Located on beautiful Waiheke Island, Delamore Lodge is only a hop, skip and a jump from Auckland city – yet it feels worlds away.
Entering the property’s pristine grounds immediately invokes a sense of calm and clarity. Lush green gardens, a vibrant olive grove, and breathtaking views of Owhanake Bay are waiting to greet guests, complemented by the peaceful sound of birdsong.
This luxury lodge has everything you need for a restorative getaway. Decadent dining on-site includes gourmet breakfasts and a three- or five-course set menu made from local produce and paired with exceptional wines from nearby vineyards that are – dare we say – some of the best in the country. High-end amenities including a luxury spa with New Zealand-made skincare products, a heated infinity pool with a million-dollar view, steamy sauna, and well-stocked library mean guests don’t even need to set foot off the property during their stay (but should they wish to, the lodge is conveniently located near the best that Waiheke has to offer).
First thought upon entering Delamore Lodge’s grounds?
Fran: Waiheke heaven.
Jude: Natural beauty and serenity.
Briefly describe your accommodation in a sentence?
F: Views to die for, home from home, nothing overlooked.
J: Luxurious, warm, and thoughtful, it’s a perfect space for two couples – you could dine in if you wished and cook your own beautiful meal as the kitchen was fully equipped.
Favourite feature of your villa?
F: I am a sucker for a good bathroom and this one did not disappoint: With its clean lines, minimalist elegance, and the most awesome rain forest shower (one I could have stood underneath for hours), this room was my very own personal spa retreat for just a while.
J: The view was also spectacular from the villa, and the luxurious bed boasted the most divine linen.
Top on-site activities?
F: The spa, the infinity pool, plenty of beautiful walks to choose from.
Spa treatment to die for?
F: For an ultimate indulgence, I highly recommend the Deep Relaxation Massage (available in 1 or 1.5-hour sessions). Be sure to book with Osher; her expertise and knowledge of the human body is exceptional. She manages to find every single little area of tension and works on it until it disappears.
Favourite skincare product?
F: Definitely the Nellie Tier body care products provided – their body wash is deliciously fragrant, as is their super nourishing body lotion. The fact that these products are crafted in New Zealand – ticks many boxes for me, including the all-important eco-friendly one.
Menu item you simply had to try?
F: The curry cauliflower tortellini is to die for, and if a fan of breakfast – do try the house made muesli – a combination of cashew, almond, macadamia nuts, pistachios, apricot and raisin, sweetened with a hint of maple syrup.
J: Though not generally a duck lover, I thought it was memorable – beautifully cooked and incredibly succulent.
Favourite wine?
F: Not many New Zealand vineyards produce a Blanc de Blanc – so when I saw the Man O’War 2018 Tuilia Blanc de Blanc available – I could not wait to enjoy a chilled glass of this extra-brut style of wine. Move over Prosecco for I have a new favourite tipple.
J: I didn’t drink wine but I had a margarita – there’s a full list of exotic cocktails!
Best thing about staying on Waiheke Island?
F: For me – the best thing about Waiheke Island is the perfect blend of stunning natural beauty and lush vineyards, only a short ferry ride or helicopter hop from Auckland, yet the relaxed vibe makes one feel as if one is a world away from city life. As a lover of fresh air and all things that nature provides, Waiheke is for me my go-to perfect getaway.
J: It’s close to Auckland and so easy to get too – and the ferry ride always makes me excited about the destination. I was not disappointed – Delamore Lodge is sublime.
One word that sums up your experience at Delamore Lodge?
F: Unforgettable.
J: Peaceful.
