Kawai Purapura Yoga Retreat Centre

It is a very weird place, from some of the residents to the top manager. I am writing this to help others avoid an unpleasant experience: 1. The volunteers don't have a basic concept of customer service in hospitality. They seem unhappy with their work, and most of them don't greet or smile at customers, and never offer help happily unless customers ask for it. 2. Their manager, Jenny, is very insecure and strange. After I had a random chat with her staff about the retreat, Jenny questioned my agenda and asked if I would report her poor management to higher-ups. I was shocked by her strange suspicion and felt quite intimidated by her aggressiveness. 3. If you stay longer than one night, you will notice some people there do have mental issues and need help. Google Centrepoint, Albany/Auckland, you will learn the dark side of this place.

The attractive location hardly made up for the poorly appointed room (cramped, noisy fridge in bedroom, no soap) and grubby kitchenette. The management was wholly absent for our duration though we arrived c. 4.00 pm and left at 10.00 am. Considering the cost, it was an altogether disappointing experience.

Friendly mellow quiet atmosphere set in nature. Hygiene standards need to be drastically improved. Bathrooms ok. The guest kitchen stank, was never cleaned the 4 nights I was there. It was extremely filthy when I arrived and left. The main lounge area syank of dead animal. I kid you not. While sitting waiting for my taxi, staff or volunteers ? rearranged furniture with no consideration for me or another guest. We were make to feel we, THE GUESTS, were in the way. Amusing because the end result was worse than the original furniture arrangement ie the coffe table was out of guests reach while sitting on sofa. Rooms are spartan and basic and what I would have expected for $55 a night. Bed was comfortable. Room needed far more wall hooks and shelves for storage. When I arrived the handle and locking mechanism on the one and only door was loose and fell off completely!!!! Leonne, the receptionist, was always very helpful and moved me to a larger room with a secure door lock. She deserves a lot of credit and perks. She is an outstanding worker. Beware - the wonderful very large pools are treated with copper sulphate which tastes bad and leaves a film on teeth. The 2nd time I swam there I almost felt nauscious. Was warned to rinse off because copper sulphate will leave a light green tint on blonde hair. Highly recommend Lindee the massage therapist. Lovely friendly, very nuturing and skilled. Isaac the barrista is friendly and makes great juices. Truly a mixed review!