Russell: Rare find

Offering a wonderful business opportunity or an impressive private estate, this Bay of Islands gem is far from your everyday real estate listing, writes VICKI HOLDER.

EAGLES Nest, a secluded retreat in the Bay of Islands, has not been open a year, yet it has already won several prestigious hospitality awards.

It gained a place on the Conde Nast Travellers Hot List for 2002 and also featured among Travel and Leisure magazine's selection of the most romantic places to stay in 2002.

Its success is based on a blend of elements that ensure guests relax, regenerate and rejuvenate. No matter how long your stay, you leave Eagles Nest feeling remarkably refreshed.

It's due partly to the location. The property hides in an incomparable setting on the ridge line of a private peninsula above Russell, where the pressures of modern life don't exist. Panoramic views across the calm waters of the Bay of Islands are among the most beautiful in the world.

But there's also a spiritual element to the place. Owners Sandie and Daniel Biskind are convinced this is sacred land that offers healing energy. And it's hard to imagine a better place where you can meditate undisturbed - amidst the sights and sounds of nature.

Its four villas share an elegant yet simple style, with eclectic, relaxed interiors incorporating original American artwork and antique Asian furnishings. Each is different from the next, yet they are designed to let guests appreciate the spectacular views and breathtaking sunsets.

At the heart of Eagles Nest, the Sacred Space accommodates four couples in four bedroom suites. The large, two-storey, glass-roofed living area can be transformed from a relaxed living and dining area into a private movie theatre at night. A plentiful stock of DVDs and CDs lets guests hunker down and enjoy the blissful solitude. Visitors from the other side of the world can stay in touch with home by plugging in their computer systems at various points.

Set in lush, subtropical gardens - on the other side of the 20m pool, spa, sauna and barbecue area - the First Light Temple is an avant-garde honeymoon suite with a designer edge. Surrounded by glass bifolds, the whole area opens up in fine weather so guests feel as if they are living in the landscape. Even the fully-glazed shower next to the bedroom on the mezzanine floor doesn't miss out on the view.

The heated concrete floor keeps the area toasty warm in winter, and the fire downstairs adds an ambience that's hard to beat. Everything is simple, discreet and expensive in this chic area of Eagles Nest. Much of it is custom-designed. In a corner of the walnut and granite kitchen, a cone-shaped, stainless-steel basin extends to the floor. The bathrooms feature Philippe Starck tapware and Vola shower heads.

The Biskinds have also transformed some of the original quaint cottages on the property. The Cottage and the Bach aren't as lavish as the newer buildings, but they have their own New Zealand charm.

The Biskinds say they built the retreat with themselves in mind. Sandie, an Australian, and Daniel, from Cleveland, Ohio, travel extensively and stay in many great places around the world. They appreciate that some people like to escape civilisation and cater for themselves, while at other times they want to be pampered with full service and a seven course meal.

They have developed the Kamakura Restaurant on the Russell waterfront to cater for the high standards their international clientele expects. A top New Zealand chef provides an eating experience worth travelling to Russell for, with a menu based on Pacific Rim-style fare. Meals can also be brought to the villas and served by waiters. Staff can also cook casual meals on the barbecue or guests can do it themselves.

As guests wander in and out of the property - exploring romantic Russell down the road and the beautiful nearby beaches - the staff are discreet but always handy. This world-class luxury lodge is a sanctuary that readily adapts to the whims of its guests. And as the Biskinds move on to fulfil another dream, they are happy to negotiate on Eagles Nest. Whether the property is sold with the restaurant as the full package or as a private estate with four villas, that's the call for the future owners to make.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Eagles Nest, 60 Tapeka Rd, Russell, Bay of Islands

FEATURES: International award-winning luxury accommodation 2km from Russell in Bay of Islands; spectacular water views; office and four villas, including Sacred Space, First Light Temple, The Cottage and The Bach; irrigated landscaped gardens; 20m swimming pool; spa pool; sauna; barbecue area; Kamakura Restaurant in Russell.

SIZE: Land area approx 3.75ha (negotiable).

INTERNATIONAL TENDER CLOSES: March 21.

AGENT: Irene Bremner, Bayleys, Paihia. Ph 09 402 8398 bus; 027 296 9222 mob.