A few days ago, I emphasized the remarkable growth of luxury tourism and hospitality in the global tourism industry.
It’s imperative to recognize that luxury travelers encompass a diverse and multifaceted demographic rather than a homogenous group.
During my interactions with luxury tourists, I have identified recurring needs that are universally sought after. These include the desire for privacy, exclusivity, and intimacy.
The trend of multigenerational luxury travel involving grandparents, parents, and children is on the rise. Families frequently seek out villas that provide ample space and privacy to accommodate large groups.
Twenty-five years ago, the American financier Julian Robertson dared to envision and establish a new, luxurious standard and identity for golf in New Zealand’s “winterless north.”
A quarter-century later, this luxurious resort concept has been duplicated throughout the entire archipelago, which many enthusiasts now regard as the ultimate luxury golf destination on the planet.
It is not an overstatement to assert that Kauri Cliffs is greatly indebted to Mike Keiser, the visionary behind Bandon Dunes and pioneering the “remote link” category.
Or do you see it differently? I perceive a great resemblance between the two locations.
Ray Geffre, director of golf at Kauri Cliffs and its sister course, Cape Kidnappers Golf Club, says
” I’m convinced Kauri Cliffs has had similar impact: here in New Zealand without question, but globally as well. For starters, if Kauri didn’t hit the World Top 100 in 2003, maybe there is no Cape Kidnappers.
But the success of Kauri Cliffs, then Cape, certainly paved the way for all the boutique, remote, super-upscale golf resorts that have opened here and around the world in the 21st century.”
New Zealand’s reputation for luxury lodges — intimate, lavish, sometimes quirky but always resonant of the surrounding landscape — preceded Kauri Cliffs.
This is the model: superb scenic golf set beside bespoke lodges of equally spectacular quality. Cabot Collection, Costa Navarino, and many others follow this best practice.
Kauri Cliffs recently introduced three 4-bedroom residences designed for golf buddy trips and family vacations.
In line with Robertson tradition, each of the 22 guest suites is distinguished by its individual and regularly updated décor, including
- open fireplaces,
- walk-in wardrobes, and
- private porches offering views that will captivate the most discerning Instagram users.
Following the passing of Mr. Robertson in 2022, his family has retained ownership of the three properties in New Zealand.
Commencing December 1, 2023, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been entrusted with the management of hospitality operations at the
- Rosewood Kauri Cliffs,
- Rosewood Cape Kidnappers and
- Rosewood Matakauri in Queenstown.