THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT AWAY FROM CITY LIGHTS
Located on the coastline of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, Naiko Retreat is a refuge from the everyday. Time at Naiko will allow you to disconnect from the world and let what truly matters come into focus.
Welcome to Naiko Retreat
Remote
Located on the coastline of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, Naiko Retreat is situated within Rarkang, a 2000 acre operating sheep farm.
The Retreat is a refuge from the everyday. Time at Naiko will allow you to disconnect from the world and let what truly matters come into focus.
Water
Floor to ceiling double-glazed windows boast panoramic views of rugged cliffs and turquoise seas, stretching across to Kangaroo Island.
The deck overlooks a secluded cove which is only accessible to Naiko guests. At this private beach you will find pristine waters, perfect for swimming and fishing.
Life
As you enter Talisker Conservation Park you will notice the giant native Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea) lining the way (there are some on the property that are 1500 years old!).
From waterfalls to wildflowers, Rarkang is home to some of Australia’s most iconic animals – the sea eagle, wedgetail eagles, kangaroos and echidnas.
Green
Rest easy knowing that conservation is always front of mind.
Architect Max Pritchard designed Naiko to complement the surrounding environment, working in harmony with the natural elements of the land. Solar panels, recycled infrastructure, worm farm, water conservation methods and 60,000 litre rainwater tank systems have been set up so guests can tread lightly.
Futuro
Created by Finnish designer Matti Suuronen as a ’portable ski chalet’ in the 1960’s, the Futuro home is an architectural icon; one of only 60 in the world.
Shaped like a flying-saucer, this stand-alone futuristic space is a place Naiko guests can use for meditation, inspiration and reflection.
Stories
Naiko means ‘mother’ in Ramindjeri, a dialect of indigenous Australian people and the property is a sacred part of the Aboriginal Dreamtime.
Rich with history, seafaring communities have been using the area for generations. In the mid nineteenth century, the property was part of the Silverton Silver mine, the ruins of which can still be explored today.
The French, British and American cultures have strong ties to the Fleurieu Peninsula, adding to its rich history.
Rarkang is also home to a WW2 radar hut, which was manned by the RAAF.
Accommodation at Naiko
Three King size bedrooms, each with their own ensuite and free-standing bath, can sleep up to six guests.
Contemporary design and luxe appliances are throughout, from the Danish Aeno Rocket pendant lights, polished concrete floors, to the French Invicta fireplace, Ligne Rosset Togo lounges and luxury bathroom products.
A fully equipped kitchen and Weber Pulse electric barbecue are at your disposal.
Rates:
Monday – Thursday: $990 per night
Friday – Sunday: $1200 per night
Certain holiday periods and days that fall between Monday – Thursday will attract a $1200 p/night fee, and will be highlighted in the booking calendar
Rates include
- Exclusive use of Naiko Retreat
- Three King-size bedrooms, which can sleep up to six guests in either king size or king single configurations
- Full breakfast provisions
- The Retreat is not suited for children under 12 years of age
- The Retreat is a pet-free zone
- A two night minimum stay applies
Naiko is an intimate Retreat. The boutique lodgings have been designed to provide maximum comfort and enjoyment for its guests. As a result, no more than 6 guests at a time can be accommodated within the Retreat.
Seasons
Positioned atop a hill and overlooking Backstairs Passage, Naiko Retreat is a front row seat to the glory of nature. As the seasons change Naiko changes with them; in Summer you will find sunlit hilltops and turquoise seas, Autumn a vista of gold, contrasting against bold blues. As the weather gets wild, wintery skies border green pastures before wildflowers burst to life in Spring.
Comfort
Whatever the weather, guests can still appreciate the outside elements while enjoying every modern convenience inside. Three King size bedrooms, each with their own ensuite and free-standing bath, can sleep up to six guests. Contemporary design and luxe appliances are throughout, from the Danish Aeno Rocket pendant lights, polished concrete floors, to the French Invicta fireplace, Ligne Rosset Togo lounges and luxury beauty products.
Minimal
At Naiko, you will find quietness and space. A place to declutter your mind; permission to turn the volume down and let distractions fade out. You will not find televisions here – guests are encouraged to switch off and connect with each other and their surrounds. Mobile network, complimentary wifi and Bluetooth sound are provided so that you can decide how ‘off the grid’ you would like to be.
Things to know
Being surrounded by conservation parks is one of the best things about Naiko; not only are we remote but the property is brimming with wildlife. In the interest of guest safety on the roads at dusk, we are unable to accept check in after 5pm and recommend you arrive between 2 – 5pm.
About us
The Johnson family first purchased Rarkang in 1998, their mission being to protect and preserve the land. It is also home to two permanent streams – Campbell’s Creek and Rarkang Creek which come from springs within Deep Creek. The Johnsons have worked hard to restore local vegetation so that its natural beauty can be enjoyed by many generations to come.
Gallery
Activities at Naiko
If your way of relaxing involves being active, there is plenty for you to do at Naiko. Try yoga on the deck at sunrise, exploring the Rarkang property or walking the Heysen Trail.
In-house massages and spa treatments are available. Other experiences can be enjoyed including 4wd tours and helicopter flights.
Or, leave Rarkang altogether and see the local natural beauty of Deep Creek, Second Valley, Victor Harbor, Goolwa and McLaren Vale which are also right on your doorstep.
Water
The deck overlooks a secluded cove which is only accessible to Naiko guests.
At this private beach you will find pristine waters, perfect for swimming and fishing. Within the Rarkang property you may also come across two permanent streams – Campbell’s Creek and Rarkang Creek which are borne from springs within Deep Creek. Local fishing charters and boat cruises can also be arranged for those who like to be deep in ‘the deep’. Here you may see whales, dolphins and seals whilst being in some of the very best King George Whiting fishing grounds.
Futuro
Created by Finnish designer Matti Suuronen as a ’portable ski chalet’ in the 1960’s, the Futuro home is an architectural icon; one of only 60 in the world.
Shaped like a flying-saucer, this stand-alone futuristic space is a place Naiko guests can use for meditation, inspiration and reflection.
Explore
There are many ways to stretch your legs at Naiko Retreat.
The property is adjacent to Deep Creek Conservation Park and Talisker Conservation Park. There is also direct access to the Rarkang Walking Track and the Heysen Trail, ideal for both gentle sunset walks and energetic hikes. Internationally regarded attractions Kangaroo Island, McLaren Vale and Victor Harbor are only a hop, skip and a jump away.
The Heysen trail also weaves its way through the outskirts of the property and you may catch the occasional glimpse of walkers passing by in the distance.
Food
Eat well and eat local.
Our well-appointed kitchen is stocked with full breakfast provisions and you can comfortably self-cater in the open plan living and kitchen area if you wish.
You can also pre-order locally-prepared food and wine from our comprehensive seasonal Larder.
Nearby is Leonard’s Mill, a restored flour mill that has been turned into one of the region’s best restaurants.
Learn More
Getting to Naiko
We are 114km from Adelaide CBD, which will take less than two hours (allowing for a stop at the Yankalilla Bakery!). As the last 6km and our driveway are unsealed roads we recommend you are traveling in either a 4WD or SUV. Although Naiko Retreat is accessible by 2WD, arriving by 4WD will give you access to other parts of the property.
Alternate travel arrangements can be made, including arrival by helicopter or bespoke 4×4 experience which can include a tour of the greater region. These tours can incorporate catering or a stop at one of many eateries in the area.
Naiko Retreat has to be life’s ultimate paradox – the place to completely disconnect from your ‘every day,’ for the sole purpose of engaging in a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ world. Our time was a blur yet everything about Naiko had its own relaxed pace about it. Looking forward to another once-in-a-lifetime stay.
Jowell Amores, New York
Absolutely love Naiko Retreat. The solitude, the nature and the sheer remoteness. Couldn’t think of a better place to escape and unwind, while still enjoying all the fine things.
Terry, Prahran
You’d think Max Pritchard’s hand in the architecture, ocean views and a private beach but no, there’s also rolling hills, babbling brooks, wildlife, wildflowers and butterflies. And a spaceship!
Hayley, Stirling
The owners vision for Naiko Retreat should be applauded. We look forward to returning and experiencing how Naiko evolves.