About Us

Your Hosts - Ian and Helen Bateman

We are your hosts at The Retreat Luxury Garden Villa, Taupo. We wish to extend a very warm welcome to all our guests and aim to make your stay perfect! Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you with your arrangements.

Originally from the UK, we moved to New Zealand in 1997 after falling in love with the relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty of the Lake Taupo district. We quickly settled and within six months had purchased this parcel of land on Huka Falls Road, on which we would build our home. We named our house The Retreat, because for us, it provided peace and tranquility in a uniquely beautiful setting.

Over the years, friends and family have commented on the natural beauty and tranquility of the property, often remarking how perfect it would be to operate as a luxury accommodation destination. After much deliberation, we decided the time had come to share our little piece of paradise with others to come and enjoy. 

We knew from the beginning that we wanted offer a style of accommodation that would showcase this beautiful environment. This naturally led to us choosing to design and build a pretty villa, with a sunny veranda for guests to sit, have breakfast, and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the native birds. 

Having traveled extensively, we also wanted to ensure the villa combined all of the features that we seek in accommodation ourselves. Contemporary interior, quality fixtures and fittings, modern technology, luxurious linens and  uncompromising cleanliness, would all be essential. 

As planning got underway, the spa pool became an obvious inclusion. A place for guests to relax, look at the stars, and enjoy this special place. 

In early 2017 we began the process of drawing up plans, and by January 2018 our dream became reality. The Retreat Luxury Garden Villa was complete and we were ready to welcome our guests.

We sincerely hope you choose to stay with us and share our little piece of paradise.