Clifftops Retreat, Nelson, New Zealand

This romantic retreat features a delightful king-sized bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views out to the ocean and a skylight allows you to gaze at the stars above you. Laze in bed and listen to the bird song, step into the shower overlooking the fishpond and garden or curl up on the sofa in front of the fireplace in the lounge with a good book. Enjoy a stroll amongst the five acres of park-like gardens (you may well be joined by your hosts’ two very friendly dogs), or just relax in the outdoor jacuzzi – and gaze in awe at the breathtaking views! Take time to explore the nearby boutique wineries and pick up a bottle of local Nelson wine to enjoy on the privacy of your patio (which is also equipped with a barbecue).

Your hosts, Bob and Anne, will ensure you have a memorable stay. Anne is an excellent cook and she goes out of her way to stock your kitchen with everything you should need, from favourite local wines to fresh herbs and fruits from the garden. There is obviously much to see and do in the area with the Abel Tasman National Park only 30 minutes drive away – and Bob and Anne are only too happy to recommend places to visit. There are fantastic gardens to visit, beaches to comb, mountains to climb, galleries and artists to admire, wines to savour, fish to catch, kayaks to paddle and photo opportunities around every corner.

Nelson is renowned for its arts and crafts scene, its small family-owned wineries and fabulous cafés and restaurants. Local seafood is a speciality – and down at the city’s waterfront, the well-known ‘Boat Shed Café’ is famous for its mussels and crayfish. If you like to dine closer to "home" there is the The Appleshed set right above the water with fabulous views of the estuary, Rabbit Island and the mountains beyond located in Mapua. Or for some seriously good gourmet food visit Hopgoods or Sachi.

A highlight for many people is a day trip with Rod Steward on his boat exploring the Abel Tasman Park, admiring frolicking seals and looking for little blue penguins and dolphins in the turquoise waters. The day will be as active or relaxing as you like, with kayaks on board and hiking options in the pristine coastal forest. Golden Bay, another fantastic day trip should also not be missed. Explore the sand dunes at Wharariki Beach, see the longest sand spit in the world, wander along the boardwalk around the clear springs, catch a fish and have it smoked at Anatoki Salmon farm and admire the many artists at work.

With so much to do and see in this beautiful region, along with the luxury of Clifftops, you'll never want to leave!