Maketu: Welcome retreat in Bay of Plenty

The size of the welcome is as big as the view. From the large deck of the Blue Tides Beachfront Retreat at Maketu, I felt as though I could see from one side of the earth to the other - and there was nothing to spoil my view.

Tricia Haine, my host for the weekend, is as keen as they come to ensure everything is "just so" for her guests.

The award winning B&B - it has won two Bay of Plenty tourism awards this year and has a three-plus grading from Qualmark - has something for everyone, as well as a few surprises.

"I like to encourage people to relax, have fun and, if possible, take them out of their comfort zone to try something new and exciting," she says.

From my ensuite bedroom I could enjoy the view and the sound of the sea lapping against the shore - it almost sang me to sleep after my late two-hour drive from Auckland.

The scent of fresh lavender in the room, a choice of pillows (thick, thin, hard and soft) and the feel of the neatly turned-down bed linen all helped for a more than comfortable night's rest.

But before guests retire for the evening, there are choices to be made. Tricia asks guests to choose their breakfast the night before.

No one could go hungry. From a light continental through to a fully cooked gourmet delight - the most important meal of the day is a feast of fresh produce cooked to order. Then there's the pick of teas, fresh juices and ground coffee. Frankly, I couldn't wait to get out of bed the next morning after making my selections.

Blue Tides has three guest rooms plus a self-contained unit that's ideal for families and groups willing to share its kitchen and ensuite.

Upstairs there's the king, queen and twin rooms all with their own ensuite, heated towel rails - hot enough to fry an egg on - and indulgent treats to welcome you. However, only one room has views of the sea, but having said that, no one would sit in a room (as nice as they may be) when there's that wonderful vista from the deck.

Who could want anything more than a soothing drink and a view that's been there since the dawn of time? Relax, watch the locals play on the beach, fish or surf - maybe you'll even spot dolphins. The hours will quickly drift by as the stresses of city life evaporate.

In the evening, you will be awe-struck at the breathtaking sunset from the deck - only to be replaced by a night sky, unencumbered by street lights, allowing (on a clear night) every star to be visible.

"I sometimes sit here at night and give myself a goal to see 12 shooting stars before going to bed. I often don't have to wait too long," says Tricia.

Downstairs is the self-contained unit. I wish it had a name as "unit" conjures up entirely the wrong image. It has sea views, a private courtyard, plenty of room for four people and a garage for your car or bikes.

Relaxing around Tricia's home was a joy. There's plenty of reading matter, a few mind-boggling games to play (I defy any guest to complete Tricia's hexagonal maths puzzle before bedtime) and, if you're so inclined, there's a newly tuned piano to play - probably the only thing Tricia hasn't mastered.


Getting there:

Go south on SH1, SH2, through Kiwifruit Country, onto the Maketu Rd, just past the village roundabout turn left into Beach Road.

Contact details:

Blue Tides Beachfront Retreat, 7 Te Awhe Rd, Maketu Beach.

Ph/fax: (07) 533 2023, email: info@bluetides.co.nz

Smoking:

Not permitted inside the home. There are covered areas outside.

Children:

Children are welcome, but Tricia is the first to admit Blue Tides isn't really geared up to provide energetic youngsters with plenty to do.

Access:

Not suitable for wheelchairs.

Tariff:

Upstairs rooms: $145 bed & breakfast

Downstairs room: $90 bed & breakfast

Self-contained unit: $120

Specials:

"Girls only" breaks, the ultimate indulgent experience, can be organised by arrangement. Among the range of personal treatments offered are facials, massages and pedicures.

Where to eat:

Wholesome home-cooked evening meals can be provided on request at Blue Tides, but many visitors opt to eat out.

Try the Sea Side Cafe - it's ideal for a pleasant meal with wide sea views (just two minutes' walk from Blue Tides), ph (07) 533 2381. It's just got its liquor licence so beer and wine will soon complement its menu. Try the fresh fish of the day in their special light batter.

The Trading Post in Wilson Rd, Paengaroa (about five minutes by car), is glorious. It offers snacks, lunches and full evening meals Thursday to Sunday (ph 07 533 1900, www.tepuke.co.nz/tradingpostcafe). Former Auckland chef Dean Hitchcock prepares the food to perfection.

Next door is Trading Post Antiques - it is almost impossible to leave without being tempted to buy something.

Things to do:

There's a big market in Maketu every third Sunday - great for local produce and interesting bric-a-brac. Rotorua, Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are 30 minutes away by car - Whakatane is 45 minutes away.

There are four beaches within a few minutes' walk of Blue Tides. You could swim with the dolphins, visit village craft shops or go fishing. There are also plenty of action activities such as four-wheel-driving and jet boating.


* Steve Hart was a guest of Blue Tides Beachfront Retreat.

www.bluetides.co.nz

http://thejunction.co.nz