Nestled in the rolling green hills of Mangawhai, just 90 minutes north of Auckland, The Ridge Mangawhai offers something rare and powerful in today’s fast-paced world: the chance to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the person you love most.
Owned by Jarrod and Julia – North Shore locals, parents, and long-time business owners – The Ridge is a collection of five high-end boutique villas designed specifically with couples in mind. It’s a place of retreat, reflection, and reconnection, where luxury meets intention, and every detail is about helping people step out of the noise and back into what really matters.
The idea for The Ridge was born out of the kind of life Jarrod and Julia know firsthand. With busy careers, businesses, and kids, they understand the constant juggle that modern life demands. Between school runs, work meetings, sports games, and late-night emails, finding time to simply be together as a couple often slips to the bottom of the list. That’s exactly why Jarrod had the vision to create a couples’ retreat: a place where people could escape the day-to-day, exhale, and reconnect – not just with each other, but with themselves.
Each of the five villas at The Ridge Mangawhai is architecturally designed, luxuriously appointed, and positioned to provide privacy and serenity. From sunrise coffee on the deck to sunset walks on the beach, it’s all about slowing the pace and sinking into stillness. But what truly sets The Ridge apart is not just the stunning setting – it’s the experience.
When couples check in, they receive an activity card – a thoughtful, optional guide filled with gentle prompts designed to foster conversation, gratitude, and togetherness. You might start your day with a peaceful walk on magical Mangawhai Beach, holding hands and saying three things you’re grateful for. Later, you could pick a conversation card from your couples retreat box and dive into a meaningful chat over a glass of wine. There’s a list of simple, connection-focused activities you can tick off – or you can choose to do absolutely nothing. The retreat is yours, entirely on your terms.
“We know what it’s like to be busy. Life gets full – kids, businesses, commitments – it’s easy to lose the thread that connects you,” says Julia. “This place is about finding it again.”
That deep understanding of connection and family is woven through everything Jarrod and Julia do.
Five years ago, Jarrod and Julia, along with their closest friends, stepped in to save one of New Zealand’s most iconic baby brands: Treasures. After nearly 50 years of New Zealand ownership, Treasures was on the market. Rather than let it disappear or go overseas, the group made the bold decision to purchase the company, ensuring Kiwi families would continue to have access to high-quality, locally produced nappies. It wasn’t just a smart business move – it was a heart-led one, inspired by the fact that, between them, they’ve raised a bustling crew of seven little ones and know just how important good nappies (and good sleep!) can be.
Julia herself brings decades of care to her work. A former paediatric nurse at one of Auckland’s leading children’s hospitals, she’s spent her life supporting families. Today, that same compassion and calm strength flow into her rural beauty business, which she runs with her eldest daughter Phoebe just outside of Auckland.
Together, Jarrod and Julia also run Inflatable World across New Zealand and Australia – a network of fun, family-friendly play arenas that bring joy to thousands of children and parents every week. From soft landings to safe spaces, everything they touch seems to reflect a deep love for people – especially the little ones.
But The Ridge Mangawhai is different. It’s not about the kids, this time, it’s about you. The couple. The connection. The quiet moments in between.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, healing from a hard season, or simply needing time to breathe, The Ridge offers a space to do just that. Come to reconnect. To reset. To laugh, to talk, to walk barefoot and listen to the birdsong.
Because love doesn’t just happen – it’s built, nurtured, and rediscovered in places like this.
The Ridge Mangawhai: Come back to each other.
