Okoro Villa’s exclusive ‘treehouse’ experience is just minutes away from Nelson in New Zealand’s South Island
A hidden entrance leads guests up the winding driveway of Okoro Villa, which has just opened a ten minute drive from New Zealand’s Nelson township. Okoro Villa features three suites and a luxury treehouse, accommodating up to eight guests, and features a bespoke menu crafted with regional produce by the resident chef, a heated infinity pool and multiple outdoor dining and relaxation spaces. Perched at the ledge of a small plateau, the villa’s design intertwines its contemporary and natural details to bring luxe modernity to the iconic landscape.
The villa’s name comes from the Okoro moon – the fifth night of the Māori moon phase that represents a good time to appreciate the surroundings. With over 126 acres of discreet elevated property, Okoro Villa invites guests to relax while taking in the surrounding nature that includes the sounds of an abundant bird population and sweeping views of Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman National Park’s coastline. Framing this iconic view are the often snow capped ranges of Kahurangi National Park featuring the prominent peak of Mount Arthur.
Getting there
Guests arriving at the villa via air journey can expect a 20 minute chauffeured luxury car ride at an additional cost or self-drive from Nelson airport via an oceanside road. For those wishing to alight at Okoro Villa itself, a heli-transfer service can be arranged to carry guests to Okoro Villa’s helipad. Nelson airport accommodates executive jets as well as direct daily commercial flights connecting to New Zealand’s major cities.
Design and hospitality
Style choices at Okoro Villa are influenced by the natural tones, textures and colours of the earth while interior aesthetics align with Scandinavian contemporary and mid-century designs. The Primary (Master) Suite features a super king bed with sea and mountain views, a personal lounge area, large walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with spa bath. Suite 2 also features a super king bed while overlooking the sea and garden. Suite 3 offers the option of a super king bed or two singles with views out onto the garden. Both Suite 2 and Suite 3 incorporate a writing desk and personal lounge area.
The Treehouse is perched amongst the Knauka trees with views of the orchard. It is available exclusively with Okoro Villa and includes an option of a super king bed or two singles with ensuite, personal lounge space, a writing alcove, a fridge, Nespresso and a selection of teas. The outdoor deck and seating area offers views across the valley to the sea and mountains beyond. Up to two adult guests can stay in The Treehouse.
New Zealand hospitality is infused into a stay at Okoro Villa through daily housekeeping and a private chef. Bathrobes, slippers and sustainable amenities are included. Guests seeking out entertainment options can enjoy the movie room while those requiring a business connection can work in the dedicated media and meeting room.
The food philosophy at Okoro Villa centres on uncomplicated garden-to-plate cuisine while celebrating fresh local seasonal produce. Each guest stay incorporates the services of the villa’s private chef, offering continental or cooked breakfast, pre-dinner drinks with canapes and a three-course dinner menu daily. The private chef will combine locally sourced produce with fresh ingredients from the kitchen garden. Locally sourced meat, game and fish rotate daily on the menu. The nearby farmers market offers local crafted cheeses, olive oils, walnuts, honey and other goods. The region’s wines, craft beers and distilled gins are available while fresh water is supplied from Okoro Villa’s own natural spring.
A fully equipped chef’s kitchen incorporates a natural stone island, allowing guests to interact with the Okoro Villa chef during dinner service. Meals can be served at the dining area’s bespoke solid oak dining table that was crafted from locally milled timber by local artisans.
The dedicated relaxation area includes a traditional sauna, plunge pool, outdoor shower and cedar hot tub. There are various tracks through the property with resting seats along the way and a contemplation pond. Onsite wellness experiences include personalised sessions for yoga, massage, sound healing, meditation and other holistic practices.
The location
Further afield, the property has direct access to the walking and mountain bike trails of the adjacent Sharlands forest area, with provision of professionally fitted bikes, e-bikes and equipment available. Private group sessions at the ‘Yoga Tent’ can be arranged.
A trip to Nelson’s Saturday Market led by the villa’s private chef offers opportunities to meet Nelson locals while taking in the best of the town’s produce and eclectic arts and crafts. On- or off-site tasting’s of the region’s beloved wines, beers and gin combine well with a road or helicopter trip of the area.
Paddleboarding with a local guide takes guests wishing to experience the region from Nelson’s Haven to nearby Cable Bay. Other activities available to Okoro Villa guests available at an additional cost include Abel Tasman guided kayaking and bush walking, deep sea fishing, guided fly fishing, heli-tours and scenic flights, heli-fishing, a local art tour, Alpine Lake heli-picnic, Arapawa Island pearl farm tour, high country sheep station tour, top of the south–west heli-tour and Marlborough Vineyard by helicopter.