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.
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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. A gentle stroll to this private beach and you will find pristine waters, perfect for swimming and fishing.
Life
As you enter Rarkang 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 – kangaroos, echidnas and a variety of bird life
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 farms, 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 where Naiko guests can enjoy relaxing massage treatments, available upon request.
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.
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, and accordingly we recommend you arrive during daylight hours
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 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.
Accommodation at Naiko
Three King size bedrooms, each with their own ensuite and free-standing bath, can accommodate a maximum of 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: $1200 per night
Friday – Sunday: $1470 per night
Rates include
- Exclusive use of Naiko Retreat
- Three King-size bedrooms, which can sleep a maximum of 6 guests in either king size or king single configurations
- Full breakfast provisions
- Children of any age are welcome, however, we believe the Retreat may not be suitable for children under the age of 12 given the nature of the furnishings and the activities available
- The Retreat is part of a working sheep farm situated between two conservation parks and pets are strictly prohibited
- 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.
Activities at Naiko
If your way of relaxing involves being active, there is plenty to do at Naiko. Try yoga on the deck at sunrise, exploring the Rarkang property or walking any or all of Naiko’s four exclusive-use trails or the Heysen Trail.
You can also enjoy the pristine waters at your own secluded beach which is only a moments walk away.
Massages and yoga are also available and can be booked directly with our preferred therapists. Other experiences can be enjoyed including, cooking classes, stargazing, 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.
Ordering in is also very popular, and 21 Junk Street can provide platters, pre-prepared meals or cater a special dinner party at the Retreat.
Our preferred partners are listed in the Activities Directory.
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.
Mark & Rita, Adelaide
We loved our amazing experience at Naiko last year. The luxury accommodation and facilities allowed relaxation and easy entertaining in a location that was ideal for a cliff and bush walking, private beach activities and enjoying breathtaking views towards rolling hills, iconic rockfaces and an expansive sea. The wildlife is abundant in such a secluded setting and the unique Futuro is the perfect location for a massage surrounded by fragrant gum trees. It was a magnificent way to experience the beautiful South Australian coast in a high quality, well appointed and well designed retreat.
Sallie Emmett
Myself and my two sisters just spent 4 days at Naiko Retreat. We were gobsmacked right from the beginning of the road leading to the property and then the property itself. Wow!!
I have done extensive travelling worldwide and I can honestly say that this is by far one of the most beautiful and well presented property’s that I have stayed in, right at our doorstep.
The cleanliness was also second to none.
The added bonuses were our own private beach and the use of “the spaceship”, that’s what we named it, this is where we were having our daily massages.
The wildlife at your doorstop and greeting us daily, also whilst having a bath, the sheep and kangaroos were by our window, this was a lovely experience.
Thank you Tony for your assistance on the couple of occasions we had some questions, which you helped us out immediately.
I rate this retreat a 6*.
Marina Segredos
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Getting to Naiko
We are 114km from Adelaide CBD, which will take less than two hours (allowing for a stop at the Yankalilla Bakery!).
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.