Russian billionaire’s $50 million luxury lodge to open at Helena Bay

A new luxury lodge at Helena Bay on New Zealand’s North Island will be opened to groups of up to 10 people as of November next year.

Russian billionaire Alexander Abramov’s family trust have reportedly spent $50 million developing the master villa and several mezzanine suites within the 304-hectare estate. The property features three kilometres of pristine coastline including a private bay with four main private beaches and many coves.

Guest facilities include a gym, saunas, massage and treatment rooms, a 25-metre heated swimming pool, library, three lounge areas, both informal and formal dining areas and an outdoor fire pit.

Gourmet cuisine and service will be provided at a high level with fresh produce gathered daily from the estate’s own vegetable gardens and orchards and meat from the estate’s own Helena Bay farm.

Abramov, who is understood to have amassed the largest steel and iron empire in Russia, will use the estate when in New Zealand has financed the building of a superb luxury lodge in New Zealand which opens for business in November next year.

However, when Abramov is not there, which will be most of the time, up to 10 discerning guests can have the run of the place.

Access to the lodge is via a 45-minute helicopter flight from Auckland, with a heli-pad within the grounds or travel by road, with the Lodge sited 40 kilometre north of Whangarei.

In developing the estate, Abramov was apparently inspired by many of Northland’s early heritage buildings such as Pompallier Mission House in Russell, Waitangi’s Treaty House and Te Waimate Mission House.

When briefing architect Greg Jones, Abramov asked him to create a timeless and classic group of buildings that would readily blend in, and become at one, with Helena Bay.

It is also anticipated the property will offer employment for up to 30 staff once it is in full operation, as well as sourcing goods and services from within its local community.

21st October 2014 - MILLBROOK RESORT’S LUXURY SPA NAMED NEW ZEALAND’S BEST

7th August 2014 - POLYNESIAN SPA LUXURY EXPERIENCE WIDENS WITH NEW MINERAL POOL