Fun Fact
The happiest people on our planet are those that invest time into their relationships to connect with friends & family. It means as owners of Chic Retreats, we are in the happiness business and that concept fuels our own love tanks.
Imagine loving who you are, what you do , how you do it to make their best impact in your world. Extending our business offer with Chic Retreats, fully aligns with their intrinsic value of creating Connection.
The Buzzy Bee Team
Hello from Us
Chic Retreats NZ was born from a simple, lived understanding:
How we gather shapes how we feel, connect, and remember.
This is not a hospitality concept we studied. We know it as alignment to how we’ve lived across leadership, family life, friendships, extensive travel, and hosting.
A shift in seasons
After decades in corporate executive leadership, we found ourselves amidst
change asking different questions.
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Less focus about scale, bottom line and deadlines.
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More focus on purpose meaning, wellbeing, and how we experience time together.
Our two sons had grown into adulthood and were finding their own way in the world.
Our family dynamic was changing ~ The way we gathered was changing.
What stayed constant was this: when people are given the right space, connection happens naturally.
This insight became the foundation for everything that followed.
Listening Before Building
When we first stepped into what would become Redwoods Oasis, we didn’t rush to redesign it. In the first week of renovation, we sat on the ground amidst the rubble of demolition and listened — not to plans or budgets, but to the land itself.
Walking quietly through the Redwoods Forest soon after, we understood that this project was more than accommodation. We felt it was an opportunity to create a home that held people well ~ emotionally, mentally, physically, and energetically. From that moment on, every decision was guided by one question:
Does this help people gather well?
Experience That Shapes Design
Decades of travel and staying in short-term rentals ourselves, we noticed a pattern.
Many places looked beautiful, yet didn’t work for how people actually live, rest, and connect together.
As hosts, we’ve now welcomed families, friends, and retreat groups from around the world. We’ve watched how people arrive, how they move through a space, and how they leave.
We’ve learned:
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connection needs intention
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privacy creates safety
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flow reduces friction
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and presence is supported by thoughtful design
This lived experience is embedded into our properties as a way of holding our guests.
Darren & Sarah Linton
Our Core Values
At Chic Retreats NZ, our core values Connection, Wellness, and Community define every aspect of our guest experience.
We create spaces that foster meaningful connections, prioritise wellness through tranquil environments, and engage with our communities through sustainable and supportive practices. Our commitment is to offer an enriching stay that inspires, rejuvenates, and uplifts both our guests and the local communities we proudly serve.
Wellness
Chic Retreats NZ embraces wellness by offering serene spaces designed for relaxation, rejuvenation, and mindfulness. From tranquil outdoor spas to yoga decks, our retreats invite guests to nourish mind, body, and soul amidst nature’s calming beauty.
Connection
Chic Retreats NZ fosters a deep connection to nature and people by creating luxurious spaces that honour the environment and bring guests together. Through sustainable practices and mindful design, we inspire meaningful interactions and unforgettable experiences.
Community
Chic Retreats NZ is committed to supporting local communities through sustainable practices, local partnerships, and respectful engagement. We believe in creating positive impact by sourcing locally, promoting cultural experiences, and fostering connections that enrich both guests and locals alike.