit with Fiji’s pure coconut oil and fragrant flower extracts to nurture the body – all in the privacy of the dedicated villa spa bure.
“Nature walks, hikes to ancient village sites, paddle boarding in crystal clear lagoons, surfing and numerous other activities are available for those looking for strenuous activity.
“Holidaying at Vatuvara Private Islands you’ll be hidden away from the rest of the world, and privy to one of the richest cultures, the ideal place to soothe the soul with authentic, enriching cultural experiences.”
Start designing your wellness vacation at Vatuvara Private Islands at this link.
Kauri Bay – Bay of Islands, New Zealand
If you’re after some rest and relaxation with the family combined with some active pursuits or water sports, then dock at this gorgeous eight-bedroom beach house by Touch of Spice, located on a privately island in Kauri Bay in New Zealand’s famous subtropical microclimate the Bay of Islands.
“This stunning beachside house, designed by famous New Zealand architect Pete Bossley, has been skilfully built to take advantage of the soothing water and island views as well as to fit into its native surroundings of the idyllic Moturua Island,” details Jacqui Spice, founder of Touch of Spice.
“Access to the island is restricted to boat or helicopter so your holiday will be a real private getaway. You can choose to keep the helicopter and pilot onsite with you throughout your stay with the help of the property’s heli-pad and hanger.
“The property’s underground boat shed is home to a wide range of ‘big boy toys’, including a collection of jet skis, fishing gear, sea kayaks and up to the minute diving gear. There is also an ocean trampoline perfect for cooling off with the kids on hot summer days. On request, a Skipper can be arranged to oversee the operation all of the equipment available, including the recreational boats moored at the island’s private wharf.
“Spend your days hiking the island exceptional walking tracks with views and native bush that you thought only existed in Lord of the Rings movies, or venture off the island for a helicopter trip to Kauri Cliffs, where you can play on their world-class golf course and use their day spa. In addition, there are awe-inspiring island cruises for the leisure seekers and deep sea fishing for the adrenaline seekers.
“You will also find a chef on-site to create fine dining meals using the freshest local produce (perhaps even one of the fish you caught from the day) and a maid on hand to keep the house neat and tidy during your stay.”
Organize your perfect family retreat to New Zealand with Touch of Spice at this link.
Cookie use
The default cookie policy on this website is set to "allow all cookies". However, you can change your settings at any time by clicking on Change Settings in your browser. Our cookies do not contain any personal or sensitive information and we only use them to improve the customer experience of the website. If you are happy to continue using the website without changing these settings you consent to our default cookie policy.