Stylish revamp gives motel a boutique vibe

Bill and Paula Schwass have completed a major upgrade of the former Abilene Motel, now rebranded as Stay Kerikeri.

The new owners of Stay Kerikeri have shown their confidence and optimism in the Far North by investing $250,000 in a major revamp of an old, tired motel.

Formerly known as the Abilene Motel, a total renovation and rebrand has been done which now provides a contemporary and fashionable boutique vibe for its apartments and studios, owners Bill and Paula Schwass say.

"If one person invests others will follow with confidence," Bill said. "We have lived in Northland most of our lives and love Northland for its diversity, eclectic personalities, its buzz and climate. The best things in life are the simple things and that is what people crave today.

"That's why I consider the potential in our area is huge."

Purchased 18 months ago as an "ageing" three-star motel, the choice of a central and walkable location in booming Kerikeri was irresistible for the hospitality industry professionals to realise their vision.

"This type of accommodation is a worldwide trend," Paula said.

"Being extensive travellers ourselves, we have designed the apartments in the way we would enjoy when travelling. We want to be inspired, surprised and delighted with our destinations".

Bill and Paula pioneered luxury accommodation in Northland in the early 2000s when they conceptualised and built the iconic legacy property and award-winning Cavalli Beach House Retreat, a boutique luxury lodge, still operating today, "just a few bays" up from Kauri Cliffs.

After selling the lodge, the couple managed the very exclusive Mataka Station Estate complex on the Purerua Peninsular for a further 10 years before deciding to bring the same high standards to a more traditional accommodation sector - in a new and exciting way.

After a complete gut-out of the old but large apartments, modern kitchen and bathroom amenities now complement several choices of newly fitted out one- and two-bedroom apartments for larger groups, plus five studios, for the business traveller with all the comforts and feel of home but with a more of an eclectic and funky feel, said Paula.

"Kerikeri is becoming a destination of choice and we hope to provide the service and amenity that competes with Queenstown, Rotorua or Byron Bay."