Resort & Retreat Awards 2024 | 29 Most Unique Aquaculture Accommodation 2024 Discerning travellers in search of an equally extraordinary and intimate escape can end their search at Arapawa Blue Pearls and Accommodation, a company offering an enriching and sustainable holiday experience through its choice selection of New Zealand holiday homes. At its retreat on Arapaoa Island, the company sees eco-friendly practices seamlessly combined with top-notch accommodation, setting the benchmark for sustainable tourism across the wider industry in the process. The exceptional experience offered by Arapawa not only includes comfortable, charming, distinctly Kiwi accommodation set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand’s island scenery, but also a number of exclusive activities, including diving for the mollusc abalone and being afforded insight into the pearl cultivation process that gives Arapawa Blue Pearls and Accommodation its name. Every stay is made even more special thanks to mabe pearls – half-pearls that grow inside the mollusc shells – which guests can not only learn about but also take home as a souvenir. From enthusiasts of marine life to those seeking something different and inspiring for their next getaway, Arapawa caters to all guests in search of a personalised and educational travel experience. The majority of guests who visit the resort are just as passionate about sustainability as the team, so it comes as no surprise that fostering sustainable practices is one of the resort’s core values. From its eco-friendly pearl farming methods to its day-to-day operations, sustainability can be felt across every element of the Arapawa experience. The unique blue pearls Arapawa Island boasts have led to immersive marine conservation experiences like no other being offered here, and it a joint commitment to authenticity and its local community alike can also be felt permeating every level of this family business. When this is combined with the renowned Kiwiana hospitality embodied by staff, led by the husband-and-wife duo of Mike and Antonia Radon, this island retreat sees beautiful accommodation seamlessly blended with a marine adventure that is a must for nature lovers. “By offering a stay that is both educational and deeply connected to nature, we provide an enriching and unforgettable escape that cannot be found anywhere else.” Every member of staff at Arapawa is tasked with upholding both the values that the resort operates atop of and the strong sense of hospitality that the resort has to come to be known for. Their dedication, collaborative spirit, and customer-centric attitude must shine through, as it is this team that are responsible for upholding the high standards paramount for success in this space. For their efforts, the team enjoy a nurturing working environment where open communication and celebrating one’s achievements are the cornerstones. Such a culture lends itself to Arapawa being able to stay ahead of industry trends, doubling down on the likes of sustainability, authenticity, and unique personalised experiences that are all becoming increasingly popular in this environment. Since this friendly ecoaccommodation already encompasses these elements throughout, seen in the likes of its eco-friendly pearl farming and its investing in the likes of renewable energy and waste reduction, it can continue to exceed its target eco-conscious travellers’ expectations no end. This is something that is being wholly focused on looking ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond, where plans are in place to continue to innovate and champion sustainability for future generations. Explaining these plans in more detail, Antonia Radon tell us, “we are investing in advanced sustainable technologies to further reduce our environmental footprint. This includes expanding our renewable energy sources, implementing more comprehensive recycling programmes, and enhancing our water conservation efforts.” Antonia continues, “we will introduce new immersive experiences that allow guests to engage more deeply with our pearl farming process and the natural beauty of our island.” A desire to give back also sees the team striving to launch a series of educational programmes and partnerships with local schools, educating students about the likes of marine conservation and the importance of sustainability. Finally, Arapawa’s R&D team remain dedicated to further advancing their pearl cultivation techniques in a way that reflects its sustainable aims. Thanks to the likes of the unique blue pearls Arapawa Island yields, the immersive marine conservation experiences afforded, and the friendly eco-accommodation it provides, Arapawa Blue Pearls and Accommodation is one of the premier sustainable getaway retreats New Zealand has to offer. For this, we proudly celebrate it as the Most Unique Aquaculture Accommodation 2024. Contact: Antonia Radon Company: Arapawa Blue Pearls and Accommodation Web Address: https://arapawabluepearls.co.nz
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