A right royal retreat on the peninsula

‘Farm’ life was never so grand as at Cape Kidnappers. His royal highness Brook Sabin spends a night living it up like a king.

At some point in our lives, most of us wonder what it would be like if we were a royal. Or a billionaire. Well, now you can find out. On one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking peninsulas, among 2430 hectares of rolling coastal hills, you will find The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.

Before Covid-19, it was frequented by the rich and famous. However, it’s now offering a series of specials so Kiwis can get a taste.

The world-class resort is the kind of place where staff have briefings on their guests, so they have memorised your name and food preferences before you arrive.

It’s a place that has multimillion-dollar pieces of art in every direction. For example, a ceramic casually sitting above a few books in the main lounge is a Picasso. An enormous shell sitting on a mantelpiece is a 65-million-year-old fossil.

United States billionaire Julian Robertson, who owns the lodge, has also donated $115 million worth of art to Auckland Art Gallery.

Every detail in this remarkable resort is extraordinary. Here’s a peek inside.

The place

Officially known as The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, this 22-suite resort, plus a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage, sits on a sheep and beef farm, which is home to some of the country’s most iconic coastal cliffs.

Much of the farm is part of The Cape Sanctuary, an enormous predator-free zone that is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including an estimated 800 kiwi.

Entering the resort is an experience in itself. You drive up to an enormous gate and push a button. Once the receptionist has confirmed you are a guest, the gates dramatically open, and you are able to begin the enchanting 15-minute drive up the peninsula. Halfway up, you will pass another automatic gate – a sign you have entered the predator-free zone.

The space

On arrival, a platoon of staff is on hand to take care of your every whim, from luggage to refreshments. This is how royalty must feel when they rock up to one of their castles.

Speaking of rock, Sir Paul McCartney is one of many celebrities who have been greeted there.

The staff know you by name, and most guests start with a grand tour of the property, which – spoiler alert – is breathtaking.

The striking entrance is a little like walking through doors to heaven and, in some senses, you are – 2500-year-old tiles salvaged from a Tibetan monastery are part of the grand foyer.

The dining area is a glass-fronted masterpiece overlooking the farm, with coastal views as far as the eye can see.

The library has extremely expensive art hanging in every direction. The surprises continue in the cellar, which has more than 3500 bottles of wine.

And the remarkable details continue when you are shown to your suite.

The room

Our suite was the smallest The Farm offers but was still opulent. Just the bathroom is the size of a small hotel room, with a bath that could almost be mistaken for a small pool.

There is a fully-stocked mini-bar (with everything, except alcohol) included in your room.

The beds are plush california kings that feel like you are sleeping on a cloud. Each room has a balcony, with vast views across the cape and Hawke’s Bay. They are styled like a royal farmhouse, with a TV hidden behind a large photo on the wall.

The food

Meals are included in your stay and, as you would expect at a world-class retreat, the food is remarkable. Head chef James Honore and his team design a bespoke offering each day, and your specially printed menu will reflect dietary requirements. Pick what you would like for each course, or try a tasting menu, which is highly recommended.

Our dishes included fresh pork, lamb, monkfish, and salmon, presented with such care, the dishes felt like works of art. The dessert of white chocolate cream with homemade tangy sorbet, with a white chocolate crumb and strawberries, was one of the best sweet treats I have tried.

Worth stepping out for

The resort is home to one of the world’s best golf courses. If you enjoy a swing, this will undoubtedly be part of your stay. The peninsula, where you find the region’s famous gannet colony, can be reached on a private four-wheel-drive tour.

Don’t miss a trip to the resort’s spa. Usually when you get a hotel massage, therapists go through a generic routine, but here, the therapists identify the areas that need attention, then focus on them. You come away feeling refreshed rather than prodded.

You will also find an impressive infinity pool that is heated to a tropical 29 degrees Celsius, and a hot tub at 41C, which is perfect for stargazing.

The verdict

If you want a taste of how millionaires and royalty live, this place makes your normal ‘‘five-star hotel’’ feel like a backpackers.

Essentials

Cape Kidnappers has a Carpe Diem special for $1782 a couple, per night, which includes predinner drinks, canapes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a non-alcoholic mini-bar. The special runs until December 20. Visit robertsonlodges.com.

Staying safe

New Zealand is under Covid-19 restrictions.

Stay home and follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.