In our three-part series on Hawke’s Bay, we delve into everything this beautiful destination has to offer, from delicious food to exciting happenings, and all the most special places to stay. Offering a truly multi-faceted experience to anyone who visits, Hawke’s Bay will quickly feel like a home away from home — provided you know all the best places to go. That’s where we come in.
Given the beauty of Hawke’s Bay, it makes sense that there are so many exceptional, boutique accommodation offerings, each designed to deliver a unique slice of the region to their guests via personalised hospitality, bespoke experiences and escapes into nature. From luxurious lodges to standalone guesthouses, the accommodation in Hawke’s Bay is vast and varied, with experiences to suit any kind of getaway (whether that’s an off-the-grid escape or a weekend of pampering). Here, we outline some of the best places to stay that will take your Hawke’s Bay experience to another level.
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Black Barn Retreats
The extensive accommodation portfolio that falls under the Black Barn banner includes a number of exceptional properties around Hawke’s Bay, each offering its own, cosy and beautifully appointed interior. From the cosy Black Bark Retreat and Rush Cottage, set on the sprawling grounds of Black Barn’s Havelock North vineyard to The Beach House, overlooking the iconic Waimarama Beach, Black Barn offers a number of options to suit any need. And recently, the group added a new accommodation to its stable (the first in seven years). Euchre Lodge is a luxury, modern-country house overlooking the spectacular Tuki Tuki River and set against the backdrop of Mt. Erin Kohinerākau.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Offering a variety of generous suites that provide every guest with their own, unique experience, any stay at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is uber luxurious and utterly unforgettable. Boasting large bedrooms, and balconies with sweeping views, each of Cape Kidnappers’ suites is connected to the lodge’s facilities (which include a gym, a pool, a spa and a library) and are designed to offer guests a real sense of comfort and ease — thanks to Linda Beddell’s impeccable design. While you’re there, enjoy elevated dining experiences at Cape Kidnappers’ restaurant, or take to the links for a round or two of golf on the property’s world-renowned course.
Wallingford
At this historic homestead in Central Hawke’s Bay, guests will be treated to a warm, hospitable, luxurious experience with a distinctly personal touch. From the generous bedroom suites that open out to expansive, private gardens, to the exquisite restaurant, serving simple but elevated fare with a focus on hyper-seasonal ingredients (including herbs and vegetables from the garden and Angus Beef from the on-site farm), Wallingford truly is the ultimate, boutique escape, a place where classic luxury meets friendly hospitality to make anyone feel immediately at home.
Te Mata House – The Cottage
Another exceptional boutique accommodation option is The Cottage. Purpose-built by Te Mata House, this architecturally-designed guesthouse offers a laid-back, luxurious place to stay in the heart of Hawke’s Bay. From its soaring ceilings to its sleek, contemporary fit-out, The Cottage marries the best of old-world cosiness with all the modern amenities you might need, from its fully-equipped kitchen to its pool and tennis court, to its bikes, on which guests can explore the beauty of the surrounding area.
The Dome
Immerse yourself in Napier’s iconic Art Deco architecture at The Dome — offering a series of luxurious, boutique apartments set in the heart of Napier. From sprawling waterfront studios (with spectacular views) to large, self-contained apartments (able to accommodate up to six people), The Dome is the perfect base from which to explore Napier’s burgeoning food and cultural scene.
Millar Road
There are a range of accommodation options on the beautiful Millar Road Estate, including the three-bedroom Haumoana House (entirely self-contained with a full-size swimming pool) and two, two-bedroom villas, which can be booked out separately or (if you have a larger party in tow) can be booked all together with the main house, The Estate, allowing exclusive use of the 20-hectare property.
The Lawn Road Retreat
The ultimate luxury accommodation for large groups, Lawn Road Retreat is a sprawling property with a beautifully-designed house that offers eight-to-nine bedrooms (each with their own ensuite), a large dining area, two kitchens, multiple living areas, private gardens, an outdoor area perfect for al fresco entertaining and amenities like a pool, a tennis court, a volleyball court and a spa.
Hawthorne House
Located just 10 minutes from beautiful Havelock North, this cosy bed and breakfast is set in a stunning Edwardian villa and offers the ultimate, boutique experience. With four beautifully-appointed bedrooms, an impressive art collection for guests to enjoy (the owners are both passionate about art), a gourmet breakfast offering and friendly, helpful service, Hawthorne House will immediately feel like a home away from home and is the perfect base from which to explore everything this region has to offer.
Cape South
At this globally-lauded property, guests stay in a sprawling French-colonial-style villa set on 16 acres of spectacular grounds that offer views out to the ocean. Comprising the main Homestead and an adjoining Cottage, Cape South often plays host to a range of Luxury Wellness Retreats or can be booked exclusively, with similar wellness-focused treatments including therapeutic massage, holistic facials, yoga, sound healing, reflexology, reiki and more available for guests to book.
Glamping
For anyone seeking something a little different, Hawke’s Bay boasts a number of elevated, glamping experiences that will see you sleeping under the stars — sort of. From Clifton Glamping’s luxurious (and very popular) huts, nestled in the luscious rolling hills of Clifton Station, to Wai Ora’s ‘rustic-luxe’ set-up alongside a river on a stunning piece of farmland, to Tuki Glamping, where you will wake up in nature, overlooking the striking vista of the Tuki Tuki River and the sounds of tui, to Patangata Valley’s simple but well-equipped huts with open-air bathtubs, there really is a plethora of elevated, modern-camping options for those who would prefer to make the most of Hawke’s Bay’s natural beauty.
Heading to Hawke’s Bay? Consult Denizen’s Insider Guide on all the best places to eat and drink in the region here, as well as Denizen’s Insider Guide for everything to see and do, here.
