There are many luxuries in this world – but some would argue that nothing compares to the luxury of a hot bath under a night sky full of stars. Check out the locations below for those lodges, hideaways and huts for those addicted to alfresco bathing.
Location: Shenandoah, Tasman
Maruia River Retreat is a getaway on another level. As a well-being destination, the retreat offers any number of yoga, spa and wellness options for groups large or small – with only seven luxury villas on a 500 acre estate.
While only a small part of the retreat’s extensive offer, their Stoked Hot Tub has amazing views of the Maruia River as you sit below the canopy of the beech forest trees.
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Nelson City’s only 5-Star Boutique Hotel, Pihopa Retreat is set in 5.5 acres of beautifully park-like gardens and borders the 2.4ha Bishopdale Reserve. A heritage site transformed to luxurious accommodation, guests enjoy an extensive garden setting, luxury suites, inspired menus and a large, heated pool complex.
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Okoro Villa offers the height of luxury on the fringes of Nelson – a haven of relaxed serenity, recreation and well-being. This is a destination to reconnect and rejuvenate in the beautifully curated and furnished indoor and outdoor spaces. The design is dedicated to give guests a sense of restfulness and tranquillity. Features include a traditional sauna, plunge pool, outdoor shower and cedar hot tub.
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Kimi Ora is a renowned and much-loved wellness eco retreat for locals and visitors to the region. Perched above Kaiteriteri beach, with spectacular views of the ever-changing estuary and the wider bay, Kimi Ora has chalets for every type of holiday – including in-room spa baths with views, full spa services and a delightful outdoor/indoor pool environment.
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Located in stunning Golden Bay of New Zealand and set on 20 acres of native bushland, this luxury Eco Glamping site offers breathtaking views of the ocean and provides a unique glamping experience.
You’ll have the freedom to explore the gorgeous Tata Beach at your own pace and soak in imported vintage baths on the deck and watch the sun set every day.
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Three self-contained cottages nestle in a wild natural setting on the shore of the beautiful tidal Waimea Inlet, with Panoramic views across the estuary to mountains, vineyards, orchards and olive groves.
Located halfway between Nelson City and The Abel Tasman National Park, this is a place where you can spend all day outdoors exploring the Nelson/Tasman region or where you can be completely content moving no further than the deck.
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Location: Collingwood, Golden Bay
Just above the Collingwood turnoff to Bainham and Farewell Spit, Zatori is a unique take on easy-going glam retreat, brilliantly styled and run by owner Tracy Walker.
With panoramic views of Collingwood Bay, and stylish accommodation options, the outdoor tub and wood-fired sauna let you while away you time deep into the night.
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Location: Appleby, Richmond
Close to the urban settlement of Richmond, but as far away as you could feel from anywhere, Rabbit Island Huts has very comfortable cabins on stilts, all with access to outdoor bathing.
Named for the adjacent island, the Huts sit in wide open converted farmland at the edge of the Waimea estuary, and offer excellent access to local attractions and adventures such as cycling the Great Taste Trail.
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Location: Wainui Bay, Golden Bay
Tucked into Wainui Bay, at the beginning of the track to the Wainui Falls, Golden Bay Hideaway has wonderful eco-accommodation. This is a place defined by sustainability thinking, and its solar power that heats the water in the multiple baths that include stunning views of the bay as well as above.
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Location: Cable Bay, Nelson
Just north of Nelson, and across the causeway at Cable Bay, Pepin Island Farm rises impressively above Tasman Bay.
Each of Pepin Island Farm’s huts are beautifully designed with stunning views and outdoor baths and showers (Passage Hut, Rocky Point Hut and Nikau Hut). A special destination.
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Location: Marahau, Golden Bay
As a recent winner of Top Ten Small Stays, Abel Tasman Lodge in Marahau has a lot going for it.
A small but perfectly formed retreat with a focus on wellness, the Lodge has delightful suites and chalets.
More importantly, the punga fenced outdoor space allows for alfresco bathing amongst native gardens and views to the landscape beyond.
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Location: Mapua, Tasman
Part of a series of suites, cottages and houses of a delightful two hectare estate just outside Mapua, Kissing Gates is a small cottage within its own magical 1000sqm glade.
There, perched on the jetty above the private flax-edged lake, you’ll find a claw foot bath to beat them all.
Once profiled by TripAdvisor as one of the world’s most awesome glamping sites – now you know why.
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