This was published 14 years ago
The Boatshed, Waiheke Island review: New-wave style
Sail on in ... The Boatshed has nautical themes and stunning views of the water.Credit: Briar Jensen
Briar Jensen discovers a seaside star near Auckland.
Returning to my room after a succulent seafood supper, I find the lights on low, soft music playing, the fire glowing and scented candles flickering. With these final touches, I declare this my ultimate seaside escape. I'm staying at The Boatshed, a luxury getaway on Auckland's Waiheke Island. It calls itself a boutique seaside hotel and certainly offers all the trappings and services but in an intimate and relaxed manner. The word "hotel" just doesn't do it justice.
It has more of a holiday house atmosphere, albeit thoroughly modern and sophisticated. On arrival, I immediately want to kick off my shoes and plonk down on a deck chair with a glass of wine. Which is exactly what I do.
As I sip a local Man O'War pinot gris on the deck, tuis feed from native flax flowers framing a view of the beach below and my accumulated stress ebbs away.
Waiheke is a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland (or a stunning helicopter flight from the airport), but a world away from city living. A long-time holiday destination, it retains a 1950s seaside village atmosphere.
The Boatshed is the epitome of architectural and interior design in harmony with its surroundings, which is not surprising, given it was designed and built by its owner, the renowned New Zealand designer David Scott. It's run by his son, Jonathan, whose personalised service reflects his experience in luxury establishments.
The property strives, successfully, to capture the "Kiwiana holiday essence" Jonathan so fondly remembers from childhood – the property being the site of the Scott family's original holiday hideaway.
Sitting on a knoll, surrounded by a large seaside garden, The Boatshed creates an intriguing silhouette. The five rooms (maximum 10 guests) are built around a central, light-filled long-room that has several distinct zones. A sophisticated but subtle bar hides in one wall and there's a sunny kitchen and breakfast area.
I'm staying in one of three boatshed rooms, with a shuttered veranda and timber ramp leading to a crushed-shell courtyard cocooned by fluffy toi-tois. A large sofa faces the gas fireplace, flanked by a desk and bookcase. The leather coffee table supports the latest boating and design magazines and finishing touches include a vase of tulips and jar of jellybeans.
The furnishings are a mix of styles and designs, tastefully pulled together by a subtle nautical theme. Multiple shades of sand underpin artefacts like brass propellers, lighthouse globes and antique model yachts.
The collection of objects started with two weather-worn catamaran hulls bought for $150. Personal items like David's own leather music satchel are combined with found objects like old oars and seashells – though there are some seriously expensive artworks here too.
From the beach bags and boaters hanging behind the door in my room to the starfish on the fruit tray, everything is carefully arranged but in an unintimidating, homely way.
There's no pool, but Little Oneroa Beach is just a short walk down the road. It's gloriously quiet on a weekday and at low tide you can walk around the rocky outcrop to Oneroa and up to the village and art gallery. If you get the urge to blat about in a beach buggy, you can take out the hotel's Mini Moke to visit some of the island's vineyard restaurants and cellar doors.
What I love about The Boatshed is it doesn't take itself too seriously. There are no protocols; guests set their own, such as whether or not to dress up for dinner, which is served at individual candlelit tables. With no menus, dinner is a four-course adventure of organic produce, seafood and gourmet meat cuts, accompanied by local wines.
Yes, this is definitely my ultimate, chic yet unpretentious, seaside getaway.
The writer was a guest of The Boatshed.
TRIP NOTES
WHERE The Boatshed, corner Tawa and Huia streets, Little Oneroa, Waiheke Island. Phone +64 9 372 3242, see boatshed.co.nz.
HOW MUCH Boatshed rooms start at $NZ630 ($511) a night, double or twin share, including breakfast and transfers.
TOP MARKS The thoughtful layout and decor.
BLACK MARK A loose hinge on the louvre door to my deck meant it rattled incessantly during overnight winds.
DON'T MISS Walking the Matiatia Track for stunning coastal views across Waitemata Harbour.
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