With the international combination of American owners, Kiwi managers, a Bali-inspired spa and a Welsh chef, one of New Zealand's first boutique accommodation destinations has been invigorated.
Hidden at the end of Mangatawhiri Valley, just south of the Bombay Hills, Hotel du Vin was "the" destination in the 90s for corporate events, luxury weekends away for Aucklanders and a slice of rural New Zealand for tourists. But with competition from ever-increasing boutique accommodation, the 18-year-old hotel has been spruced up by American owners Ed and Barbara Aster and new partners, the Heritage chain. The destination is now named Heritage Hotel & Spa du Vin.
The major changes over the past few years have been the relocation of the property's Firstland Vineyard - although decorative vines remain - and the conversion of the former cellars into the internationally-acclaimed Spa du Vin. The 48 chalets of the complex have been redecorated and the hotel is still popular for conferences and its weekend packages.
Just 45 minutes south of Auckland, the complex has the benefit of being close enough for a day out, and secluded enough to make you feel you're far from the city.
There is a range of complimentary activities to cater for everyone from sloths to sporty types. There's petanque and croquet - ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon - plus tennis, a fitness trail and mountain biking.
Restaurant
For a 26-year-old from Wales, head chef Adrian Brett-Chinnery knows a thing or two about Kiwi cuisine.
Trained in the UK, Adrian has been at the hotel for 2 1/2 years, and is an advocate of using seasonal local produce. To accommodate that, his menu changes every six weeks, although favourites such as duck liver and foie gras, and crottin of French goats' cheese are permanently on the menu.
His latest menu is a week old and includes such delightful entrees as terrine of maize-fed chicken and Earl Grey-soaked figs, salad of quail egg and corn shoots with truffle mayonnaise, as well as new season New Zealand scallops, tortellini of Waikanae crab and South Island salmon, confit tomato, lemon foam and lobster oil.
His mains include the popular chargrilled eye fillet of New Zealand Angus beef with smoked potato croquette, fava beans, gratin of wild mushrooms and truffle oil and crisp parsnip; pan-roasted hapuka steak, lightly spiced du puy lentils, caramelised radicchio, baby sorrel, cranberry pomegranate and hazelnut dressing.
But Adrian's passion is pudding. A must-try is his signature dessert, rich Valronha chocolate fondant. Another great option is the tasting plate that includes a pick of the puds.
The menu also takes the hard work out of deciding what to drink, with a suggested wine match for each dish.
Spa du Vin
On stepping into Spa du Vin, you can feel your muscles relaxing - and that's before treatments begin. The care and attention to relaxation is sublime - while the Balinese furniture and antiques throughout the facility alone are worth the entry.
Try the hour-long Sodashi Signature Body Massage ($130). It's the combination of massage with the New Zealand exclusive Sodashi range of products. The body massage is a wonderfully relaxing start to a stay at the hotel but be sure to book any treatments as this establishment is extremely popular. It's easy to understand why, with such spa packages as the three-hour Ultimate Indulgence ($510) for two. Designed for couples, you begin with a massage in your own couples' room, followed by a soak in aromatic oils in a dual bath, topped off with a glass of champagne. Bliss.
Need to know
Getting there: Drive to the Bombay Hills, turn left at SH2, then after five minutes head left down Lyons Rd. Keep driving until you reach reception.
When to go: The estate is busy during the weekend with the spa often booked out on a Saturday, so make a reservation. Try spending a Sunday night at the hotel when it is quieter - you can still get back for work on Monday if necessary.
Deals: The hotel has a selection of accommodation, like the Perfect Retreat ($665 per couple) for a night's accommodation, three-course dinner, cooked breakfast and a wine gift.
Events: Coming up is The Met to Broadway opera evening (August 20) where for $170 per person, you are entertained by Italian tenor Pietro Picone and soprano Gina Sanders. The evening includes a five-course meal plus canapes. Hotel du Vin is also offering a special overnight package ($550 per couple/share twin).
Visit www.heritagehotels.co.nz