Originally Posted by Groombridge

"top 10,"
1. Villa Feltrinelli (Lago di Garda, Italy)
2. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand)

Originally Posted by Groombridge

My personal favorite was the Farm at Cape Kidnappers, which is amazing in its scale, activities, staff, accommodation, and overall ambience.

Originally Posted by Groombridge

I had heard others say that Kauri Cliffs and Capri Kidnappers are very similar experiences, so we chose just to do one, and chose Cape Kidnappers because:

A) it is newer, so I assumed the accommodation and facilities would be fresher. (They were impeccable.)
C) we wanted to see Napier, since I am a fan of Art Deco architecture

All this said, we loved it so much that I am dying to experience Kauri Cliffs, too, so I am sure whichever you pick you won't go wrong.

world class hotel experiences, with a warmth and quality of service leagues ahead of most European and American hotels and resorts.

Originally Posted by NYBanker

vote for Kidnappers. What a splendid location atop the cliffs.

Plus, nearby Napier is something memorable to see. It is one of the best preserved art deco developments in the world. If you like the architecture in places like Miami Beach, you'll love this town.

The good news is as long as you stay within Julian's properties, you won't go wrong either way.

Originally Posted by listener2

Best for golf, best for family, best for food, and wonderfull rooms.
http://www.kauricliffs.com/
Really enjoyed relaxed to the max.
Julian Robertson does nothing by half.

Originally Posted by listener2

I found Kauri cliffs the better option for us we also tried cape kidnappers ,both were splendid, the rooms and food were superior at Kauri, but in both cases it comes down to personal taste, we are quibbling over fractions of points and menus or colours, you wont go wrong with either.
The views we felt were better at Kauri...both incredible. Enjoy.

Originally Posted by gastropub76

Like listener2, I preferred Kauri Cliffs to Cape Kidnappers. They are very similar, but I am also a hotel junkie and found the interiors at Kauri Cliffs to be richer and the surrounding landscape/attractions more compelling - Maori tourism, sailing, kauri forests etc...really enjoyed just walking the golf course and also exploring other things on the property - trails, beaches, and the spa which was amazing. Just to walk to the spa through the fern forest was somewhat of a spiritual experience.

Originally Posted by cadogan1

Edenhouse, Wildwood Lodge and Prospect Lodge are very small (just with 2 or 3 rooms, operating like super-lux bed and breakfasts, albeit with amazing dinners thrown in too) with astonishing levels of service and pampering from their owner hosts