Villa Toscana

Description:

• Giorgio and Margherita Allemano have replicated a Tuscan villa high on a hill overlooking native bush and the ocean, where they take great pleasure in welcoming guests from all over the world. Their Kiwi Green certified, fully self-contained two-bedroom guest suite has its own entrance, deck, garden, barbecue, and outdoor Jacuzzi. You'll find no fault with the spacious, airy bedrooms. The decor is simple -- lots of traditional Italian tiles and marble -- plus a large bathroom with Italian fixtures, a granite kitchen, and a wide lounge for relaxing at the end of a busy touring day. Giorgio is happy to show you his underground wine cellar and, as a marine biologist and keen fisherman, he has plenty to talk about. Don't miss the genuine Italian gourmet dinners. It's not cheap but it's a fully Italian experience that you'll remember long after leaving.

  Amenities: Dinner on request; bar; free airport transport; babysitting; free mountain bikes; nearby golf courses; Jacuzzi; 2 nearby outdoor tennis courts; 11m (35-ft.) Bertram game fishing launch for hire (NZ$1,100 per day); kayaks.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010