Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
446 Clifton Road, Te Awanga 4180
Rating: 4.7 ★ (129 ratings)
Details
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers presents as a distinctive luxury lodge, thoughtfully set across 6,000 rolling acres of working farmland and a significant wildlife sanctuary in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. This exceptional property affords breathtaking 180-degree vistas of the Pacific Ocean from its dramatic clifftop location. The design harmoniously blends rustic, textured materials with comfortable, modern furnishings, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance deeply rooted in its pastoral surroundings.
The accommodation comprises 22 luxurious suites and an expansive four-bedroom villa, each offering a private balcony with panoramic views, a working fireplace, and a generously sized bathroom. Guests can indulge at the championship 18-hole golf course, designed by Tom Doak and highly rated globally, or unwind at the full-service spa, which includes an outdoor infinity pool and fitness centre. Culinary experiences are a highlight, with dining focused on refined seasonal cuisine, featuring local produce often sourced from the lodge's own garden, alongside options for private dining and picnics.
This distinctive retreat is particularly well-suited for romantic escapes, honeymoons, and enriching family holidays, offering a compelling blend of luxury and immersive natural experiences. It appeals strongly to golf enthusiasts, nature lovers keen on activities such as Kiwi Discovery Walks and gannet colony tours, and those who appreciate authentic farm experiences and the renowned local food and wine scene. The overall guest appeal lies in its ability to combine high-end comfort with opportunities to connect deeply with New Zealand's dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife.
Location
Contact
+64 6 875 1900 | https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/cape-kidnappers
Comments
The property itself is stunning, overlooking Hawke’s Bay with beautiful sunrises and sunsets across its rustic farmland setting and the Cape Kidnappers Golf Course. It’s the perfect retreat for golfers, couples, and families looking to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
What truly set this experience apart was the impeccable level of service. The staff greeted us personally each time we returned, anticipated our daily schedule effortlessly, and consistently went above and beyond to make our stay feel seamless and thoughtful. The dining experience was equally memorable: generous breakfasts, wonderful pre-dinner drinks with an excellent wine selection, and beautifully crafted locally sourced dinners. We also met incredible fellow guests along the way, which made the atmosphere feel even more special.
We initially came for the golf, but we genuinely cannot wait to return to enjoy the other activities offered on the farm.
Staff very nice, polite, well presented.
We had bread and butter as welcome and really nice and smooth pumpking soup. Entrée was salmon crudo, with pea espuma and pairing was yuzu moctail. Just perfect. My friend had a piece of tinfoil in her drink and they made her a new one.
Main was pulled braised beef. Sides were executed perfectly, probably sous vide, but just done perfectly. Beef was so disappointing. They braised the beef and then it was pulled and pressed to form a shape so they can cut it and bake it, which made the beef super dry. There was just a smidgen of pumpkin puree, no jus. Lucky, we were very hungry and the virgin bloody Mary was done perfectly to wash down the taste of disappointment and insult to my taste buds.
Dessert was bruleed tart and it was ok taste, but no imagination. Pear could have been cooked in alcohol or ice cream could have been some refreshing note to take the sweetness (use Paco jet if making your own ice cream, as it was icy). Pairing with aromatic wine was good.
Petit fours were ok.
They removed one main of our bill which was ok. The staff definitely need a proper training,like not to cross over face and over customer when putting dishes, where to place certain cutlery, wear deodorant, pay attention if customer is drinking flat water and not to pour twice sparking if asked for flat and most importantly, to pronounce properly dishes name.
Overall, I am with very high standards, and the place is stunning, it needs better food and more knowledgeable staff to be a full package.