Local retreat beats bigger resorts in award

Martinborough's Peppers Parehua luxury retreat has been recognised for its star service.

It recently won the Excellence in Guest Service award out of the Mantra Group's 130 Peppers properties in Australia and New Zealand.

Simon Tocker, Pepper Parehua's manager, said it was a difficult award to win as it relied on getting good guest feedback and people tended to be more critical of high-end retreats.

"People have more of an opinion on what they should expect."

The retreat was also the runner-up for Best Peppers property at the annual Mantra Awards, held in Australia two weeks ago.

With no more than 18 staff, Mr Tocker was pleased that "a little place like Peppers Parehua" was recognised.

"The guys have been working really hard. It's great to rival the big boys like that."

Mr Tocker was also a finalist in the Group General Manager of the Year.

He is also a finalist for NZ General Manager of the Year at the 2013 HM Awards - the Australasian accommodation industry awards.

Richard Rooney from Wharekauhau Country Estate in Featherston is also up for the award.