In 2025, demand grew for private villas, retreats and slow-stay accommodation. Travellers, particularly returning guests and high-profile clients, sought privacy, relaxed luxury and personal service.
Omana Villas sets the tone with calm coastal surroundings and a restorative pace, while Black Barn’s private lodges cater to families and small groups with multi-bedroom layouts and generous communal spaces. Craggy Range combines privacy with easy access to world-class dining and winery experiences through its collection of boutique retreats.
Further afield, Pihopa Retreat offers warm, attentive hosting within a peaceful garden setting, and Mahu Whenua’s magnificent private villa (located in the largest private conservation initiative in New Zealand) provides fully inclusive total seclusion amid the dramatic landscapes of Central Otago.
For travellers seeking slow travel and wellness-focused stays, New Zealand offers inspiring options. Aro Ha blends the latest wellbeing research with ancient practices, including breathwork, contrast hydrotherapy, plant-based dining and yoga. Domu Retreat stuns with ocean views, nature excursions, yoga sessions and an on-site chef, creating a genuinely restorative experience.
Together, these properties reflect a clear shift with travellers increasingly choosing places that felt private, thoughtful and lived-in. They represent just a sample of the exceptional private villas and retreats available across New Zealand.
