Michelin Star Restaurant Chef Launches ‘Slow Stay’ Domu Retreat in New Zealand
New Zealand’s luxury tourism landscape has been elevated with the launch of Domu Retreat, a multimillion-dollar slow stay concept in the Tasman region. Founded by Michelin-starred chef Toby Stuart and his partner Sabina Bronicka-Stuart, Domu Retreat introduces an intimate hospitality model that blends world-class dining with restorative wellness experiences.
Domu Retreat: Redefining Luxury Tourism
The global wellness tourism market is expanding rapidly, projected to reach US$2.1 trillion by 2030 with annual growth of 12%. Domu Retreat positions itself at the heart of this trend, offering an experience that values presence over urgency. With just six suites and capacity for 12 guests, the retreat overlooks Abel Tasman National Park and Tasman Bay, delivering a premium yet personal atmosphere.
Chef-Led Hospitality at Domu Retreat
Toby Stuart brings more than 20 years of experience across Michelin-starred restaurants in France, the UK, Spain, the US and Uruguay. At Domu Retreat he hosts communal “dinner and discourse” evenings where conversation is encouraged and every meal is prepared with locally sourced premium ingredients. Guests dine on spearfished butterfish from D’Urville Island, organic Golden Bay beef and lamb, South Island game and wines curated from boutique organic vineyards such as Cloudy Bay.
The Slow Stay Concept
At Domu Retreat the luxury lies in slowing down. Rooms have no televisions and guests are encouraged to disconnect from devices. Instead they immerse themselves in books, board games and meaningful discussions. As Stuart explains, “A slow stay is about stopping the rush and trading urgency for presence. The silence, the food and the shared experiences-that’s the real luxury.”
Facilities and Guest Experience
The retreat includes spa facilities, a heated plunge pool, wood-fired sauna and morning yoga sessions. Interiors feature natural material furnishings and the same high-end beds used in New Zealand’s top lodges. Rates start at NZ$2,000 per night for two guests inclusive of breakfast, canapés with cocktails and a multi-course evening meal.
Domu Retreat in New Zealand’s Luxury Market
While priced below ultra-luxury lodges that exceed NZ$3,500 per night, Domu Retreat competes on exclusivity, chef-led hosting and its unique slow stay positioning. Stuart says, “Domu offers the service and quality of an international luxury lodge but in a setting where guests feel like they are staying in a friend’s home.”
Media Coverage and Tourism Strategy
Domu Retreat’s launch has already been featured by Newstalk ZB, NZ Herald and Hotel Magazine, underscoring strong interest in innovative luxury tourism models. Its marketing strategy includes partnerships with travel agents, luxury operators and targeted campaigns in the US, UK, Australia, Germany and Switzerland – markets identified as high-value by Tourism New Zealand.
Partnering with PR Experts
Tourism operators looking to achieve similar visibility often work with one of the top PR agencies New Zealand tourism and hospitality operators rely on. Experienced in luxury, food and lifestyle sectors, the agency helps premium brands secure national and international media attention, ensuring their stories resonate with global audiences. This involves far more than distributing press releases — it requires carefully crafted storytelling, strong media relationships, and an understanding of what drives coverage across both traditional and digital platforms.
Impact PR’s expertise extends to tailoring campaigns for high-value audiences, whether that means positioning a boutique retreat in front of travel writers at publications like Condé Nast Traveller, securing interviews on prime-time television, or developing SEO-friendly digital content that captures international search traffic. The agency also advises on crisis management, influencer partnerships, and thought leadership, ensuring clients in the luxury tourism space are seen as credible and distinctive. By connecting brand values with current market trends such as wellness, sustainability, and slow travel, Impact PR helps operators like Domu Retreat cut through the noise and attract attention from those who matter most.
Impact PR Insight: Positioning Domu Retreat
Domu Retreat exemplifies how luxury brands can combine exclusivity, authenticity and wellness to appeal to high-value international visitors. Impact PR’s expertise in storytelling for tourism and hospitality ensures that these narratives reach the right markets at the right time. For luxury retreats it is not just about showcasing amenities but about highlighting the lifestyle and emotional benefits, helping visitors connect with the essence of New Zealand’s premium tourism offering.