Black background with white handwritten text that says "It's Time to Slow Down."

Introducing Residential Retreat Weeks at The Longhouse

A Place to Return to Yourself

There is a new kind of travel emerging.

Not louder.
Not busier.
Not transformational in the performative sense.

But quieter.
Slower.
Deeper.

At The Longhouse, we are opening our doors in a new way — offering Residential Retreat Weeks: curated, set-date stays designed for rest, nature, and a gentle return to self.

No workshops.
No keynote speakers & facilitators.
No pressure to “become a better version of yourself.”

Just space.
And time.
And nature.

The Rise of Rest

Around the world, the wellness conversation is shifting. Travellers are moving away from packed itineraries and toward meaningful stillness. The desire now is for:

Nervous system regulation
Deep, uninterrupted sleep
Nature immersion
Slow mornings
Real connection
Digital quiet

Rest is no longer indulgent. It is intelligent.

And increasingly, it is rare.

This is not a retreat of Instruction. This is a retreat of permission.

Here, the landscape is not a backdrop — it is the host.

A different kind of luxury

This is not spa luxury.

This is spaciousness as luxury.
Silence as luxury.
Time as luxury.

The luxury of not being needed.
The luxury of not performing.
The luxury of unhurried mornings.

In a world of acceleration, this is an act of quiet resistance.

Returning to the Original Intention

The Longhouse has always been about gathering.

Now, we are gathering differently.

Not for celebration.
Not for ceremony.
But for return.

If you feel the pull toward quiet —
we invite you to join us.

A Residential Retreat Week at The Longhouse is a hosted, small-group stay (6–10 guests) set across carefully chosen dates throughout the year.
You arrive.
You settle.
You exhale.
There is no agenda beyond:
- Beautiful shared meals
- Unstructured time
- Walks through native landscapes
- Fireside evenings
- Quiet corners for reading and reflection
- Space to simply be
This is not a retreat of instruction.
It is a retreat of permission.
Permission to sleep.
Permission to wander.
Permission to sit in silence.
Permission to not produce anything at all.
A Hosted Seasonal Residential Retreat with Optional Daily Practice
Not a workshop.
Not a wellness intensive.
Not a silent retreat.
A seasonally held, lightly guided, restorative midweek immersion.
The Longhouse was always designed as a biophilic space — where natural materials, soft light, expansive skies, and elemental simplicity create a sense of groundedness.
Nature regulates us.
Research continues to show that time immersed in natural environments reduces stress hormones, improves sleep quality, and enhances cognitive clarity.
Here, the landscape is not a backdrop — it is the host.
There is something powerful about resting alongside others.
Residential Retreat Weeks are intentionally small. Shared meals and communal spaces allow connection to emerge organically — but solitude is equally honoured.
No forced sharing circles.
No introductions required.
Just humans returning to a more natural rhythm together.
- Founders and leaders nearing burnout
- Creatives needing empty space
- Couples wanting reconnection without distraction
- Individuals at life thresholds
- Anyone craving stillness without instruction
You do not need to be “into wellness.”
You simply need to be human.
Set Dates Throughout the Year
We will be releasing a limited number of Residential Retreat Weeks across the seasons, each designed to honour the natural rhythms of the land:
- 20–24 April (Autumn depth)
- 18–22 May (Late Autumn / early frost energy)
- 22–26 June (Midwinter / firelight season)
- 14-18 September (Early spring season)
A hosted seasonal retreat designed for rest, nature immersion and inward return.
No workshops.
No teaching program.
Just spacious time, shared meals and gentle daily rhythm.
Spots will be limited to preserve intimacy and spaciousness.
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast | 2- 4 Nights | Limited to 10 Guests
A small-group stay for rest, nature immersion and unhurried living.
No workshops.
No programming.
No transformation agenda.
Just time. Space. Silence. Shared meals.
What’s Included:
- 2- 4 nights private ensuite accommodation
- Organic breakfast each morning
- Seasonal two-course dinners each evening
- Quiet communal spaces
- Fireside evenings
- Optional gentle morning walks
2026 Rates
Single Occupancy: $600 per night
Shared (per person): $450 per night
Limited rooms. Advance booking essential.
Monday
- 3 pm Check-In
- Dinner
Tuesday – Thursday
Morning:
- An invitation into the body each morning.
  A quiet 45-minute practice to soften, stretch and settle.
- Short guided meditation (15 mins)
- Organic breakfast
Day:
- Unstructured time
- Walks
- Reading
- Rest
- Time in the Garden & surrounds
- Sauna
- Soak
- Optional Add-on sessions (massage / coaching)
Evening:
- Two-course dinner
- Firelight / quiet conversation
Friday
- Breakfast
- 10 am Check out
Inclusions:
- Private ensuite accommodation
- Organic seasonal breakfasts
- Two-course dinners each evening
- Optional daily yoga & meditation
- Fireside evenings
- Quiet communal living
- Wellness Facilities usage ( Sauna/ Hot Tub/ Firepit/ Equipment)
Optional Add-ons:
- Massage treatments $130 for 60 minute session
- Private health coaching sessions $125 for a 60 minute session
- Wine match surcharge for Dinner $40

It’s the little things that count…

Iconic Coastal Country Property.

Tirimoana was built in the 1920’s as a retreat for shell-shocked returning soldiers.
It also operated as a Karitane Nurses’ Home caring for infants and their mothers under Truby King.
The property’s architectural integrity has been respected with sensitive renovation throughout. Heart rimu floors, 3m stud height, batten ceilings, tongue & groove walls, fireplaces and many architectural details are all lovingly preserved while creating contemporary and sustainable interiors including vintage pieces and artworks. Radiators and open fireplaces guarantee a sense of hygge over the winter months.
We like to think of ourselves as a bit of coastal barefoot lux with a focus on interiors that feel authentic, natural and relaxed to support your stay.
Luxurious Interiors & Amenities.

All Interiors have been furnished to a high standard, with a focus on authentic, sustainable & natural products. We recycled, reused or repurposed much during our renovation and chose sustainable products wherever possible.
Furnishings and decor are selected based on their sustainability credentials. Timbers are either vintage or sourced from sustainable forests. Let yourself be embraced by luxurious 500-thread-count oeko-tek organic cotton sheets and fluffy down linen duvets and blankets. In each closet, you’ll find two bespoke robes. Toiletries are all hand made, natural allergen-free small batch artisanal products.
We believe in living as close to nature as possible and much of the interior spaces include plants and biophilic design elements.
Country Kitchen & Gardens.

Our country kitchen comfortably seats 10-12. While retaining period features such as the Aga for cold winter’s nights it also has all the modern conveniences of a commercial kitchen with built in appliances, gas hob, oven, juicers and much more.
Vintage cutlery, fine crockery and table linens ensure meals can be as simple or lavish as you would like them to be.
Our Kitchen Gardens provide a steady stream of fresh herbs, fruit & vegetables and we can supply organic free-range eggs for your stay.
Food & Beverage Options.

Whether you are self catering or require a catered stay - We are passionate about showcasing the wonderful food & beverage offerings of the Otago Region.
We can arrange for a grocery shop by request when booking. Standard terms are self catering for all bookings. If you are at the Longhouse for a Corporate Event or venue hire we will work with you and our local catering preferred suppliers for authentic cuisine celebrating the best of the region’s local fare.
Complimentary artisan tea and coffee is provided for your stay. All water in the house is filtered.
Outdoor Spaces & Beach Access.

The view from The Longhouse is nothing short of breathtaking and you can easily while away a day gazing at the surf and sea; armed with a book in hand from our library.
Epic sunrises are a good reason to rise early for a little meditation, yoga or a stroll on the beach.
The expansive ocean views make a great excuse for sundowners on the lawn.
The southern night skies will see you in the spa pool stargazing all our southern constellations and just perhaps a glimpse of the southern borealis. Also for your enjoyment is the outdoor firepit.
The extensive grounds include off-road parking for up to 5 vehicles. Much of the grounds include native plantings and gardens that you are free to enjoy.
We also have direct beach access from the house on a rough track that runs down to the beach.
A Wellness Focussed Retreat.

Our entire proposition has authenticity & wellness at its centre. Blue Mind Ocean Space and sense of place (Turangawaewae) is the backdrop against which we welcome our visitors - providing a stay that reconnects them to nature (Te Taiao); reconnects them to their inner consciousness, community and slows down the pace of life for a moment as a path to wellbeing... providing a stay that inspires & restores.
As well as our planned retreat programmes you are able to access wellness facilities and services during your stay. This includes infra-red sauna, private yoga lessons, & massage. Please inquire on booking.