KEY POINTS:
Mirabel Brook is already getting phone calls from Britain after a glowing write-up of her Hawkes Bay retreat in a national newspaper there.
Her Waimarama property, Cape South, topped a list of "five best antipodean retreats" published by the Guardian on Saturday.
Cape South, on the hills between Waimarama and Ocean beaches, is an expansive coastal estate with three separate self-catering accommodation options for guests.
For Mrs Brook, the inclusion in the national newspaper was recognition of what she said was "a very special place".
"It's terribly exciting," she said. "We opened four years ago with one cottage.
"We've now increased that to three, including our large and elegant homestead and a purpose-built studio for meetings and functions."
The Guardian praised the elegant accommodation, Pacific views, alfresco hot tub and swimming pool, as well as the proximity to wineries such as Craggy Range and nearby Waimarama.
It also referred to Cape South's resident "pet giraffes", a striking landscaping feature in the garden provided by three enormous metal sculptures.
The Guardian's weekly travel section regularly runs its "five best" list, where it recommends specific travel experiences.
The feature is popular with readers and is influential.
The newspaper has a daily circulation of 345,000 copies and a readership of 1,217,000, so it is no wonder Cape South is delighted.
"Although we are starting to get a good foothold in the market, this type of recognition is enormously good for our profile.
"Since the article appeared, the phone has already started ringing and several new bookings from the UK are in place."
This type of publicity is also a perfect fit for the type of traveller New Zealand Tourism is targeting, Mrs Brook said.
"Guardian readers are described as affluent, young urban consumers with a keen sense of adventure when it comes to trying new products and experiences."
Other retreats were in Western Australia, Tasmania, the South Island and New South Wales.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
