We recently enjoyed a delightful 2-night stay at Castaways Resort and wanted to share our experience, especially considering the varying reviews on this property. Our stay was in a 2-bedroom Villa, and we believe it's essential to shed light on some nuances that may influence your decision. The Villas, situated at the highest point on the hill, provided breathtaking views of the surroundings. Our accommodations were spacious, modern, very clean, and equipped with all the amenities one could desire, including a dishwasher, full-size fridge, stove top, oven, microwave, washing machine, and even TVs in each bedroom. The resort's overall aesthetic, coupled with the tranquil atmosphere, contributed to a truly relaxing experience. However, it's worth noting that the Villas are not accessible by car. Guests are required to park at an upper parking lot and rely on the resort's golf cart service to transport them and their luggage to go to their car or the restaurant. They recommend to call 15 minutes ahead of when you need the ride. While this might inconvenience some, we found it manageable as we mostly explored the resort on foot. We were a 5 minutes walk away from the parking lot, 3 from the spa and less than 10 from the restaurant. The villas are quite spread out so you could be a bit further or closer. The walking paths are scenic, though the hill is steep, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues. The villas that are the very top are further from the restaurant but also closer to the parking lot so you can also drive down to the restaurant if you wish. The restaurant offered excellent dining options, and the spa provided a lovely escape. Both were reasonably priced for the quality, adding value to our overall experience. In terms of service, while the staff was helpful and friendly, Castaways may not match the organization and staffing levels of higher-end luxury resorts.. It's also important to note that the resort lacks certain amenities found in more upscale establishments, such as multiple restaurants, a beach club, or a pool. However, considering the price point, Castaways offers a fantastic value for the quality of the Villas. Stand-alone villas like this being typically about 3 times more expensive when staying at full amenities luxury resort from our experience. We didn't explore the chalets and studios, but based on our observations and other reviews, they appear to be older and more dated. However, their proximity to reception and the restaurant and ability to park your car in front might appeal to those seeking convenience over modernity. The resort's location is away from the typical international tourist spots. It was a perfect place for us to unwind, after a very active trip across the South and North Islands. While there seemed to be a few other international travelers, there were also many New Zealanders escaping the city for a peaceful retreat. Lastly, it seems that some accommodations at the resort are privately owned but managed by Castaways when not in use. This might explain the setup and the limited staff, but it didn't impact our stay negatively. In conclusion, Castaways Resort offers a wonderful escape with stunning views, comfortable accommodations, and a tranquil atmosphere. It might lack some frills of higher-end resorts, but for the price, it's a true bargain.…
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.