Retreat to the Ridge

By HEATHER RAMSAY

Even during the summer I hardly braved the water, so the last thing I expected was to be lazing in an outdoor pool at the beginning of winter. However, once we had identified ourselves and the tall gates to Ridge Country Retreat swung open, this was just one of the unexpected pleasures in store.

This new retreat is tucked into a secluded cleft in the hills beyond Tauranga, surrounded on three sides by forest and farmland and with views stretching over kiwifruit orchards down to the coast. It's only 15 minutes from the city, but the drive up a winding country road with a short stretch of gravel at the end gives the illusion of being miles from anywhere.

That remote, escapist feeling is exactly what owners Penny Oxnam and Joanne O'Keeffe want their guests to experience. They have owned the land for 10 years, so they knew how the purpose-built lodge should be sited to shelter it from any wind, and take full advantage of the views and plentiful Tauranga sunshine. Thus every one of the five luxurious rooms has expansive views and a private, sun-drenched deck.

Between them, the pair has 50 years' experience in the hospitality industry, so they have that knack of making guests feel at ease, yet remaining unobtrusive. They are also adept at sensing and catering for individual needs. For example, knowing that I had come straight off a long international flight from a hot country, they had arranged a foot massage, which was heaven.

Health and beauty therapies fit in with the ethos of retreat, replenish, recharge and revitalise, and there is a dedicated treatment room, run in association with the Mt Maunganui-based SkinCare Company. There is also an exercise room, a driving range and practice green, a heated lap pool and numerous invigorating walks around the 14ha property.

However, this is definitely no boot camp where strict health regimes are enforced. The emphasis is on rejuvenation through relaxation, with plenty of pampering thrown in.

The rooms are calming, with muted hues accentuated by rich russet and antique gold accessories. Bathrooms are huge with underfloor heating to keep them cosy, and our double spa bath had views over the valley to the rugged hills opposite.

When we arrived, our personalised menu lay on the bed, along with a letter of welcome and a gift of organic feijoa liqueur. Daily menus are tailored to suit preferences. Because we had been out of contact, our tastes were unknown but we weren't disappointed.

After hors d'oeuvres and drinks, we had a choice of mushroom and watercress soup, or quail and zucchini fritters with fresh figs and a quince and port relish. Mains were snapper and king prawns served with dips of avocado and wasabi, chilli saffron, and lime dukkah; or venison and pheasant medallions with cranberry gravy.

Ridge Country Retreat uses three chefs so that long-stay guests have more variety in their cuisine, and the kitchen makes great use of fresh Bay of Plenty produce. An example was our dessert - roast red quinces with Kahlua cream, or raspberries in chardonnay jelly, with fresh cream.

We dined at the long table, under lofty cathedral ceilings that added an air of grandeur to the elegance of the room. This table is shared with other guests, but guests can choose when and where they dine.

The hosts will happily set up romantic tables for two in your room or on your balcony, next to the pool and huge outdoor fire, or in a secluded spot somewhere on the property.

After dinner we leaned over the deck railing, our breath clouds drifting into a dark sky sprinkled with enough stars to rival the twinkling lights of the distant city.

Then we snuggled into comfortable couches in front of the crackling fire before retiring, sated and somnolent, to the seclusion of our room.

* Heather Ramsay was a guest of Ridge Country Retreat.




Where to find it

Ridge Country Retreat, 300 Rocky Cutting Rd, Welcome Bay, Tauranga. Ph: (07) 542 1301; Fax (07) 542 2116; Email relax@rcr.co.nz. Getting there

Ridge Country Retreat is 2 1/2 hours drive from Auckland on SH1, then SH2 via Waihi. Tauranga is well connected by air, and Ridge Country Retreat has a helicopter pad.

Once in Tauranga, follow signs to Whakatane, then turn right over the railway lines past Baypark Stadium. Drive 5km to Welcome Bay Rd (just past the Papamoa turn-off). Rocky Cutting Rd is the second road on the left.

What it costs

$700 plus GST a room, which includes pre-dinner drinks, a four-course dinner and a fully cooked breakfast (two people). Conference and corporate rates are available for six people or more. Access

Wheelchair access is possible

Children

Children are welcome as part of a group that has booked the lodge for exclusive use. Smoking

Outside only Entertainment

There is a library stocked with CDs, books, and a computer with free internet access. The library connects to a small conference room. All rooms have wireless internet connection, Sky TV and DVD players. A full range of health and beauty treatments is available on-site.