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Summary of reviewsCastaways Resort offers an unforgettable retreat characterized by its breathtaking coastal location and spectacular ocean views. Nestled near pristine beaches and secluded cliffs, the resort provides guests with unparalleled privacy, serenity and the perfect atmosphere for stargazing and enjoying natural scenery. Conveniently close to Auckland, it serves as a quick escape from city life, offering a blend of rugged beauty and tranquility.
Accommodations are highly praised for their modern, spacious and comfortable design with many guests highlighting the exceptional sea views from the villas. The cleanliness and upkeep of the facilities further enhance the stay, making it ideal for relaxation and family vacations. Guests have lauded the resort for its stylishly decorated rooms, super comfy beds and well-appointed kitchens, contributing to a homely yet luxurious experience.
The resort's restaurant is a prominent feature, offering delicious, well-prepared meals accompanied by stunning views. Visitors commend the diverse and tasty breakfast buffet, despite occasional critiques about certain items. Dinner experiences are similarly well-regarded for their flavorful dishes like lamb rump and Sunday roasts, even though some guests noted issues with pricing and service speed.
The on-site spa is another highlight with treatments such as hot stone massages and facials receiving high praise. The spa's outdoor baths overlooking the ocean add a luxurious touch, cementing it as a must-visit for relaxation.
Castaways Resort also shines in its family-friendly offerings with spacious chalets equipped with excellent amenities, making it an ideal choice for family vacations. Activities like beach access and kid-friendly environments enhance the overall experience, allowing families to enjoy both togetherness and personal space.
While the resort excels in many areas, some guests faced challenges with parking and WiFi connectivity. The reliance on buggy services for transport from parking lots was noted as a minor inconvenience and the WiFi service's unreliability proved frustrating for some visitors.
The staff at Castaways Resort are frequently described as friendly, welcoming and attentive, significantly contributing to the positive atmosphere. Specific mentions of efficient reception and accommodating restaurant staff underscore the high level of service.
Overall, Castaways Resort stands out as a premier destination for those seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating escape with its luxurious accommodations, beautiful location and top-notch amenities consistently leaving a lasting impression on guests. Show more
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Categories
Boutique-style Resort
Beachfront Resort
Resort near The Beach
Resort for Honeymoon
Resort with Spa
Family Friendly Resort
Romantic Resort
Resort with Free Wi-Fi
Resort with Parking
Accessible Resort
4-Star Resort
Room Types
StudioStylish studio with sea views, en suite bathroom, satellite TV and DVD player. The kitchenette includes a stove, microwave and tea/coffee making facilities.
Two-Bedroom ChaletThis chalet features 2 bedrooms, a large shared lounge and dining area as well as a viewing deck with views over the ocean. Each bedroom has its own en suite bathroom and can be set up with either a king-sized bed or 2 single-sized beds.
Deluxe 2 Bedroom ChaletThis spacious chalet consists of 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a shower and free toiletries. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that is equipped with a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The air-conditioned chalet provides a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a washing machine, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker as well as sea views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Two-Bedroom VillaFeaturing a private entrance, this air-conditioned villa comprises 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a hairdryer. Meals can be prepared in the kitchen, which comes with a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. Boasting a terrace with sea views, this villa also provides a washing machine and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
One-Bedroom VillaFeaturing a private entrance, this air-conditioned villa comprises 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The fully equipped kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. Boasting a terrace with sea views, this villa also provides a washing machine and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Three-Bedroom VillaBoasting a private entrance, this air-conditioned villa comes with 1 living room, 3 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a hairdryer. The well-fitted kitchen has a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. Featuring a terrace with sea views, this villa also features a washing machine and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit has 3 beds.
King RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
Nestled near pristine coastlines and unspoiled beaches, Castaways Resort boasts an exceptional location that leaves guests in awe. The breathtaking and scenic views of the sea and sunsets make it a perfect escape from city life, yet it remains conveniently close for a quick getaway from Auckland. The resort, celebrated for its raw west coast beauty, offers remarkable privacy and tranquility, making it ideal for stargazing and soaking in the natural landscape.
The villas, described as modern, spacious and comfortable, complement the stunning location perfectly, providing great proximity to the beach. The superb views from the accommodations and the restaurant amplify the overall experience with guests praising the spectacular vistas, especially at sunset. The combination of the location’s secluded charm and the resort's top-tier amenities, including a spa, ensures a peaceful and rejuvenating stay.
Whether for its accessibility, magnificent views or serene atmosphere, Castaways Resort stands out as a favorite retreat, promising an unparalleled experience in one of the most beautiful and starkly remote settings.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Castaways Resort is generally viewed positively by guests with many highlighting the extensive and delicious buffet offerings. The breakfast selection is diverse, including treats such as pastries, which are sometimes given as special gestures to guests. Numerous reviews emphasize that the buffet exceeded their expectations and was one of the best they've ever had with descriptions of exceptional and fabulous breakfasts.
However, not all reviews are favorable. Some guests noted issues like tasteless scrambled eggs, cold breakfasts and missing essentials such as milk and bread. A few mentioned the lack of fresh coffee, having to settle for instant instead. While some found the breakfast repetitive or disappointing on subsequent days, others praised it as more than average, sometimes describing it as good but with room for improvement.
Overall, while many guests appreciated the taste and variety of the breakfast, there were notable mentions of inconsistency in quality and service.
Dinner
Castaways Resort offers an overall pleasing dining experience with many guests complimenting the delicious, well-seasoned and well-prepared dinners. The restaurant at the resort has been praised for its excellent selection, beautiful location and clean setting with great views. Many visitors found the food to be tasty with highlights including the exceptional lamb rump, superb dining experiences and a particularly delightful Sunday roast at a reasonable price.
However, opinions on the restaurant's value and service varied. While some found the food overpriced for the quality received and noted slow service, others appreciated the meals and excellent service provided. There were instances of basic menus and meals running out during events like weddings, which detracted from the overall experience for some guests.
Despite some mixed reviews on pricing and service speed, many agreed that the restaurant's offerings, including fresh local dishes like fish, beef fillet and lamb shanks, were worth trying. Visitors seeking a more budget-friendly option might want to explore nearby restaurants, which also received positive feedback for their delightful offerings.
Rooms
Castaways Resort consistently impresses with its clean, spacious and well-equipped rooms. Many guests highlighted the modern, stylish and comfortable villas, which provided exceptional privacy and breathtaking sea views. The accommodations are described as warm and nicely decorated with super comfy beds and all necessary amenities readily available. Visitors particularly appreciated the peaceful ambiance, spectacular sunsets and the stunning views that all rooms seemed to offer.
The newer villas stood out for their modern design and excellent condition and chalets received praise for their massive sea views and extra space. The well-appointed kitchens and spacious living areas make the resort a great choice for families and longer stays. The resort's secluded location adds to the tranquility, though it does require reliance on buggies for transportation.
While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, noting the comfort and cleanliness as major strengths, there were a few minor issues such as bits of hair in shower drains, empty bathroom dispensers and occasional condensation in rooms. Despite these slight drawbacks, the general consensus is that the resort's rooms are beautifully presented, providing a comfortable and enjoyable stay with magnificent views.
Beds
Castaways Resort has garnered a significant number of positive remarks regarding the comfort of its beds. Many guests found the beds to be very comfortable, describing them as comfy and wide enough to ensure a restful night's sleep. Phrases like "slept heavenly" and "super comfy" were frequently mentioned with the king-size beds receiving particular praise for their comfort. Additionally, the modern styling of the villas combined with the comfortable bedding contributed to the overall positive experience.
However, there were a few mixed reviews. While some guests highlighted issues such as saggy or lumpy mattresses and outdated pillows, others mentioned that the firmness did not meet their personal preferences, especially for those with specific back needs. Despite these occasional criticisms, the general consensus leaned heavily towards satisfaction with the comfort of the beds at Castaways Resort.
Cleanliness
Castaways Resort stands out for its exceptional commitment to cleanliness and comfort, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation. Guests frequently highlight the resort's spotless rooms and well-maintained facilities. Reviews have praised the properties as very clean, neat and tidy with clean grounds and immaculate overall presentation. Many reviews mention spacious, well-equipped and modern accommodations, including clean and stylish villas, which contribute to the overall quality experience.
Check-in is often described as easy with welcoming and friendly staff further enhancing the stay. The breathtaking views add an extra layer of appeal, complementing the resort's serene and relaxing atmosphere, making it perfect for unwinding and de-stressing.
While the vast majority of feedback points to high standards of cleanliness, a few isolated incidents have been noted, such as the need for a vacuum, dust in some areas or minor issues with restaurant cleanliness. Despite these occasional shortcomings, the recurring theme is one of a well-kept and comfortable environment, making Castaways Resort a standout choice for those seeking a clean and peaceful getaway.
Staff
The staff at Castaways Resort receive widespread praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, consistently described as very friendly, welcoming and attentive. Reception staff, in particular, are noted for being efficient, accommodating and quick to assist with any needs such as first aid supplies. The kitchen and restaurant teams were frequently described as lovely and helpful, contributing to a pleasant dining experience with great service and tasty breakfast.
Notably, Mila, who handles buggy transport, garnered specific praise for her attentiveness and friendliness. Additionally, guests appreciated the balance staff maintained between being attentive and respecting their privacy. However, there were occasional criticisms regarding unmotivated or unwelcoming behavior from some individuals with a few guests pointing out communication difficulties and a lack of enthusiasm among certain staff members.
Despite these minor issues, the overall impression is that the staff at Castaways Resort are highly regarded, contributing significantly to the positive atmosphere and guest experience at the resort.
Wi-Fi
Castaways Resort presents a mixed bag when it comes to WiFi connectivity. Some villa units boast a good WiFi connection with very fast speeds, making it convenient for those needing reliable internet. However, many guests have encountered significant issues, ranging from sporadic dropouts and patchy service to complete unavailability in certain areas of the resort. A substantial number of reviewers have noted that the WiFi tends to be unreliable with instances of it shutting off around 8pm or not functioning at all during their stay. The limited cellphone service in the area exacerbates these connectivity challenges, leaving guests without alternative options for communication. Despite some successful experiences, the overall guest consensus points to a need for considerable improvement in the resort's internet infrastructure.
Spa
The spa at Castaways Resort stands out as a highly appreciated feature among guests. Many consider the day spa a fantastic way to unwind with several specific treatments receiving high praise. Guests highlighted the hot stone massage and the facial at Bersantai spa as truly excellent and fabulous, respectively. The couple's massage was described as amazing, adding to the allure of the spa services.
Despite some mentioning the cost, the overall sentiment leaned heavily towards the positive with guests noting the spa to be incredibly good and excellent. Furthermore, the outdoor baths with breathtaking ocean views added an extra layer of luxury and relaxation to their experience.
The on-site spa, along with the restaurant and villa accommodation, create a captivating trio that enhances the resort’s appeal. Although not directly related to the treatments, one practical note for visitors is the location; due to the cliffside setting, driving to the beach is recommended. Overall, whether for a birthday package or just a leisurely day, the spa at Castaways Resort seems to be a cherished highlight for many visitors.
Beach
Castaways Resort offers guests an exceptional beachfront experience paired with breathtaking ocean views. Located near the coast, the beach is just a short walk or drive away, making it a convenient retreat for those looking to soak in natural beauty. The beach itself is described as spacious, quiet and incredibly wide, providing a serene environment perfect for relaxation. Guests appreciate the stunning scenery, including picturesque cliffs and mesmerizing sunsets, all of which can be enjoyed from the villas’ terraces and decks. The location of the resort is both peaceful and beautiful with many praising the setting atop cliffs that overlook the expansive Karioitahi Beach. Whether it's a morning walk on the beach, sitting on the deck to watch the sunset or simply enjoying the quiet and tranquility, the resort’s proximity to the beach consistently enhances the overall guest experience.
Parking
Visitors to Castaways Resort have shared mixed experiences regarding parking with a blend of convenient and challenging aspects. On the positive side, some guests appreciated the convenience of parking right outside their accommodation, making it easy to access their rooms. The designated parking bays and the paved path leading up to the facilities added to the overall ease.
However, other reviews highlighted some difficulties. The resort requires guests to park their cars in a designated lot, typically up a hill, necessitating the use of a buggy service to travel between the car park and their villas. This setup was found inconvenient by a number of guests, who mentioned issues like waiting for the buggy service or finding it poorly managed. Additionally, some referenced the steep but manageable path to the car park as a slight hassle.
Overall, while there are convenient parking options right outside some rooms, the reliance on a buggy service from the main car park introduced a level of inconvenience for many visitors.
Family
Castaways Resort offers a fantastic setting for families seeking a relaxing getaway. The spacious two-bedroom chalets, each featuring two bathrooms, are ideal for families. The property is well-suited for family vacations with excellent kitchen and laundry facilities. Guests appreciated the kid-friendly environment with plenty of space for children and families to have a comfortable stay. Shuttle services using golf buggies were a hit, adding convenience and fun to the experience.
Families had easy access to activities, including beach access, which added to the overall enjoyable experience. The configuration of the chalets allows families to stay close yet have their own space, fostering a sense of togetherness. While suggestions for family games and books were noted, the overall sentiment reflected an excellent place to relax and make the most of your family vacation.
4 Star
Nestled in a starkly beautiful and remote location, Castaways Resort boasts a superb setting with unspoiled beaches that can be reached by either a short drive or a pleasant walk. The sense of escape is profound, making one feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland, despite its proximity.
The resort offers stunning views and an environment that many found perfect for relaxation. Guests appreciated amenities like the Bersantai Day Spa and Castaways Restaurant, which added a touch of indulgence and made for a truly memorable holiday.
However, some nuances could not be ignored. The resort's luxury image and the actual experience did not seem to match for every guest. While some felt it offered a five-star experience, others found the facilities somewhat tired and not quite up to the mark. Despite the mixed perceptions regarding the star rating and value, the overarching theme was one of satisfaction, especially due to the superb location and high-quality service that evidently stood out.
Romantic
Castaways Resort offers an ideal escape from city life, promising a soothing and tranquil environment perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Guests have been enamored with the stunning views that soothe the soul and the perfect location that enhances the experience for special occasions like anniversaries and honeymoons. The clean and modern villas provide a quiet retreat, allowing for relaxation and unwinding in peace.
The resort's fantastic location makes it a great spot for couples to chill and enjoy the serenity with plenty to do close to the beach. The on-site restaurant earns high praise for its excellent food, further enriching the experience. Staff are noted for their exceptional service, going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. Overall, Castaways Resort provides a wonderful and romantic setting that many couples find to be the perfect place to celebrate their love and enjoy some quality time together.
No, Castaways Resort doesn't have any pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Castaways Resort.
No, Castaways Resort doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Castaways Resort.