Eveline Harvey takes in the serenity and starry skies while staying at a Napier vineyard
Location:
Tucked in among the vines on the grounds of Hawke's Bay's Mission Estate Winery.
Getting there:
Mission Estate is about 10 minutes' drive from Napier's CBD, so hiring a car or taking a taxi are your best bets.
Check-in experience:
Easy as pie. We rocked up to the estate's Cellar Door and the lovely Yvonne had us sorted with the key and instructions on how to find The Farmhouse in a jiffy.
Bedrooms:
There are three — two with double beds and one with two singles. Each has its own ensuite and the house is cleverly designed so each room feels almost like its own wing, with the dining and living areas drawing them all together at its heart. There's a heat pump in each bedroom too, as well as a writing desk and a reading chair ... oh, and a TV, should you for some reason tire of looking out the window.
Bed:
Fantastic. I had an exceptional night's sleep... I'm sure the pre-bed soak in the spa won't have done any harm either.
Free Wi-Fi?
Yes.
Bathroom:
Wooden floors with tiled showers and plenty of towels supplied.
Toiletries:
de Chéri's Classic Spa Range.
Food and drink:
The complimentary bottle of Mission Fête on arrival is a nice touch. You can pre-purchase a continental breakfast too, or go grocery shopping in the bread basket that is the Hawke's Bay and whip up your own feast in the well-equipped kitchen. There's also a BBQ if you'd rather cook and dine al fresco.
Facilities:
Gas fireplace, spa pool, washing machine and dryer, open-plan living area that opens onto a spacious deck with outdoor table and sun umbrella.
What's so good about this place?
The location's pretty special. I woke early the morning after we stayed and strolled around the back lawn with a hot coffee watching the first rays of sunlight hit the vines. Magic.
And the bad?
Only staying one night.
Price:
Ranges from $250 to $550 depending on the number of rooms being occupied and the time of year.
Entertainment:
Pop the bubbles, watch the pukekos stalking the vines, then settle in and indulge in a spot of star-gazing from the hot tub.
What's in the neighbourhood?
It's a five-minute stroll up the hill to the award-winning Mission Restaurant, where you can dine on fabulous locally-sourced fare and have a glass of the lovingly-crafted end product of that vine fruit.
Perfect for:
A romantic getaway or a relaxing break with friends.
In a nutshell:
You'll find me in the spa pool.
CHECKLIST
The Farmhouse at Mission Estate is at 198 Church Road, Napier, Hawke's Bay. Phone: (06) 845 9350.
When there's nothing as far as the eye can see, you may appreciate the company.