Island Retreat by Stay Waiheke

Summary:

Designed by Fearon Hay Architects, Island Retreat is an exceptional hillside sanctuary overlooking Oneroa. Light-filled, spacious, and wrapped in panoramic sea and bush views, this contemporary home brings together award-winning architecture with the calming rhythm of island living. A place made for unwinding, gathering, and settling into the quiet of your own private retreat.



The Space:

Island Retreat opens into a sequence of generous, beautifully crafted spaces that feel connected to the landscape at every turn. Sunlight moves through the home throughout the day, shifting across timber, concrete, and soft natural textures, while full-height glazing frames views of the sea and native bush.



At the heart of the house, the main living area offers room to gather, stretch out, and slow down. The minimalist kitchen features premium appliances, sculpted joinery, and an easy flow into the dining area — the kind of setting where breakfast rolls into conversation and dinner seems to last for hours.



Five serene bedrooms are positioned for privacy and calm.

• Four king rooms, each with soft linens, generous proportions, and garden or ocean outlooks.

• A fifth bedroom with two sets of bunk beds, perfect for children or extra guests.



Multiple bathrooms include walk-in showers and freestanding baths, bringing a sense of ease to group stays.



Outdoors, the architecture steps down to a wide terrace with lounge seating and dining areas that move naturally with the day — sunny spots, shaded corners, and open views across the valley. The swimming pool completes the rhythm of the place: swim, read, drift, repeat. As evening arrives, the light softens over the water and the home settles into a quiet, restorative calm.



Please note: The swimming pool is not heated during winter months.



Bed & Bath Configuration

• Bedroom 1 – King bed

• Bedroom 2 – King bed

• Bedroom 3 – King bed

• Bedroom 4 – King bed

• Bedroom 5 – Two bunk beds (sleeps 4)



Minimum Stays

7 nights between Christmas and mid-January | 3 nights all other times

Bedroom configuration



Bookings accepted on request



Guest Access:

You’ll have full, private use of the entire home, outdoor areas, gardens, and pool.

Check-in is from 2:00 pm, check-out is 10:30 am. Early check-in or late check-out may be available for an additional fee and can be confirmed closer to arrival depending on adjacent bookings.



The Neighborhood:

Island Retreat is set high above Oneroa, close to the village yet quietly removed. From the house, it’s only a few minutes’ drive to pick up supplies, wander through boutiques, or enjoy breakfast overlooking the bay.



Start the morning at Wai Kitchen for coffee with sea views, then stop by The Island Grocer for fresh produce, cheese, pantry essentials, and local wines. Oneroa’s boutiques and galleries are within easy reach, including WE-AR for sustainably designed clothing and lifestyle pieces.



For long lunches or slow afternoons, Mudbrick offers sweeping views and refined seasonal dining. Evening options are close by too, wood-fired Italian at Fenice, relaxed dining at Vino Vino, or seafood and coastal plates at The Oyster Inn, set in the heart of Oneroa.



By the time you return home, the hill is quiet, the sea has shifted into blue-grey, and the house feels entirely your own.



Getting Around:

Oneroa Village and the Matiatia ferry terminal are around a ten-minute drive from the property. If you’re exploring without a car, the nearest bus stop is about a twelve-minute walk from the house and connects directly to Oneroa, Onetangi, Palm Beach, and the island’s main vineyard routes.



For a day among the vines, buses run frequently to Tantalus Estate, Stonyridge, Casita Miro, and Wild on Waiheke, a relaxed, social way to explore without worrying about driving.



Whether by bus, car, or e-bike, everything on Waiheke feels close: beaches, vineyards, cafés, and home again by sunset.



Other Things to Note:

Like most Waiheke homes, Island Retreat runs on rainwater, so we ask guests to use it thoughtfully during their stay.



The property includes a swimming pool, which is not heated during the winter months.



Minimum stay requirements apply, seven nights from mid-December to mid-January, three nights at all other times.



Interaction with Guests:

Our Stay Waiheke team is available seven days a week from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with after-hours assistance for urgent matters.

For life-threatening emergencies involving fire, medical incidents, or immediate danger, please call 111.

For urgent but non-life-threatening after-hours issues, an emergency number is provided in your arrival details.