South Wairarapa’s Wharekauhau Country Estate has yet again received international recognition after claiming a spot as one of the best resorts in the world in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Coming in at number 46, the luxury estate has ranked higher than some resorts in the likes of St Barths, upstate New York, South Africa, and Canada.
Wharekauhau is 45 minutes drive from Martinborough and overlooks Palliser Bay’s Pacific coastline, with views of the mountain ranges to the other side. The estate won recognition in the 2017 list, ranking them fifth in the Australia and South Pacific region.
General manager for Wharekauhau Country Estate Richard Rooney said they were thrilled to be listed again.
“This one is special as we sit at [number one] in Australia and the Pacific, and [number 46] in the world!”
It has been reported that Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton stayed at Wharekauhau in 2014 but Rooney is keeping his cards close to his chest about any other notable celebrities that might have spent a night or two in Wairarapa.
“We have looked after a great number of visiting heads of state, celebrities and titans of industry. One of the attractions is the ability to keep a low profile, so we respect their privacy,” he said.
Rooney said the estate often teams up with local suppliers and works to showcase the unique offerings available in Wairarapa.
He said they work closely with the Tora Collective for sustainable seafood, Olivo for olive oil, and Sky Safaris for star gazing.
“We take our guests into Martinborough cellar doors and love introducing them to the local characters,” he said.
