Ao Marama Retreat in Collingwood provides accommodations with a garden and barbecue facilities. This beachfront property offers access to free Wifi and free private parking. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen for guests. A terrace with an outdoor dining area and sea views is offered in some units. The resort village has a picnic area where you can spend the day outdoors. The nearest airport is Nelson Airport, 79 miles from the resort village.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.6)

Free Private Parking Available On Site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 twin bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
2 twin beds
1 king bed
1 king bed
Bedroom 1
1 twin bed
and
2 bunk beds
Bedroom 2
1 queen bed
Living room
1 sofa bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.9
Facilities
8.9
Cleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.2
Value for money
9.4
Location
9.6
High score for Collingwood

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Gustav
    United States United States
    Sanctuary with spectacular views out over Golden Bay. Owners, Elizabeth and Duan made us feel right at home, went the extra mile to ensure we had everything we needed. Highly recommend staying here.
  • Y
    Yvonne
    New Zealand New Zealand
    The Ao Marama Retreat used to be a Buddhist Centre, I believe, and so it was wonderfully peaceful and the views and walks through the bush were lovely. We were able to take our dog and there are plenty of walks from the accommodation - including...
  • Andrew
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    lovely room fresh flowers a nice touch... Duan and Elizabeth are very welcoming.. really enjoyed the natural environment and location.
  • Anna
    New Zealand New Zealand
    What a stunning place nestled in the native bush. We absolutely hit the jackpot with the Ao Marama retreat. We enjoyed all the views, from the cooking area, lookout, and the loo with a view! The track down to the beach is really lovely too. An...
  • Kathleen
    Australia Australia
    Such a great property and set up so well for a comfortable and peaceful stay. Friendly and helpful hosts. Clean room and comfortable bed. Thankyou
  • Nicola
    New Zealand New Zealand
    I felt sorry to have snuck away on the Friday. Beautiful place to stay that I wold love to bring the hubby back to.
  • Ram
    Israel Israel
    The hosts where awesome! Every things were clean and organized, there is a unique romantic atmosphere in this place.. perfect for anyone who want quiet time with very equipped outdoor kitchen and amazing view.
  • Philip
    New Zealand New Zealand
    Very reasonable price! Spectacular location. We stayed in the one (main) room chalet with our own bathroom. Very clean and comfortable. Really enjoyed our stay.
  • Bob
    New Zealand New Zealand
    Location was handy, peaceful and relaxing. Hosts are friendly and accommodating. Lovely fruit on the trees they didn’t mind us sampling.
  • Rod
    New Zealand New Zealand
    The cabins are lovely, nestled nicely into the bush but still with good views over golden bay. Charming and peaceful, Elizabeth was very helpful and friendly.

Managed by Duan, Elizabeth, Niko, Bonnie and Mazzy

Company review score: 9.9Based on 106 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company info

We are a family who loves our planet. Both originally from New Zealand (Papakura and Bluff) we met in London where our three kids were born. After living overseas for 20 years, and seeing many amazing places and cultures we decided to return to New Zealand to create an experience for people who love to travel yet reduce their impact on the world in which we live. We have become far more aware of – and concerned for – the unprecedented decline of our natural environment. To find solutions we feel can help us make a difference we have recently been studying Permaculture, Solar Power, Organic Gardening and Bee-keeping. We want to implement our little knowledge and gain a whole lot more. This is the beginning of a new journey for us and we welcome you to come and spend time with us in this special corner of the Earth. Duan, Elizabeth, Niko, Bonnie and Mazzy.

Property info

Ao Marama Retreat is a former Buddhist Centre set in 16 acres of regenerating native bush on a sheltered hill overlooking Golden Bay, New Zealand. The name can be translated to ‘The Place of Light and Life’ and there is an abundance of both here. Once you arrive you may not want to leave as we have numerous places to enjoy just being in nature from short bush walks to various look out points and a wooden deck for relaxing, dining or even do a sunrise yoga session. All the while being surrounded by plentiful native bird life. But if you do want to leave the retreat on foot you can follow our bush track down to the beautiful and near deserted Collingwood beach for relax, swim or even catch a fish. Walking a further 25 minutes along the beach brings you to Milnthorpe Forest and Scenic reserve.

Neighborhood info

Collingwood is located at the Western end of Golden Bay. 'The Bay' offers many unique and stunning attractions – from an Eco Tour to Farewell Spit, Walking the Heaphy Trail, Mountain Biking former Gold Mining routes, fishing for Salmon or discovering many of the stunning beaches including Wharariki or experiencing the clearest freshwater in the southern hemisphere at Pupu springs.

Language Spoken

English

Area info

Amenities of Ao Marama Retreat
Great facilities! Review score, 8.9

Most popular amenities

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Beachfront

Outdoors

  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Beachfront
  • Sun deck
  • BBQ facilities
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Kitchen

  • Shared kitchen

Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.

Activities

  • Beach
  • Hiking

Food & Drink

  • Fruit

Internet
Wifi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

    Services

    • 24-hour front desk

    Safety & security

    • Fire extinguishers
    • Smoke alarms

    General

    • Heating
    • Non-smoking rooms

    Spa

    • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
      Additional charge

    Languages Spoken

    • English

    House rules
    Ao Marama Retreat takes special requests – add in the next step!

    Check-in
    From 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
    You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
    Check-out
    From 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
    Cancellation/ prepayment
    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
    Children & Beds

    Child policies

    Children of all ages are welcome.

    To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

    Crib and extra bed policies

    Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

    No age restriction
    There's no age requirement for check-in
    Pets
    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
    Payments by Booking.com
    Booking.com takes your payment for this stay on behalf of the property, but make sure you have cash for any extras once you get there.
    Smoking
    Smoking is not allowed.
    Parties
    Parties/events are not allowed
    Quiet hours
    Guests need be quiet between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM.

    The fine print
    Must-know information for guests at this property

    Please inform Ao Marama Retreat of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

    Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

    This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

    Quiet hours are between 22:00:00 and 09:00:00.

    FAQs about Ao Marama Retreat

    • Check-in at Ao Marama Retreat is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.

    • Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Ao Marama Retreat on this page.

    • Ao Marama Retreat is 0.8 miles from the center of Collingwood. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

    • The prices at Ao Marama Retreat may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

    • Yes, Ao Marama Retreat is popular with guests booking family stays.

    • Ao Marama Retreat offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

      • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
      • Hiking
      • Beachfront
      • Beach