Vintners Retreat

We booked a two bedroom/two bathroom villa which almost felt too big for us as a couple but they didn’t have anything smaller. The villa was spotlessly clean although not luxurious and furnishings were a bit tired. Bathrooms were slightly dated but again very clean. Bedding was crisp, white cotton and plenty of towels were provided. There was a washing machine and dryer in the garage and washing powder etc. was also provided. The garden was lovely and the views over the vineyards from the back of the house were outstanding - views I will never forget. Check-in was very easy, we arrived early but our villa was already ready and waiting. We hired bikes to cycle around the wineries and it was a great day out as they were all close by and easily accessible. Would happily stay here again, the location was perfect.

I want to give this hotel amazing accolades for their service. There was a mix up with a unit being sold and our reservation not being available any longer. Now I know what you're thinking, wait how are you going to give them accolades without a stay. YOU GUYS- this was the best service ever, and I come from customer service background so I am always on the problem solving bus. So we show up, the manager is so so nice and tells us what happened, and says BUT I have a place for you to stay, it's right down the street, super close (it was!) and it's same level as you booked (2 bedroom, and it was!) and I'm so so sorry for the inconvenience. He then paid for our dinner and gave us a bottle of champagne for the inconvenience. I was actually so shocked, I didn't even know how to respond. He had solved the problem, with a great solution, and then went above and beyond to make it right. The place we stayed was AMAZING, the host met us outside, had the best chocolates ever as a treat for us and honestly, I will never forget how above and beyone they went for us. This would never happen in most places. Thank you for all you did, we will always speak so highly of you! I will say- location for this hotel even though we did not stay is AMAZING for wine tasting. And a couple of the vineyards even said oh it's really nice there! Anyway- thank you so much!

This is a nice resort with a great location. It was clean and well maintained but some of the furniture and the rugs were a bit worn. There is plenty of space. We enjoyed our morning walks along the vineyard paths - very peaceful and picturesque.

The place is actually made of several villas which are huge and with great views of a vineyard and mountains. Accommodations are two stories; ours had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is a full kitchen. The bed was quite comfortable and the linens/towels were of good quality. There was also a jacuzzi in the master bath which I loved. I would say that the cleanliness could have been better; we found a broiler tray in a kitchen cabinet that was filthy and full of grease. Yuck. It was hot the first day we were there. There is adequate AC on the first floor but nothing but fans on the second floor so we were very uncomfortable sleeping that night. Also, be aware that there is NO restaurant or food available on site. They do sell bottles of wine. Not the best place for people traveling without a car. The receptionist was not very helpful or friendly. Overall, just average.

“Sorry, but I have some rather upsetting news”, said the manager of Vintner’s Retreat, when he phoned us on the afternoon before we were due to arrive, and explained that he had found they had overbooked. Our agent had booked the spacious house, with garden, garage, balcony and full laundry facilities, which overlooked nothing but vineyards and the mountains in the distance, about. eight months before. We were asked to accept a hotel room in Blenheim (a town we would not wish to stay in). We were given the option of one night in each location, or to stay both nights in the hotel. Thankfully, because we had booked through an agent, our refusal to agree to the hotel was accepted. If we had booked independently, I feel that we would have had no choice in the matter.

Excellent accommodation, nice to be able to spend some time in a proper house and get away from motels and hotels. The weather did not allow us to make use of the BBQ and private patio, but that would be great in the summer. We wee able to walk to three local wineries - not all 5 mins as per the TA summary!, but no more than 20 mins in the extreme case. So wine tasting without driving is possible! As to the house, all the fittings are of a good order albeit we found the dining room chairs a bit saggy, but all in all a very nice relaxing stay in the heart of the wine country! Enjoy and stay safe!