| 127 T T Bernadette Cooney More reasons to visit Kāpiti Coast The 10-acre Anam Cara Gardens is one of the Kāpiti region’s most delightful garden wedding venues. COMMUNITY Anam Cara Gardens Wedding and function venue, Anam Cara Gardens near Ōtaki Beach on the Kāpiti Coast, is stepping into the luxury wellness and leadership retreat space with the launch of a purpose-built outdoor forest bath, and a suite of new packages designed to appeal to smaller groups seeking restorative getaways. Weddings remain the core of its business, say owners Tim and Teresa Grigg, who are evolving their offering to meet demand for wellness retreats, girls’ weekends, and senior leadership retreats. “We’re still absolutely focused on being the Kāpiti Coast’s most beautiful garden wedding venue,” says Teresa, “but we’ve also invested in an outdoor forest bath, having built a $50,000 secluded spa deck complete with hot tubs, cold plunge, and saunas under the canopy of our native tōtara trees. Perfect for serene, rejuvenating getaways.” In response to growing demand for luxury wellness retreats, Anam Cara Gardens has launched the Girls’ Weekend Package with an introductory offer across eight selected weekend dates. “This is a nice lead-in from our weddings service and welcomed by mums of young families seeking a weekend away with girlfriends to relax and recharge,” Teresa says. “We had a lot of feedback from women 50plus too, wanting this kind of experience and asking us when we are going to have a spa. And now we do.” Originally a retreat centre, the 10-acre Anam Cara Gardens was purchased by the Griggs in 2017, and has since been transformed into one of the Kāpiti region’s most delightful garden wedding venues throughout the wedding season from September to May. The on-site facilities include a modern, botanical-themed function centre with capacity for 120 people, nine distinct garden rooms, and boutique accommodation for up to 18 people across three options: the six-bedroom villa, the annexed apartment for the bridal suite, and a separate grooms’ quarters complete with pool table, darts board and bar. The function centre and accommodation options make Anam Cara well-suited to small executive teams, too. “We recently hosted a senior leadership retreat, and the feedback was wonderful,” says Teresa. “Their CEO remarked how he loved the peaceful setting, and how warm and inviting the accommodation was, and they would be back. “Leadership retreats tend to be two days and one night. They’re affordable, high-quality, and only an hour’s drive from Wellington or Manawatu .You don’t have to fly your people anywhere, and we have conference facilities with sound systems, wi-fi and video-conferencing capabilities, plus plenty of breakout space.” A modern commercial kitchen is available, and catering is managed through a network of preferred providers, with Anam Cara facilitating logistics. As part of the New Zealand Gardens Trust, Anam Cara Gardens is rated a notable garden. They join a select group of star-rated New Zealand gardens, alongside those of Government House and Wellington Botanical Gardens. “We’re not horticulturists, but we know we’ve got something special,” says Teresa. “To be recognised by the trust is something we’re really proud of.” With the wedding market strong, and demand growing for curated group experiences, Anam Cara Gardens is positioning itself as a multi-purpose destination for celebration, connection, and wellbeing. “We recently hosted a senior leadership retreat, and the feedback was wonderful.” Plumbing | Gasfitting | Drainlaying | Roofing There are no problems, Only solutions. info@agoodplumber.co.nz 021 259 8830 www.agoodplumber.co.nz We cater all types of events, from small meetings to big weddings, throughout the Wellington region. Our talented, food-loving team deliver a professional, efficient and friendly service. With over 20 years’ of experience, we have the expertise to ensure your special event is a great success. fresh. creative. delicious. 04 568 8838 sales@bluecarrot.co.nz www.bluecarrot.co.nz
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