22 STYLE | report Prepare to have your breath taken away – Cape Kidnappers Once only reserved for the rich and famous, New Zealand’s luxury lodges were something we all heard about but never experienced. Today, the lodges have become more accessible to the New Zealand market as local travellers increasingly seek escapism and detachment from city life. It’s all about satisfying the urge to feel lost and off the beaten track for a little while, be it by a lake edge or a river bank, perched on a cliff top or a mountainside. On an international level, New Zealand’s lodges are known as some of the best in the world, and I’m happy to confirm that the rumours are true. I start my journey in the North Island’s Hawke’s Bay, an area that is no stranger to luxury and exceptional hospitality. The first stop is The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a luxury lodge and wildlife reserve set within a 2428-hectare sheep and cattle station, and bordered at the east by the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, it’s possible to make out snow-capped Mount Ruapehu on the horizon. Built to cater for all seasons, there are many locations to relax in the lodge – be it snuggled up by the fireplace in the cooler months, or dining outside in the warmer weather while taking in the stunning views of the Cape. The barrel room (pictured left) is a mustsee in its own right – a fantastic piece of interior architecture. Food and wine is a major component at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, which features a five-star, award-winning restaurant. The kitchen is headed by James Honore, a Kiwi with extensive international experience and whose passion for local produce has seen the lodge named in some of the world’s top travel and food magazines. Every evening, the lodge sets up a bar area where guests can enjoy predinner drinks and canapés, and much of the produce served to guests is sourced within the region, either from local growers, or the lodge’s own vegetable garden. Naturally, Hawke’s Bay wine is also paired with produce, making the dining experience outstanding. The Farm is perhaps best known, however, for its 71-par golf course, currently #39 in the world, according to Golf Digest. If a day on the links isn’t your cup of tea, the lodge also offers indulgent spa treatments, an infinity pool and hot tub, as well as ocean-side hikes and farm tours. The accommodation structure has three tiers, comprised of entry-level rooms, residents’ suites, and the magnificent Owner’s Cottage, with each room positioned to have a spectacular panoramic view. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a sister property to The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in Northland, and Matakauri Lodge near Queenstown. The three super-luxury properties – all owned and operated by New York-based financier and philanthropist Julian Robertson and family – are part of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux hotel group. All three offer world-class accommodation in some of New Zealand’s most picturesque locations and have all received international recognition for their quality. Robertson’s passion for wildlife and New Zealand’s rugged beauty are evident in all three lodges. His developments in New Zealand started with the golf course at Kauri Cliffs, and when friends visiting from America mentioned that they wished it had accommodation, he added the lodge. Following this, he fell in love with the dramatic Hawke’s Bay coastline, and upon making his way down the country, developed Matakauri near Queenstown a few years later. Robertson also owns a farm in North Canterbury, so let’s keep our fingers crossed that this could also, one day, become the location for one of his spectacular lodges. For now though, I could quite easily spend endless days soaking up all that The Farm at Cape Kidnappers has on offer. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers Best Time To Go: <strong>August</strong>-September, to take advantage of the Lodge Life package. Recommendations: Take a farm tour in a four-wheel drive out to the bird colony, where you can get up close and personal with New Zealand wildlife. Tariffs: Rates range from $1897.50 for a double occupancy of a Hilltop Suite in the low season (April-November) to $19,711 for the Owner’s Cottage, which houses four guests in the high season (December-January). Details: 446 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay, capekidnappers.com The Farm at Cape Kidnappers Lodge main entrance Cape Kidnappers Owner’s Cottage
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers Lodge nce Cape Kidnappers dining in the Loggia Cape Kidnappers Lodge main lounge
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