Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Where else but in New Zealand would you actively seek out a working sheep ranch for a bit of rural high luxury? This is lodge country, where plush interiors and rugged exteriors go hand in glove. And this particular sheep ranch, the Farm at Cape Kidnappers, lies not on some dull green hillside but on the headlands overlooking Hawke’s Bay, on the North Island of New Zealand — a stunning setting in a country that’s not short on stunning settings.

The lodge itself isn’t hard on the eyes either — the building is a peculiarly modern sort of rustic, and the interiors are elegant, understated, clearly built at least as much for comfort as for good looks. They’re all suites, and they all have sweeping panoramic views up and down the coast, plus a full complement of modern and classic conveniences — flatscreens, iPod docks, luxury bathrooms, fireplaces.

In keeping with the subgenre of NZ lodge hospitality, you can expect a very upscale dining experience. The sourcing is local, with produce literally from the backyard when possible, but the dishes are refined — gentlemen, pack a jacket. There’s a small spa as well, and the on-site golf course — designed by visionary golf architect Tom Doak — is one of the finest in the world. These are large-scale luxuries, for such a small place — that’s the key to understanding Cape Kidnappers.