Umoya Lodge is just an hour's drive from Auckland, writes Colin Taylor
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A luxury boutique lodgesitting on the top of Mt Rataroa, at Miranda, just one hour's drive south of Auckland, is being offered for sale as a freehold going concern by Peter Migounoff, of Harcourts Papakura.
Umoya Lodge has an asking price of $1.6 million plus GST and draws its name from the Zulu word "umoja" meaning soul, spirit and breath.
"True to its name, it is a place of absolute tranquillity, breathtaking scenery and luxurious escapism," Migounoff says.
Umoya Lodge is a Qualmark-rated five-star destination featuring a main lodge that includes a large lounge and dining area along with two separate, private guest suites. In addition, the present owners occupy an adjoining self-contained wing that includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private outdoor spa pool area.
"Surrounded by 14ha of native bush, the lodge's spectacular elevated position affords sea views out to the Coromandel Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean as well as across farmland as far as the eye can see," says Migounoff.
"The lodge also has an expansive lawn that can accommodate amarquee or be used to land ahelicopter, making it an ideal and popular location for special functions, including weddings."
Umoya Lodge is located on Rataroa Rd, between Maramarua and Miranda, about 10km off State Highway 2, which is the main road between Auckland, Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Migounoff says the five-year-old lodge is producing solid returns and offers the potential for additional benefits from erecting additional guest accommodation and/or subdividing off three sections.
"Umoya Lodge is an outstanding boutique luxury lodge with anestablished and rising reputation based on the quality of its facilities, its service and its location. Given itscurrent success and the potential for further development, this really is an excellent opportunity."
Migounoff says the guest accommodation consists of a luxury suite separated from the main lodge by a large entry foyer and a lotus pond. The retreat constitutes a completely separate accommodation unit adjacent to the main lodge.
"The accommodation units are in private settings so guests can choose between relaxing in the main lodge or enjoying the peace and seclusion of their own private luxury accommodation."
The luxury suite features a king bedroom and a bathroom fitted with double spa bath and shower overlooking a private water garden. It has a generous-sized dining and living room along with a concealed but fully equipped kitchen and a comprehensive selection of audiovisual facilities. The suite is fitted out with high-quality linen, antique furniture original international artworks and underfloor heating.
The retreat provides a king (twin) bed and en suite with magnificent views, plus a private garden courtyard and a totally private deck with an outdoor old-fashioned bath and panoramic bush and mountain views. It also includes mini-bar and tea/coffee facilities, satellite television DVD and CD players.
Guests can choose to dine in the main lodge or in their own rooms.
"The lodge has received excellent reviews in several publications including Metro magazine, which, in its November 2006 issue, included it among the 'Best 12 Places to Stay Within Driving Distance of Auckland'," Migounoff says.
In addition to providing luxury accommodation, the lodge arranges various activities for its clients such as bushwalking, horse riding, fishing, mountain biking and full spa treatments.
"The lodge has an extensive client base, including many regular guests, and a significant amount of advance bookings."
