Lily Bay is a tremendous location in the Bay of Isles. Our initial impressions were everything and more than we expected. Cushla and Bruce have certainly done their homework into hosting guests in this high end quality accommodation. One accesses the property from a well maintained gravel driveway that drops into the hidden treasure of Lily Bay. Our hosts worked hard to replace introduced species of flora with hundreds of thousands of native plants. The house was everything you see in the photographs. Just magic. Everything is maticulously clean with no indication of wear and tear. The architectual features of the house are remarkable. Double glazed windows, rendered walls, stone stacked walls and flat roof blend into the bay hillside so as not to detract from the natural surroundings. Too often do you see people building grotesque monolith protuberances in areas like this to showoff their wealth. This property melds with the bay whilst retaining the integrity of its natural surrounds.

My wife and three adult children travelled to the area for a five night relaxing holiday before going on a self drive vacation throughout the North Island. The beds were comfortable with soft linen, the kitchen well stocked to suit the most fussy cook, the bathrooms are lovely and the lounges comfortable. The small television is deliberate (which was one of the reasons we picked this property), so don't even bother suggesting a larger one, it's not going to happen. We also took advantage of the well stocked library. You get exclusive use of your own private beach people! The kayaks were well used, as was the stand up paddle board. Water temperature was perfect.

Cushla has a massage clinic and provides yoga classes on request. While we didn't use this, if you were into this sort of thing, I couldn't imagine a better place to have a retreat for a group of like minded people.

Bruce is very passionate and knowledgeable about his local area as well as all Maori culture. Loves to chat.

Mission accomplished. Well done guys.