Delamore Lodge in a Nutshell:

Delamore Lodge on New Zealand’s Waiheke Island is just 30 minutes by ferry from Auckland but feels galaxies away. The island itself is ravishing with 30 plus vineyards, kelly green foliage and a sapphire sea that seems too beautiful to be real. The intimate five-suite resort lies high in the sky tucked into a cliff before dazzling Owhanake Bay. Equally dazzling are suites that feel like a mini palaces with sculptures from Kiwi artists, Italian fabrics and giant bathrooms with sea views.


Delamore Lodge combines an Amalfi Coast like view, touches of Balinese decor, and laid back Kiwi charm.

Guest Rooms at Delamore Lodge:

Suites are muted-toned jewels with king-sized beds swathed in velvety bedspreads and soft throw pillows. Best of all, each one faces out to the sea so guests feel as if they can watch the sunrise or practically touch the water and sky without arising from bed. The view is just as good from the bathtub (big enough for two) and rainforest shower, which overlooks the Windex-blue sea. Crave more view options? Gaze at the bay and neighboring isles from plush overstuffed chairs in the step down living room. Or head outdoors to the suite’s private sweeping patio with built-in love seats.

Dining at Delamore Lodge:

Repeat guests say the food is one reason they return. The resort offers a five-course dinner with homegrown ingredients (herb and vegetable gardens are on site). The meal begins with canapés such as scallops with prosciutto or grilled balsamic vegetables with brie.

Dinner might include prawns in panko crumbs followed by beef fillet with onion jus or a giant lobster. The chef is very flexible with dietary preferences and meals can be served outside or by the panoramic windows inside. And the hearty breakfast with multiple dishes like hot banana pancakes with maple syrup is heaven!

Destination Weddings at Delamore Lodge:

Couples from around the globe – from the US to Europe to Asia – have married on property at a destination wedding. The staff is skilled at choreographing all types of affairs. They’ve ranged from low-key romantic celebrations for two to plated dinners or gourmet barbeques for 90. The natural setting is picturesque but the resort can gussy it up more with white and green lilies, hydrangeas or roses and vintage jugs. The grand staircase is ideal for a bride’s dramatic entrance. Champagne and homemade canapés adds to the allure. Save room for luscious desserts such as chocolate profiteroles and citron tarts.

Honeymoons at Delamore Lodge:

Romance reigns at Delamore Lodge. An outdoor Jacuzzi tucked into a cave with twinkling lights overhead provides the ideal setting. Or have a side-by-side massage in one of the treatment rooms or on the balcony. Afterwards linger there with a bottle of champagne and watch a movie from your bed (the lodge has a DVD collection).

Activities at Delamore Lodge:

The island offers loads of activities, but perhaps the finest one is to lounge by the heated infinity pool and let the sea breeze and the mesmerizing view — a harmony of blue sky, water and lush landscape — lull you to sleep. Or stroll around the eight-acre property filled with native bushes and gardens of succulents. Take in the view from every corner.

Nearby Delamore Lodge:

Waiheke measures just 35.5 square miles and is 12 miles long but is packed with golden beaches, olive groves, forest, farms, and vineyards. Dubbed the Island of Wine, its small producers make some of the country’s best vino (the syrahs are famous). Also, a number of artists live and work on the island. Ananda Tours offers visits to their studios to meet them and wine tasting tours. The resort can also arrange guided kayaking, fishing, golfing or just direct guests to the best coastal walks.

Drawbacks at Delamore Lodge:

There’s no question that the food at Delamore Lodge is top notch. It also comes at a hefty price. (Although the staff is happy to recommend other restaurants on the island and will even transport you there. And happily, canapés and pre-dinner drinks are complimentary, so all guests can get a taste of the chef’s scrumptious creations.) Also, while many cherish the intimacy of having so few rooms, it can be a little tricky if you wish not to mingle with the others and be anonymous. That said, because there are so few guests at any one time, the place really feels like your own personal dreamy seaside mansion.

Is Delamore Lodge Right for You?:

For couples who crave the remote feeling of escaping to an island hideaway, Waiheke Island offers the perfect tranquil respite (and Auckland is only 12 miles away). Also, for those seeking an otherworldly experience of a luxurious, unfussy property that is visual feast, Delamore Lodge more than delivers. The small staff is refreshingly down-to-earth and genuinely friendly but isn’t overbearing. Rooms with stellar views from nearly every corner and fine dining make the experience a true standout.

Delamore Lodge Info and Reservations:

Delamore Lodge
83 Delamore Drive
Oneroa, Waiheke Island, New Zealand
011 64 9 372 7372
Official Website

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As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.