14 | LUXlife Magazine Best Sustainable Blue Pearl Experience 2025 – New Zealand & Best Family-Run Boutique Island Accommodation 2025 – South Island Arapawa Blue Pearls is a family-owned coastal retreat located on the remote, breathtaking Arapaoa Island in the Marlborough Sounds. The establishment’s story began with the meeting of Mike and Antonia Radon, two divers who share a deep passion for pāua and the New Zealand waters they call their home. The pair found the perfect location in Arapaoa Island – somewhere they could promote and practice sustainable farming, raise their family, and protect the precious pāua. Today, the Radon family are working hard to share their passion for the exquisite beauty of blue pearls with the world, offering guests a restorative experience that blends comfort, nature, and heritage. As they explore the world of aquaculture, guests can witness the rare process of blue pearl farming, observe marine life, and enjoy homemade culinary delights. Whether you are seeking peaceful solitude or meaningful connection, every aspect of Arapawa Blue Pearls’ retreat is guided by deep-rooted values of environmental stewardship, family legacy, and the cultural richness of Aotearoa. The establishment’s signature offering is the unrivalled Blue Pearl Tour, a one-of-a-kind in New Zealand. This tour guides visitors across the island, through the fascinating journey of blue pearl cultivation – from nurturing young pāua in the hatchery to the delicate pearlseeding process and final hand-grading. Along the way, guests will learn from the experts about sustainable aquaculture, environmental stewardship, and Arapawa Blue Pearls’ unique approach to pearl farming – an offering truly deserving of being named New Zealand’s Best Sustainable Blue Pearl Experience 2025. When staying at the farm, guests can choose between three boutique accommodations – the Beach House, School House, and historic Gunyah. A stay at Arapawa Blue Pearls is more than just a visit; it is an opportunity to be really immersed in the Radon family’s way of life. Surrounded by native bush and ocean views, guests are welcomed into the family’s daily rhythm: touring the hatchery, walking through the organic garden, enjoying homemade treats, and really connecting with the people behind the work. Whether booking for a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a special group occasion, every guest of Arapawa Blue Pearls receives the Radon family’s renowned eco-friendly hospitality. During their stay, guests are also invited to visit the onsite shop, tucked beneath ancient trees in the organic garden. This store is a proud showcase of the Arapawa Blue Pearls team’s finest blue pearl jewellery, all New Zealandmade and handcrafted in gold and sterling silver by Master Jeweller Corey Broughton. Each and every piece, handcrafted with the utmost care, tells the story of its origin and reflects the rare beauty of New Zealand’s ocean-grown gems. There is truly no other place in New Zealand in which guests can stay, explore, learn, and bring home with them a meaningful piece of the experience – all while supporting a multigenerational family business with an ethos rooted in sustainability, authenticity, and care. Of course, sustainability remains at the heart of all that Arapawa Blue Pearls does, driven by the anonymous quote: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we only borrow it from our children.” This quote encompasses the spirit and philosophy of Arapawa Blue Pearls, ensuring that with each experience it provides, its guests have invested in the long-term future of the planet – rather than taking advantage of it. Through sharing its blue pearl cultivation experience with people from all corners of the globe, the Radon family hope to not only share their passion for pāua, but also their commitment to sustainable aquaculture and the long-term protection of New Zealand’s environment. From its authentic accommodation to its immersive blue pearl tours, every aspect of Arapawa Blue Pearls has been expertly curated to provide an educational escape deeply rooted in a multigenerational passion for the planet, and in particular, the protection of pāua. Since its inception, Arapawa Blue Pearls has remained wholly dedicated to its mission, and to sharing its ethos with the entire world, earning itself the rightful recognition of the South Island’s Best Family-Run Boutique Island Accommodation 2025. Contact: Antonia Radon Company: Arapawa Blue Pearls Web Address: www.arapawabluepearls.co.nz Arapawa Blue Pearls A member of the abalone family, Pāua is a marine snail that grows exclusively in New Zealand’s cold, blue waters. Deeply entwined with Māori culture, the pāua is treasured for its strikingly iridescent shell and the unique blue pearl it cultivates. Arapawa Blue Pearls is New Zealand’s only land-based abalone hatchery and blue pearl farm, inviting guests to step into the world of pāua aquaculture and blue pearl cultivation. Providing a one-of-a-kind experience, the accommodation has been recognised for its excellence in the Resorts and Retreats Award 2025. We took a closer look, below.
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