New York Times Highlights New Zealand’s Top Luxury Retreats
Scrubby Bay at Annandale
A recent New York Times feature has once again confirmed what luxury travellers have long known: New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary private retreats. From remote coastal hideaways to architectural exclusive use villas set deep in the Southern Alps, these properties redefine what it means to slow down and immerse yourself in nature-led luxury.
It’s no surprise that the journey begins at Scrubby Bay, one of the iconic villas at Annandale on the ruggedly beautiful Banks Peninsula. Just a short hop from Christchurch Airport, Annandale has earned global recognition for its rare combination of privacy, scenery, and elevated hospitality. The estate’s philosophy — “Stay where the world can’t find you®” — captures the essence of its appeal. With five completely unique villas tucked across a vast 4,000-acre coastal farm, Annandale offers travellers true seclusion, uninterrupted oceanfront vistas, and a chance to reconnect with both nature and each other.
Seascape - another luxury villa at Annandale
The editorial also highlights the calibre of luxury experiences found in the south, where Flockhill Station stands as a modern masterpiece of high-country design. Set within the sweeping limestone landscapes of the Southern Alps, Flockhill delivers a level of exclusivity and refinement that has quickly placed it among New Zealand’s most coveted luxury offerings. Think dramatic alpine panoramas, curated adventure, private chef dining, and a sense of stillness that feels almost otherworldly.
The view from the pool at Flockhill Station
Features like this reaffirm New Zealand’s position as a world-class luxury destination — a country where travellers can experience untouched landscapes without sacrificing comfort, privacy, or exceptional service. We’re delighted to see Annandale and Flockhill receiving international attention, and grateful to the New York Times for showcasing the remarkable breadth of luxury exclusive-use accommodation available here.
If your perfect escape is a secluded coastal or lakeside villa, an alpine or high-country hideaway, or a contemporary architectural build, New Zealand continues to deliver truly one-of-a-kind stays for discerning travellers.