St Andrews named in Oceania's top 10

St Andrews Escape includes outdoor baths, a fruit orchard and secret rooms. Photo / File

St Andrews Escape in Havelock North has been named one of the Top Ten Properties in Oceania by booking agency Booking.com.

The boutique accommodation's owner, John Davidson, said the lodge and garden were a labour of love "that has come to fruition these last few years".

"I have visitors from all over the world come here through Booking.com and as the garden grows each year they become more and more captivated by it," he said.

"We're only 20 minutes from Napier but people come here to escape and feel a million miles away."

He said the award was a result of good feedback from guests at the 5ha property bordered by the Karamu Stream.

"When people book with booking.com they get an automatic email asking how the stay went and they have the option to write a review - good bad or otherwise. I think on average I get about 9.8 out of 10 from everybody."

St Andrews had free bikes for the cycleways and kayaks for the stream "but they don't mention that, they say what a nice place it is."

"The setting and buildings are good and we have a large pond/small lake.

"They also seem to like the service I give. I seem to be the person who mostly looks after people and they leave lovely comments.

"I love meeting people and passing on my local knowledge but I think knowing when to leave people to themselves is one of the key skills, after all, they've come here to relax."

Built in 2004 it includes outdoor baths, a fruit orchard, secret rooms and fragrant spots.

New Zealand was well represented on the list, with two bed and breakfasts also named: Chalet Romantica in Paihia and @Riverhills in Palmerston North.