The wow factor was missing Not too sure other the large front villa the purpose of the rest of the vilas Views very limited and the villa was showing signs of its age

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 – Exceptional Stay in Beautiful Bay of Islands! We recently spent four nights at this stunning property in Russell, New Zealand, and everything about our stay was absolutely perfect. From the moment we arrived, the service was outstanding—warm, welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive. The facilities were top-notch: clean, modern, and incredibly comfortable. Whether we were relaxing in our villa, enjoying the scenic surroundings, or taking advantage of the amenities, everything was impeccably maintained and thoughtfully designed. What really stood out was the staff—they went above and beyond to ensure our stay was memorable. Friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring, they made us feel right at home. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to unwind and explore the beauty of New Zealand North Island. Highly recommended, and we can’t wait to return!

It’s truly impossible to put into words just how wonderful this place is. “Incredible” doesn’t begin to describe it—think of every positive adjective you can, and it still probably wouldn’t do it justice! We stayed at the First Light Villa and every detail has been so thoughtfully considered to make your stay feel seamless and special. Lauren and Kim were the most gracious hosts, going above and beyond to take care of us. They drove us into town for dinner and picked us up afterward and offered to pick us up or drop us into town anytime. Hospitality at its finest. We walked into town and back during the day via the trails Lauren showed us. And the villa… just wow. It’s something you have to experience to truly understand. The photos are lovely, but they don’t capture the peaceful energy and magic of the space. It’s serene and calming—almost zen-like. The jacuzzi, tucked into the lush greenery, is an absolute dream. There are two fireplaces—one inside and one on the deck, adding a cozy charm that’s perfect for any time of day. The kitchen was fully stocked with breakfast essentials (and then some): smoked salmon, yogurt, oatmeal, eggs—anything we requested! It was luxury from start to finish. The views are simply breathtaking, and the expansive deck is the ideal spot to soak them all in. The upstairs bedroom is spectacular, with panoramic windows that make waking up feel like a dream. We’ve stayed in many places over the years, but this one tops the list.

Perfect romantic escape for our 1st wedding anniversary. Stunning and private location and in room chef was a fantastic way to cap the experience.

The most incredible place I've ever stayed. The First Light villa was absolutely beautiful, and the service was unbelievable. Highly, highly recommend to anyone travelling to this area.