New(ish) luxury option in New Zealand
 

Just got back from Donkey Bay Inn (https://www.donkeybayinn.co.nz/) in Russell, one of my favourite little towns in New Zealand in my favourite part of New Zealand (Northland, the north of the North Island). An amazing 4-bedroom property with incredible views, beautiful rooms and great service. At the moment this is my favourite NZ property together with Otahuna in the South Island (but at over NZ$2000 the latter is more than double the $900 of DBI). It's a 3.5 hour drive north of Auckland and about an hour north of Helena Bay (which I haven't stayed at yet) and an hour south of Kauri Cliffs (which I stayed at and enjoyed - but it's more than double the price and it's much less personal).

It used to be the Italian owner's house but following a divorce it was opened up as a boutique 'hotel' earlier this year. I booked it on a whim and am already looking for a date for my next stay. It's not going to stay at this price point for long I don't think.

There is no restaurant but they will drop you off to nearby Russell for dinner (5 minutes). The one thing lacking is a pool (but the private beach is perfect for swimming) or a spa - I hope they add one as it shouldn't be difficult/expensive to do and especially in the cooler months it would be great to have this.

In this same town is Eagles nest which also looks the goods

I've been to Russell twice - it's an utterly gorgeous if rather touristy little town with some wonderful old clapboard buildings. Walk over the hill, past Dame Kiri te Kanawa's holiday home and you come to an utterly stunning beach.

Yes, but I did not really enjoy Eagles Nest. Overpriced and without character - could be anywhere. If you want a proper 'hotel' I'd drive up to Kauri Cliffs but if you're after a smaller boutique experience, DBI blows EN out of the water.

thanks! NZ is best country in world for these kinds of properties

only reason i would consider eagles nest >
"Sacred Space Villa Upgrade: Rahimoana Villa"
virtuoso.com/hotels/6163911/eagles-nest#GuestRoomsAndSuites
(annandale seems like better concept for villas, in different area)

helena bay seems good: 5 rooms and the opposite of a budget, but not cheap

Wow, 3995 upgrade to 12995, amazing value indeed.
Is there a better value add published upgrade across the whole of the virtuoso network I wonder ?

yes re higher value, but many properties / brands keep limiting more

10+ years ago many FHR went all the way to top including high value

currently virtuoso website does still publish some all the way to top

(sorry for the off topic )