Otohuna left me speechless.Something my husband says is hard to do.It was our 30th wedding anniversary and we wanted to stay somwhere special. From the moment we drove up to this beautifully restored lodge we knew we were in for an amazing experience. We lacked for nothing.The verandah room was gloriously appointed and comfortable and sitting out on the verandah sipping on a glass of wine, soaking in the beautiful gardens was a great way to start our short adventure of New Zealand. Food was chosen seasonally and often fresh from the garden and cooked to perfection,(you could even have a cooking lesson if you felt that way inclined). Wines were expertly matched to the meals. Leisure activities were organised without fuss. Service from staff was attentive but not obtrusive and it was lovely hearing from the staff themselves that they loved and were proud of what they did. Miles and Hall should themselves be proud of what they have achieved here.It nothing short pf perfection.

Otahuna Lodge is the ultimate destination for travelers who love luxury without pretense. The lodge is owned and managed by Miles and Hull, two wonderful entrepreneurs from New York City. They've refurbished this turn of the century inn into a fabulous oasis set in the middle of sheep country with the golden and lime green mountains as backdrop. The food, service and rooms are innovative and unbelievably memorable.

We had heard a lot about Otahuna Lodge as it has been featured in a number of high end magazines over the last year, and wanted to see whether it lived up to its expectations. The answer is a resounding yes!

From the minute you pull up at the imposing gates, you know you are in for a special experience. Cruising slowly up the curving tree lined drive adds to the anticipation and when the majestic Lodge appears beyond the lake and the trees, you know you have arrived a truly spectacular property. The staff are skilled and professional without being at all stuffy, and the whole experience is just like staying with personal friends in their fabulous country house. There is no doubting the wonderfully grand feeling of the Lodge, but at the same time we felt immediately at home. This is not a case of style over substance, and the luxurious furnishings are complimented by art work by New Zealand artists. Your every need is met, and if by chance there is something else you require, it is simply a matter of asking one of the accommodating staff. Nothing is a problem. The gardens are enormous and beautiful and it is well worth taking some time to explore the grounds. We swam in the pool before dinner which was the perfect way to wind down on a hot summers day. Before we went poolside we were asked for our refreshment preferences and these were bought out to us. We enjoyed the local sparkling mineral water, but we could have had champagne if we had been in the mood, as Otahuna offers an all inclusive tariff.

Later, we joined other guests in the drawing room for pre-dinner drinks and canapes, and then went into the magnificent formal dining room for dinner. We elected to join other guests and the Lodge hosts around the large dining room table for a very convivial evening, but if we had been feeling less sociable could have dined separately in one of a number of alternative venues. The cuisine is simply exceptional and each course is accompanied by a carefully matched fine wine. The details are explained by one of the resident chefs and greatly enhance the whole dining experience. We were impressed that as many as possible of the ingredients are grown organically on the estate. Portion sizes are perfect and we returned to our room feeling comfortably replete rather than overwhelmed, which is quite something after 8 courses!

Our suite was spacious and exceptionally comfortable, and like the rest of the Lodge had been designed with great attention to detail. The bed was divinely comfortable and the bathroom offered plenty of room and luxury.

The following morning we had our breakfast al fresco to make the most of the weather. We enjoyed house made granola with fresh fruit and yoghurt and freshly squeezed juice, but we could have ordered any sort of cooked breakfast as well. They is no menu - you just tell the breafast chef what you want and it appears. They even make their own sausages...

We found it quite difficult to tear ourselves away from such a wonderful experience. In this age of hype it is reassuring to know that there are properties out there that live up their promotion. Otahuna Lodge is certainly one of those properties, and what struck us was how everything was done with such integrity. We loved our time there and would recommend it without hesitation.

A required stop for any visit to New Zealand. Alas, I recommend stopping by Otahuna as your last stop rather than your first, as all other properties pale in comparison. Owners Hall Cannon and Miles Refo have lovingly refurbished the lodge in excruciating detail.

From the accomodations to the food to the staff to the environs, it does not get any better than this. Period. My husband and I have travelled extensively, staying in wonderful hotels, inns and lodges from Tokyo to Capetown, and Otahuna really knocked our socks off. A unique property not to be missed.

We traveled around within New Zealand and concurred that we would have been better off spending more time at Otahuna and less time seeing more of the country. They've got it all right there. For utter relaxation, luxury and spoiling oneself, this is the place. Don't ask questions, just GO.