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.
Sustainability
Living Sustainable Luxury.
Sustainability at Chic Retreats NZ is a responsibility we take seriously for the land, our guests and to future generations.
We believe luxury can feel calm, considered and enduring.
Not excessive. Not performative.
From solar energy and EV-friendly infrastructure, to sustainable materials
inclusive design and quality-first decisions, sustainability shows up in ways guests can can feel thought ease comfort and integrity.
The Tiaki Promise
Chic Retreats NZ has made the Tiaki Promise which is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations.
By following the Tiaki Promise, we are making a commitment to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving the places we call home.
Our commitment to sustainability is woven into every detail, from eco-friendly architecture to thoughtful, responsible practices that honor the land we occupy.
Renewable Energy and Water Efficiency
This lives through our Solar Panels, E-Charging stations, LED light bulbs, motion sensors, rain sensors & water restrictors.
Eco-Friendly Products
Our Collab partner with suppliers that have sustainability as part of their business core, and who focus on reducing their carbon footprint, packaging waste, and natural resource usage.
Team & Community
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We support local.
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Where possible we use NZ owned and operated companies for our team of contractors
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Buy local produce
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Work with New Zealand organisation's to support and improve our communities.
Charitable Donations
Each year we support Trees That Count by funding 50 trees to be planted in Aotearoa.
Paperless
Including electronic or contactless check-in and check out.
Chic Retreats
Environmental Policy
At Chic Retreats NZ, we are committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices that respect and nurture the trees & bees and our planet. We are mindful of the impact that our operations can have on the environment, committing to minimising this impact through thoughtful, responsible, and innovative practices.
Continuous Improvement: Environmental management is a dynamic area requiring ongoing attention and adaptation.
We commit to continuous improvement in our economic, health, social and environmental resilience / regeneration staying abreast of new technologies, practices, and informational resources that can assist in our practices.
Chic Retreats NZ reaffirms its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development. We invite our guests, partners, and community members to work together to protect and enhance the natural beauty and health of our planet for future generations.
Sustainable Resource Management
Chic Retreats NZ takes a mindful leadership approach in environmentally sustainable practices. We hold ourselves accountable for our environmental and carbon footprint, continually evolving our practices. We are committed to raise awareness among our team, guests, and our community and the role each individual can play.
Embedding Sustainable Solutions: Finding and embedding sustainable solutions throughout our operations includes, but is not limited to:
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Waste Management: Implementing comprehensive recycling programs, reducing non-recyclable waste, and promoting waste minimisation techniques.
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Energy Efficiency: Utilising energy-efficient appliances, promoting the use of renewable energy sources, and implementing regular energy audits to identify areas for improvement.
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Water Conservation: Employing water-saving devices, fixing leaks promptly, and using water responsibly.
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Eco-Friendly Built Environment: Designing and maintaining our properties with environmentally friendly materials and practices.
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Green Procurement: Prioritising the purchase of eco-friendly and sustainably sourced products.
