If the world seems to be dealing out extra lashings of madness, I know a place that awaits that’s close but will take you far, far away, to something calm and beautiful. Parohe Island Retreat. Go there.
Parohe means relaxed in te reo – ironic as its founder Kerry Knight is perhaps the least chill person you’ll meet! A visionary with a New York kind of work ethic with multiple projects always on the go, he decided to turn this magnificent 22-hectare slice of Kawau Island paradise into an eco-luxury health resort when he discovered the calming benefit the island had on him. Now that’s saying something!
Auckland to Sandspit is a 45-minute car ride where you’re met by a water taxi and your escape from the modern chaos instantly begins. A long private jetty unfurls after your short boat ride to Parohe, where charming hosts Vicky and Glyn are responsible for keeping this semi-tropical island hideaway running smoothly. An electric buggy takes your belongings to your secluded cabin while you walk, breathe in the salty air, and watch seagulls dive for prey and the resident stingray float gracefully below.
A minimalist Swedish cabin with maximalist bush and harbour views, along with the impressive bush trails and gardens, are lovingly tended by the couple, who also offer up everything form Buddha bowls to espresso and healthy cacao treats.
On the Couples Weekend Retreat I attend, the strikingly beautiful Rawinia Buchanan greets us with a freshly squeezed Welcome Cocktail (zero alcohol), a map of the resort, and an itinerary of suggested activities like group yoga, dance, and cooking.
Rawinia and her partner Gary are both health professionals. Rawinia is well known in the wellness space for developing spas for major hotel chains in Auckland and was midwife to the difficult birth of Parohe during the Covid lockdowns. Where many see restrictions, Ra sees possibility which is what makes her an impressive yoga teacher, out-of-this-world masseuse, and team builder, too.
Gary, too, is multi-talented. Not only a psychologist, he’s also a fearless Ceroc Dance teacher that even managed to get the most reluctant guests to confidently learn a move or two! Gary also gently encourages guests to share in meditative experiences by leading them to a yoga platform nestled by the bush among filtered, sun-warmed moss. That meditation is what I took home with me from Parohe, and where my head goes now on a crazy day.
No two retreats are necessarily alike at Parohe. Different practitioners will offer different experiences. This was a couple’s retreat, but retreats are easily attended by singles who wish to take part in yoga, pilates, kayaking, archery, hiking, fishing, reading, golf swing practice, badminton, pickleball, darts, or corn hole. Then there’s the chatting, the sunbathing, the reading, the massage, and the friendship building!
Head to the website to see what’s on offer but be sure to book well in advance. There are 17 rooms with ensuites; two potential conference areas; and only one Enchantment, the sheltered organic garden of Eden dining and pampering area.
words — Jacqueline Knight
