How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day?
It’s that time of the year again when we start to think about that special person in our life. However you don’t necessarily have to wait for Valentines Day to let someone you care about know how much they mean to you. Why not treat them and yourself to a luxury getaway where you know all your needs will be taken care of including savouring the outstanding cuisine which will be served up during your stay at these destinations.
1. Huntaway Lodge, Northland
The far north is the perfect destination to escape the crowds and spend time with that special person in your life. At Huntaway Lodge they invite you to switch off from everyday life and provide you with exquisite accommodation and a unique place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Northland. Acclaimed chef Wayne Olsen, will be your private chef during your stay. He will immerse you into the culinary world of New Zealand cuisine creating bespoke lodge dining experiences using the freshest of produce from their kitchen garden and beyond. Enjoy a glass of award-winning wine on the deck of your contemporary accommodation while admiring the wide-open views of the ocean or for a bit more activity ask Wayne for some suggestions of places to explore around the region. www.huntawaylodge.co.nz
2. Wharekauhau Estate, Wairarapa
The journey to Wharekauhau will simply take your breath away! Nestled between the rugged Rimutaka ranges and the Pacific Ocean, Wharekauhau sits on a ridge overlooking Palliser Bay. You will feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of life as you step into the grandeur of The Lodge which takes you back to a by-gone era of Edwardian times, complete with carefully chosen antique furniture. Each room has a distinct atmosphere from airy open lounges to smaller intimate settings where you can find a cosy place to relax and unwind and enjoy the wide ocean views. The elegant formal dining room flows through to an impressive country kitchen where you will find chef, Marc Soper creating his award-winning dishes. Wharekauhau is a working farm so you will experience a complete farm to table dining experience. The kitchen sources everything fresh from their own gardens or surrounding areas and are more than happy to plan their daily menus around what their guests would like to eat. With views into the kitchen you may even pick up one or two tips from chef Marc as you watch the kitchen team work their magic. www.wharekauhau.co.nz
3. Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown
You’ll be spoilt for choice when you book in to the beautiful Millbrook Resort. Here you can enjoy a very peaceful time or if you’re an active relaxer why not try a spot of golf or bike riding around the beautiful grounds of Millbrook and beyond. But for the romantic get-away we recommend indulging in something from their spa menu followed by a romantic dinner. Millbrook offer two outstanding dining options both headed up by award-winning executive chef Andi Bozhiqi. Kobe Cuisine offers a modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine based around seasonal sharing menus and we hear the braised Wagyu brisket with a tempura crust is particularly good. The Millhouse Restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elegant dishes each with a European influence showcasing produce from local farmers and artisans. Housed in the old original flour mill overlooking the lake this is indeed the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. The cottage accommodation is a luxurious home away from home and you can even hit the gym, the spa or the pool if you so desire, to complete a getaway of pure indulgence. www.millbrook.co.nz