Experience the relaxed elegance...

“This was our second stay here, though it was the Old St. Mary’s Convent when we stayed in 2009. There have been significant changes made inside - the rooms are more modern and elegant but still very comfortable and spacious. The chapel is now used as the gathering spot for afternoon canapés and drinks prior to dinner, with a large fireplace outside where we could visit with our hosts and fellow guests. The manager, Karen, was extremely attentive to our every need and the staff, Lindsey and Heaven, were fun to visit with and equally attentive. Everyone’s attention to detail is impressive, to say the least. We came away feeling quite pampered! And we really enjoyed meeting Maria, who cares for the beautiful grounds, to share memories from our earlier visit. Be sure to walk around the grounds to admire Maria’s good work and view the gardens - and, by all means, visit the chickens! I especially enjoyed walking along the creek and photographing the various species of birds that gather there. Lastly, as others have noted, the location is perfect for setting out to visit the many nearby wineries.”

gleno51

“My wife and I spent 3 night at this lodge. Everything was great : the room ( super clean and very well appointed), the food ( excellent breakfast and superb dinner) , the staff ( Karen, the General Manager is a super friendly and professional person that managed very well her excellent team), the property in general ( a beautiful lodge perfectly sitting in a wonderful garden).... We normally stay at 5 stars hotel around the globe but this one is one of the few we will remember . Thank you !!”

giogio42

“A former convent on 16 beautifully landscaped acres updated to the highest standard. Our stay was was one of the highlights of our visit to New Zealand. Foremost in our experience was the warm attention of Manager Karen and Owner Angela which carried through the entire staff. The building is charming, the gardens beautiful.”

Win Fowler

“We were on a holiday driving from Auckland to Queenstown and this was a stop in the winelands of Blenheim suggested and arranged by our tour company. We had got the ferry across from Wellington in the morning, picked up the next car and drove south for about 30 minutes. I had sorted the route so as we came into towards the Blenheim area we went to four wineries for tastings before getting to the hotel. The hotel is very close to the wineries and we got there mid afternoon. Turning down a track you go a short way down a winding track and then come to a lovely quite small looking building. We were instantly greeted by a really friendly lady who made us feel immediately welcome. Our bags were taken from the car and straight to the room while she gave us a quick walk around what used to be a convent. This is a lovely place, very peaceful, lovely grounds, lovely rooms and very homely. Pre dinner drinks were suggested in what used to be the chapel and now a lovely lounge with a small bar and was so relaxing. Dinner is equally good in a very relaxed dining room. Excellent food and service. This place is relaxed homely luxury and it was a great pity our plans only allowed one night. If you have more time than we allowed, perhaps stay two nights, or more, while taking the whole day to look around the lovely wine region.”

Mike C