Mackay Regional Holidays from NZ$2,126

Our stay was just ok. The trash was still full and in the kitchen from the previous guest, there were dead roaches, there were dirty popsicle sticks by the pool. The coffee machine didn’t work either. A staff member did drop a different one by after I let them know. We also had the doorbell ring at 2am and wake everyone in the house… apparently this is common when the batteries run low? Seems like they should be routinely changed to prevent that from occurring. None of these issues are big, but combined are quite a few blunders considering we paid top dollar to stay here.

This is the perfect place to stay if you want the things it offers. The list includes being a small resort, limited to 20 people in 10 villas, brilliant staff who constantly go above and beyond to care for you, excellent food, and peace and quiet. This is a remote island location with no shops or alternative entertainment, but a real community feel, personal relationships with staff and guests. There are good kayaks etc to go out to see the local turtles, but just the one 2k walking track up into the hills. It is rough ground, steep in places, not suitable for running, but brilliant for working up a sweat to combat the fabulous eating every day. Loved the 5.30 meeting around the fire pit for pre-dinner drinks and canapés! We stayed 10 days - longer than most - and were ready to return to reality afterwards, but can’t recommend Elysian enough….provided you want what it offers Huge thanks to Charlton whose intervention sorted out a huge with the resort where we were originally booked.

Absolutely beautiful water front apartment, we will be back!