Clearing the land of pine trees, they planted 600 olives, 4000 New Zealand natives, an orchard and a vege garden, all the while installing three innovatively designed yurts. This summer, they're open for business.
Arriving at our Mongolian mansion, my companion and I proceeded to refer to each other as Genghis and Khan to get into the spirit of things. And while lazing at Simply B the whole weekend was a compelling option, the offer of a pair of electric bikes was too tantalising to turn down.
I've always wanted to try an electric bicycle and when Chris from Onya Bike Oneroa set us loose on a pair I was literally transported. The moment that motor kicks in, molehills are made out of mountains and we were soon zipping all over that island, shouting "Wow!", "Woo hoo!" and "Yee-hah!" the whole way.
Without breaking into a sweat we chortled our way to the Saturday morning Ostend markets. If you're in the market for a pony ride, a vintage screwdriver, a psychic reading or a kangaroo leather wristband, this is where you'll find it. We especially loved the multicultural, multilingual melting pot and eavesdropped on conversations in at least a dozen different languages.
From Ostend we buzzed over to Palm Beach for a quick swim before pedalling to Peacock Sky, high up on Trig Hill Rd above Onetangi, for a wee tipple. Five tastes of wine and five food matches were put before us - and for just $15, that's value for money.
James, a music student and weekend wine connoisseur, was our sommelier for the afternoon, talking us through the various vintages in a most entertaining fashion - although I'm not sure I'll take his advice on the best wine for breakfast - rose and bacon, anyone?
The day had flown by frighteningly fast and soon we were hurtling back to Oneroa via Surfdale. I felt a little sad at having to return my electric steed but my spirits soon lifted when Mel whisked us home to watch the sun set from our deck. As the sky burst into flames and then faded, two of the little Bs skipped by to tell us dinner was served; the six of them make for fabulous company, all bursting with warmth and good humour.
That night, our roof open to the elements, we drifted off beneath the stars at one with the universe - it's not often you can say that.
The next morning, Mel, in her infinite wisdom, suggested we take our breakfast in two parts. Grazing on fruit and yoghurt beside the yoga yurt, we filled in forms about our general health. When asked what I hoped to get from the class I jokingly wrote that "a state of bliss" would be nice. I wasn't actually anticipating achieving anything as grandiose as nirvana, so imagine my surprise when, under Mel's guided relaxation, my mind actually went quiet for a spell - it's no mean feat to still the chatter in my busy brain.
Mel, who also runs a range of workshops including mindfulness walks and hormone yoga therapy, devised a yoga class specifically for us and it was spot on. Floating back to our own yurt for part two of breakfast, Mr B's fresh bread rolls ramped up the bliss factor even higher.
Mr and Mrs B are splendid hosts devoted to helping their guests relax and rejuvenate - poor old Europe's loss is Waiheke's gain.
CHECKLIST
Getting there: Sealink Ferry's Waiheke Express runs from downtown at weekends, with return tickets costing $30 for adults.
Staying there: Simply B is located near Palm Beach with sweeping views across land and sea. It's also bookable via Bookabach.
Further information: Onya Bikes Waiheke is located in Oneroa. Call 022 050 2233 or visit ecyclesnz.com.
The writer was a guest of Simply B.
