Guest Reviews
At Bay of Islands Holiday Homes, we take pride in providing a great experience to guests and our property owners. Read some of our guest reviews to hear what they loved about their stay.
The Bay of Islands Holiday Homes team were very professional and ensured that Cloud 9 was set up to feel like home away from home. The house was immaculate, spa warm on arrival and the groceries to get us started were very appreciated - as were the toiletries in the bathroom. An excellent experience all round because care had been taken with the details. Fantastic view, quiet, private and clean. Great for a family holiday and not too far from Russell. A great experience all round because care had been taken with the details.
When we arrived, we couldn't help thinking how "cute" the cottage was. On meeting our property manager and being shown around, we noted how amazingly clean the house was. Everything was neat & ordered. Having the use of the pool & spa were a great bonus, given that the weather was really hot. We loved our stay at the cottage and could not have asked for anything else. It was perfect. On another note, Russell without the overseas Tourists is amazing. There were beachside tables for all to enjoy the amazing sunsets every night. The whole experience was relaxing, enjoyable & Russell is a place you all need to visit at this very special time.
We recently stayed at 9 The Strand managed by Bay of Island Holiday Homes. The house was just beautiful. It has been recently renovated to a high standard and has lovely touches like beautiful bath towels, beach towels and linen. The house is very well equipped with absolutely everything you need. The view from the terrace is second to none. Bay of Islands Holiday Homes were excellent to deal with, the house was just spotless, and their communication was faultless - a wonderful holiday..
'We have stayed in many rental properties around the world, and this was one of the best ever. The views were amazing, the home very comfortable and Barry was incredibly helpful and responsive. We look forward to coming back!'
It was a pleasure dealing with Lesley and Barry. Good communication and clear instructions/info regarding the property. We had to make some last minute changes to our travel plans and arrival times, and they have just been super accommodating and easy about it, which we really appreciate. Thank you for a wonderful stay! Absolutely gorgeous house with stunning views! Loved the spaciousness and flow of the house - something that you can't really see from the photos. The interior is beautifully decorated and has a clean, fresh and modern feel. Heating was excellent and consisted of a wood burner fireplace and heat pump. The house is very well equipped with everything you need for a comfortable, relaxed stay. We will definitely recommend this property to others and hope to return again for another wonderful stay.
We LOVED our week in Russell staying here. The views from the back deck were stunning, and the rolling waves at Long Beach made for a great background noise. The hot tub was super relaxing at the end of a long day, too. The place was spotless and had everything my wife, 16-month-old son and I needed for our home base. Russell is a great place from which to venture out, whether you’re taking the nearby ferry to Paihia or exploring the lovely town itself (get breakfast at Butterfish, trust us). We’d stay here again if we’re fortunate enough to return.
We stayed here with another family. The house was fantastic. As if the views were not enough - it was also very comfortable and has everything you need. The kitchen is well stocked and it makes cooking a breeze. There is also an amazing deck with wonderful views. There is also a BBQ and an outdoor setting so that you can eat outside. The dining room doors fully open out to the deck so there is a lot of room for everyone. I would highly recommend this house and can't wait to go back... Lesley was great to deal with. Lesley was fantastic with getting back to my queries, and making sure that everything was easy for our arrival. The booking and paying process was also a simple process. Lesley also gave us lots of recommendations in relation to all the great local places to go. Thanks for everything Lesley.
Russell is an absolute gem and we greatly enjoyed our time here taking in the history and culture and walking the coast. The Treaty Grounds and Museum are a must. The whole experience was enhanced by having such a great place to stay. Spotlessly clean, stunning views and every need catered for, including an amazingly comfortable bed! Lesley was very welcoming and extremely helpful with local tips. Highly recommended. “Dear Lesley, Thank you for a wonderful stay. We could not have wished for more. We loved everything about Russell and the surrounding areas. The whole experience was enhanced by having such a lovely place to stay with every need catered for. We will certainly recommend you to our friends.
Stayed three nights with my sister visiting me from another country, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Just a few minutes away from the town by foot, the most beautiful view from the balcony. We loved sitting on the balcony, surrounded by trees. The place had everything we needed, and was very warm without extra heating. Loved it, thanks!” “Thank you for your help when we had to call you to ask questions, and allowing extra time for us to leave the house!”
Chapel Cottage - Russell Cottages Collection - August 2021 Immaculately clean, friendly hosts, and a fabulous location! We particularly enjoyed the well-equipped kitchen, as we were travelling with our 2.5 year old so mostly ate in. Lovely sunny deck to enjoy in the morning with a cup of coffee and a newspaper. Quick walk to the local supermarket, bars and the beach. We really enjoyed our stay here, and would definitely return. Check in and check out process was very smooth.
June 2021 - What a great location, place and communication with hosts. great recommendations. close to the centre of Russell. lovely and warm in winter months.
Russell's Rusty Snapper Bach - May 2021 This is a beautiful, well equipped house with plenty of space for a big family with children. Great view over the Pomare Bay and vicinity to the center of Russell, which is a lovely little town with lots of shops and restaurants. 'Thank you for your hospitality. We had a very good time and the vicinity to the Pomare Bay was optimal. We had plenty of space for our family.'
We were a group of 5 people who decided to have a special Xmas, after the 2 years of not being able to travel overseas we decided to travel “overseas” to Russell. And it certainly was the right decision. Cloud 9 was just fabulous. The views were the thing that firstly took your breath away and then you finally look around and the house, it is so beautiful and comfortable. There was not one thing that was missing, well maybe one thing, a garlic press…… we have never seen a holiday house so complete. On arrival, Lesley met us with a warm greeting and showed us the running of the house and left us all still standing there in a row with our mouths open staring at the view. We settled into life at Cloud 9 very quickly using the magnificent infinity pool and hot tub and then food on the bbq to opening the first bottle of champagne savouring the view once more. The bedrooms were so comfortable and bathrooms so complete we were settled in for 5 nights, just beautiful. What more could you ask for, nothing I can tell you. Thank you Cloud 9, our wish came true and we had a very special Christmas. R. Blakie
The most amazing spot. Wonderful place to see in Christmas and the New Year. Can’t wait to come back. DEC/JAN 2021/22
What a wonderful stay we've had here. We got sick and had to be tested for Omnicron which thankfully was negative. Lesley and Barry were so accommodating, checking up on us daily couldn't do enough for us shuffling accommodation of other guests as obviously we had to stay put. It would have been very disruptive for them but they never let on. So professional 👏 We will definitely be coming back, the cottage was spotless on arrival with everything you need and love the setting in the garden. We didn't want to leave 😆
We have had the pleasure of staying at Heaven in Russell a couple of times recently. The accommodation is second to none, with no expense spared with regard to furnishings, outdoor areas, cosy fireplaces both inside and outside and the wonderful luxurious linen in the bedrooms. We stayed in Bedroom No. 2 - the view out over Long Beach to Roberton Island is stunning. The property is meticulously cared for, neat, clean and a pleasure to be in. It would rate up there with anywhere we have stayed in the world. Russell is a wonderful place to spoil yourself, with restaurants, cafes, walks and beaches on your doorstep.
“We stayed at Heaven for three days over a long week-end and it is just that, Heaven. The views, the privacy, the weather, the comfort... The best sleep I have had in years, in the most comfortable bed, it's really quiet and all you do hear is the lapping of the waves and the birds. We stayed in the bedroom on the bottom level, Bedroom 3 I believe? Completely private, our own generous bathroom with underfloor heating and the 2nd living room is down there too so we got to watch some cricket on the big screen. Kitchen was also phenomenal, better equipped than my kitchen at home - it literally has everything which made catering for our group seamless. A short walk away from both town and the beach perched literally in the best spot in town, it was everything we could've wished for and more. This place is unbelievable and I wish we'd never left.”
A Slice of Heaven “Heaven’ is the perfect description for this slice of Kiwi paradise. Walking in was breathtaking as we took in the spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding islands. The house is luxuriously decorated with obvious attention to detail. It is spacious, but still feeling relaxing and welcoming and so private, with just the sound of the sea and the birds. I loved the large open plan kitchen/dining area that led onto the deck where we not only enjoyed lounging and dining, but also spending evenings in front of the outdoor fire under the stars! All the bedrooms have their own deck area and all very private. Our bed was so comfortable and the en-suite was huge with a double shower and we even had a spa bath – so lavish! Thank you for having us and we're looking forward to our next visit to Heaven.
Heaven at Russell Heights Russell, BOI. I was lucky enough to be invited to (join friends) stay at this amazing address. From the time you drive into the property you are rewarded with the most spectacular views, from living areas, decks, bedroom, even the bathroom, Entering the home you go down the marble stair case to the living/dining area and out to the deck overlooking Long Beach. The deck was well used. Breakfast in the morning sun and drinks in the setting sun. A great kitchen too with the gadgets and more. Extremely well appointed. My bedroom, opening on to another deck, was down another flight of marble stairs, luxury everywhere, the bed was like sleeping on/in a cloud. The ensuite had a double shower and a bath with a view ! Great bookcase in the room. Down the property further is a small private deck, surrounded in trees. Yoga or just sitting absorbing the tranquility . If you have to leave the property for provisions, Russell township is a few minutes drive away. Its a beautiful property, would I stay here again?...In a heart beat, it's Heaven
We had a lovely week here with three generations of our family. The house has heaps of space for everyone and is super well organised. Location couldn’t be better, we loved watching sunsets over the water from the balcony. Thanks so much for having us.
Delightful property. Well situated. Comfortable bed. Highly recommended. Beach towels unexpected nice touch. Thanks.
We are so excited to receive another stunning review, it makes us feel warm and fuzzy to know that we have made guests feel so welcome and that they had a wonderful experience in our special part of the world. HEAVEN NZ - Luxury Accommodation with stunning views over Long Beach Cannot say enough great things about this property! From the stunning views, modern retreat and fabulous decks to relax on…this place is top notch. The property manager had it well stocked prior to our visit (coffee, etc) We would definitely stay here again. Highly recommend it.!!! Date of arrival - 21 - 25 March 2023 https://www.boiholidays.co.nz/holiday-homes/heaven-nz-luxury-accommodation-russell/
Booked an amazing weekend during summer (February) in Russell Heights. The trip was coordinate with Donna from Cloud9. The accommodations were the best I've ever seen, the view was absolutely fantastic, and the amenities were top notch. We also booked a chef, Fabian Kammerer, and a masseuse, Frank (sorry I don't know your last name frank!) For a couple of private sessions for us. My favorite part had to be watching the sunrise and sunset from the bedroom and balcony...gorgeous beyond words. I can't say enough good things about this place, and will absolutely be coming back.
We had a fabulous long weekend stay at Russell Cottages in the Cooks Cottage. Everything was clean and very well furnished. The pool was amazing (great heated temperature). The beds were very comfortable. Donna was amazing to deal with, we left a watch on departure by accident and Donna kindly went back to get it and couriered it back to us promptly. We will definitely stay here again soon and would highly recommend.
We were fortunate to book a 4 night stay at 'View over Russell' in April 2024 during a holiday in New Zealand. The house is extremely comfortable and well equipped and the actual view over Russell is breath-taking. Interactions with Bay of Islands Holidays were very efficient and friendly throughout.
From the Te Manaaki Villa's terrace we had a great sea view. The cottage is in a quiet location and only a few minutes from the centre of Russell and the beach promenade. It's a nice place for a vacation and we really enjoyed our stay there.
