The Marlborough - Boutique Hotel & Vineyard

We visited today for lunch as part of an excursion from our Azamara Cruise, which had docked in Picton. Following a day which included lovely wine tastings our visit to this property was for lunch and wine and it absolutely capped the day for us. The grounds are stunning even on a rainy day which we experienced. The restaurant is beautiful and very inviting and the staff could not have been more welcoming. The wine is lovely, also - they do offer wines from other places but do not miss the opportunity to try what you can only taste and sample on site. It’s really good! The sommelier is happy to help with suggestions for other local wines as well, and we enjoyed a lovely local Syrah. Then there is the food - WOW! We had a larger group of maybe 20ish so the dishes came family style,and included a beautiful salad, risotto with peas and mint, a beautiful charcoal roasted mussel dish, estate beetroot salad (simply divine), lamb, fish, and a roasted estate cabbage that was to die for. It was beautiful presented, healthful, and delicious. We couldn’t have asked for more and quite honestly, this was the best lunch we have had on our entire trip. The chef is quite honestly deserving of a Michelin star. Would we stay here? Absolutely, based on the location, the interiors which we could view, and the grounds….and most especially the meal. A wonderful part of our wine tastings day for certain!

From the moment we arrived at this boutique hotel, we felt like family. This hotel offers a beautiful pool area, lawn games, walking trails, and beautiful outdoor spaces. The rooms are exquisite. A shout out to Macey. She is the heart of this place and makes everything perfect. The vibe of this place is special. Also, a special thank you to Vi (Virginia) our new friend from Quebec. You are a lovely person and we very much enjoyed talking to you. Sharon, you are new to this job, but we know your potential is special and we loved our time spent with you. Neil, thank you for sharing the stories with Otago (Kinross). You were delightful. I can’t wait to recommend this lovely experience and resort to all of our friends.

When we arrived we were looked after carefully by Vee who also introduced us to her manager Macey and we had a feeling then that we were not in for a “usual” hotel experience This boutique hotel only has 10 bedrooms but oooooozes quality both in facilities and also service. Arriving tired after journeying down from Lake Taupo we were told that we must go to the “Chapel” after we had showered and freshened up before dinner - for pre-dinner drinks This used to be a nuns convent - so going for “Prinks” in the Chapel I knew would be interesting Sure enough - the drinks menu included “the confession” , “the sinner” , “communion” etc etc So naturally I had to start with a “sinner” before sitting down outside in front of the roaring fire with other guests before we went to dinner, which was (needless to say) amazing And so it was for the rest of our stay - amazing with another manager Loren making sure the heated pool was ready for our morning exercise before our sumptuous breakfast

This hotel is an experience. The grounds are stunning. Everywhere you look is beauty. Don’t miss the hydranga walking trail. The rooms are large with luxury appointments. The staff are 10 star and what makes this place so exceptional. The food is delicate and exquisite. And of course, the wine is plentiful and delish.

Such wonderful service! From the moment we checked in we were met on a first name basis , treated as family the entire stay and greeted with smiles at every turn. Both the day and night managers were genuinely happy to be there and enjoyed not only their jobs but meeting guests. We also had the privilege of spending time getting to know the owner, Angela, who is very hands on and it shows in the minor details. Our room was lovely and quiet , we enjoyed the wines in our rooms and the evening canapés/cocktails. The outdoor fireplace was lovely and Kareem, the night manager was more than happy to keep the fires burning. The breakfast crew with Lea was so attentive and the food was delicious , both breakfast and dinner. It was nice to have the heated pool available , and the convenience to town was another plus. A lovely venue with wonderful people working there , we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. This was also the first place we have stayed with a secret passage for guests.