In a private, secluded cove with oceanfront views, sit two architectural gems amongst one of the most beautiful areas in Deep Creek, South Australia along the breath-taking Fleurieu Peninsula. 

A wave-inspired three-suite luxury eco retreat designed by renowned architect Max Pritchard is situated cliff-top, whilst across the bay an iconic Futuro spaceship by Matti Suuronen (one of 60 left in the world) is nestled amongst the trees leading out into the private beach.

This is Naiko Retreat, where guests have the property and its surrounds almost entirely to themselves, private beach included. 

Naiko Retreat sits on a 2,500 acre property (titled Rarkang) abundant in native trees, wildlife and notably some of the oldest Xanthorrhoea grass trees, endemic to Australia. A 15-minute drive from the front gate down the rocky, dirt road to the very original, architectural gem – the journey is all part of the adventure at Naiko Retreat.

The self-contained architectural build is off-grid, meaning guests are completely surrounded by nature, and the build relies on rainwater and solar to run. Designed by architecture firm Max Pritchard Gunner, they worked with passive design principles to ensure the build was energy efficient and comfortable in both winter and summer, with the seasons experienced in full at the clifftop retreat site. Founder Tony and Christine Johnson wanted a place where guests could completely unwind, rest and restore their minds and bodies. For couples, families or small groups (up to 6 people, or for entertaining by day, another 6 guests, with children over 12 welcome), the three-suite luxury build is an intimate recluse in a very special part of the world.

Indeed secluded, the retreat sits between the Talisker Conservation Park and the Deep Creek National Park with sweeping sea views across the straight to the iconic Kangaroo Island.

Completely surrounded by nature, with rolling hills and the deep blue ocean with its horizon as far as the eye can see with sunrise in the East, and glorious sunsets by the West over the horizon. By the shore, the Naiko private beach is a highlight, with dolphins often swimming into the cove and its clear, turquoise-blue, crystalline waters.

Abundant wildlife is able to roam in their natural habitat, and Naiko Retreat guests are able to observe or walk amongst them on the surrounding walking trails.

The only locals here are Australia’s famed natives: kangaroos, echidnas and goannas and numerous birdlife such as magpies and Kookaburra, but away from the house in the distance, it’s not uncommon to see a hiker or two crossing the golden rolling hills, as the world-famous Heysen Trail also runs through the property due to its positioning between the National Park and Conservation Park. There is also a working sheep yard on Rarkang, and this can be visited when opting for the Naiko Wildlife Encounter 4WD Buggy or Walking Tours (there are 4 walking trails on the property). Highly recommended, the tours enable more exploration of the property and the vastness of the landscape. 

On our private 4WD Buggy Tour we were able to experience the large watering holes on the property (there are 21 spring-water dams in total), with founder Tony explaining in Winter there is a “fair dinkum waterfall!” able to be seen on rock formations which are up to 1500 years old. In addition, guests can see and hear firsthand how the Johnson’s are revegetating the land at Rarkang, restoring it with more native trees (such as She-oaks) and shrubs. Property manager Tim knows every corner of the 2,500 acres, managing any back-burning, sheep and shearers on the property keeping it all in balance.

Untouched, the land that Naiko stands upon is connected to Dreamtime. Named after the ocean inlet below and the Ramindjeri word for ‘Mother’, Naiko Retreat (pronounced nay-ko) connects seamlessly to its environment. To ensure this, the Johnsons consulted with a Ramindjeri Elder to honour the past, present and future of the site. A rich cultural history surrounds the property, with an old Silver Mine and a historic WW2 radar shed on Rarkang. The Johnson’s aim to keep the property as serene as possible, with Naiko Retreat being as low-impact to the surrounding environment as possible. That’s evident to see when at night, the stars come out and they fill the sky with their formations.

Opened in 2019, Naiko Retreat took two years to build, with architect Max Pritchard of Max Pritchard Gunner and the Johnson’s taking their time to find the right coastal site for the retreat.

“The waves from the cliffs, and those rolling cliffs behind… The view back and the scenery is quite spectacular. Whether it’s on the land or looking to sea. Yes, I think it was a site that was asking for something sculptural”, explains Pritchard.

Pritchard was the ideal architect for the Johnsons, with his experience on similar luxury properties (Southern Ocean Lodge and the refurbishment of Longitude 131) and his work understanding the landscape and needs of the site perfectly with his own home along the same coastline of South Australia. However it is upbringing on Kangaroo Island that informs his very modest approach.

“I was brought up on Kangaroo Island, my parents had a scrub block when I was born and we lived in a shed as the land was slowly cleared. I’ve sort of lived that, almost too-close to nature (laughs).” As a designer of luxury retreats coming from a background living in a shed with 5 people and no water or power subtly informed his approach to design. “I’m not a fussy designer. It’s very simple and pure with materials and that’s the way we design. Simple and timeless.”

Off-grid and self-sustainable, passive design principles have been used throughout the build. Repurposed local stone and locally-grown timber have been used for the infrastructure. Rainwater tanks collect 60,000 litres of water so guests can indulge in long bathtub soaks overlooking the coastline outside. Double-glazed windows and a central fireplace keep guests warm in winter, whilst an evaporative cooling system keeps guests cool indoors in summer. Fallen and dried Pink Gum natives on the property are used for the firewood, a very sustainable and endless resource to use.

Interiors have been executed by Max Pritchard and interior designer Tamsin Johnson, based out of Sydney. One of Australia’s most sought-after interior designers, Tamsin advised on detailing to create the luxurious feel. Inside, Pendant Lights which connect with the Futuro’s design outside, guests can feel at home with modern amenities and design-led furniture such as Philippe Starck seating and a Noguchi coffee table. Handmade Japanese knives Koi are also a delight to use in the kitchen, whilst natural Vasse Virgin olive oil amenities are found in the suite bathrooms.

With a well-stocked pantry full of staples, guests also receive a gift hamper on arrival filled with carefully curated local produce (chocolate honeycomb from Middleton Chocolates, gluten-free drizzled gingersnaps made in Victor Harbour by Calico Cakes, Rocky Road chocolates made in the Fleurieu, Kangaroo island 100% raw Cup Gum honey by Ligurian Bee co and Australian Damper Mix with Saltbush and Cheddar). A Chain of Ponds wine (Pinot Gris, made with grapes from the Adelaide Hills) was left chilled for our arrival, a pleasant welcome and introduction to the Johnson’s own wine brand, proudly championing South Australia’s unmatched wine regions.

There is a composting unit in the garden and native Karkalla able to be picked by guests for self-catered dining indoors or al fresco on the deck. Private dining is also able to arranged, in addition to private cooking classes with a Le Cordon-Bleu trained chef.

With the Futuro already on the property, the spaceship was transformed by Max Pritchard into a wellness space with brand new timber interiors. Pritchard explains, “The interior had been changed quite bit from the original, so that wasn’t salvageable. We’ve stripped what was left of it to make it useable and re-cladded it in the pine with a radiating pattern.”  

Only opened only for special bookings, the Futuro wellness space hosts yoga, manicures and massage for guests for un unforgettable experience. A dip in the ocean a few steps away with its salty, healing waters is ideal for the most holistic wellness transformation.

Accessed by car or helicopter (Helivista), Naiko Retreat is a remote escape away from the city where guests can immerse themselves in nature, one of the purest locations to do so. A very Australian hospitality venture, each season in the year at Naiko presents a new discovery and unforgettable memory. From a cool dip in the ocean on a hot summers day, to warming up by the fireplace indoors in winter, the architecture and natural environment at Naiko Retreat present the ultimate in luxury experiences where privacy, tranquility and the purest natural environment with pristine air and water revitalise and rejuvenate.

From the hills, to the coastline, to the surrounding wildlife, Naiko Retreat presents a unique luxury stay unlike anywhere else in the world.

Naiko Retreat
333 Rarkang Road, Deep Creek
South Australia

Text: Editorial Director Monique Kawecki and Editor-in-Chief Joanna Kawecki
Images: Champ Creative for Champ Magazine ©