Villas Waiheke

I really enjoyed the seclusion of Villas Waiheke. We are right next to an airstrip, but didn't see or hear any planes or helicopters fly in or out. Although it is not located in the main downtown of Waiheke Island, it is about 20 minutes from anywhere we wanted to go to on the island. The rooms were very clean and we felt we had plenty of space to spread out and relax. Our family of four had 2 rooms opposite from the main living room and kitchen, so that was nice to have some separation between the rooms. Just a short, 15 minute walk away is Batch Winery that has views of the Auckland skyline, which was really cool to see. There is also a pool, hot tub, and small workout/gym space to use. Also, although it's located on a one-way gravel, rocky road, it was easy to enter and exit for our day trips throughout the island.

We were greeted by a cockroach and while I understand we are in the Bush, this is not common in a “luxury” accommodation. To clarify, we did not open any windows, and just came back in from dinner and there was the cockroach. Raid is used as a plug-in in both the main area and bedroom, so you are inhaling carcinogens non-stop. The whole unit smells like bug spray because of this, and therefore we left due to feeling ill from the fumes. The pool area is covered and guests are expected to roll out the cover for use and net out bird poop and debris. Not very luxurious… Leaves and debris are everywhere in the pool so it’s unusable. Doors are squeaky so they wake up whoever you are with when opened. You can hear the guests in the “villa” next door talking. Customer service was terrible. After calling twice (no answer the first time) to inform Milagros of the cockroach and wanting to leave early, we were told that we were basically a bother and calling was for emergencies only. They did a bottle of wine for my birthday, but I left it for them to use for another guest. Asked for a partial refund for the days we did not stay, and was met with rudeness and no understanding or hospitality. So disappointing! Not the type of customer service you would expect from a business that says they are “luxury accommodations.”

We spent four nights here, and will certainly return. The villas, were clean, comfortable and very well-equipped. Even my idiosyncratic request for a teapot was granted. We love peace and this spot is away from the crowd, yet close to everything beautiful Waiheke has to offer.

Spectacular views day and night