Russian Billionaire opens the spectacular Helena Bay Lodge in New Zealand
Alexander Abramov, a Russian billionaire from the steel industry, officially opened this spectacular $50 million (€46.8 million) refuge at Helena Bay in New Zealand.
Named Helena Bay Lodge, this magnificent retreat aims to be the finest luxury hotel in the country, able to accommodate up to ten guests at a time in two extraordinary beachfront villas.
Each villa has five suites and offers five staff members for each guest in each suite. Guests can reach Helena Bay Lodge in a private Augusta Westland AW109 S Grand helicopter from Aukland Airport.
Upon arrival, they move to the main house which has three wings – a gallery wing with comfortable halls and a library; a spa wing with a massage room, a cold plunge pool, a sauna and steam room, as well as a gym with all the necessities; and a dining and lounge wing which includes formal and informal dining rooms, a bar, and opens to an outside lounge and a fire pit.
The National Geographic Traveler Magazine ranked this location as the second in their list of the most valued, Top Rated Islands, Coasts and Beaches in the World.
Surrounded by 800 acres of lush vegetation and peaceful coasts, the lodge offers the ultimate in exclusivity accompanied by Michelin-starred cuisine, Don Alfonso 1890, an opulent European-style spa and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
This luxurious European-style lodge was supposed to be a private property for Abramov, and was even listed as one of the most expensive private residences in New Zealand before becoming this beautiful lodge.
Daily activities at the Helena Bay Lodge include tennis, hiking and a private estate with alpacas and donkeys. Guests can also use mountain bikes, paddle boards and kayaks, or the incredible four-wheeled touring carts. Also, the lodge offers a cultural tour for its adventurous tourists who are guided by local Maori tribes.