Rosewood Kauri Cliffs — Hotel in Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community

Our stay at the property was truly enchanting, beginning with its breathtaking natural beauty. The meticulously manicured lawns perfectly framed the panoramic vista from the main building, offering an unparalleled, serene outlook over the ocean. Gazing upon the endless horizon from this vantage point was an incredibly calming and restorative experience, setting a tranquil tone for our entire visit.||||The warm welcome we received from the moment of our arrival set a high standard for our stay. The front desk team, notably Mitchell and Mariel, consistently provided impeccable service, handling every inquiry with professionalism and a genuine desire to assist. A particularly helpful team member (Asian lady), whose name I regrettably didn't catch, was often the cheerful voice answering calls and providing invaluable assistance. Michael from guest services further exemplified this commitment to excellence, demonstrating remarkable attentiveness and efficiency during our check-in process.||||The restaurant operations were a marvel of efficiency and guest-centric service. Under the exceptional leadership of Marina, truly the backbone of the establishment, the entire team operated with the precision of a well-oiled machine. Her ability to navigate daily pressures with unwavering grace and a radiant smile was truly inspiring. Supported by a dedicated crew including Jeremiah, Nicholas, Mike, Zack, and Ashish, the dining area consistently offered a pampering and enjoyable atmosphere for all patrons.||||A true standout amongst the staff was Ashish, who serves not only as a manager but also as Kauri Cliffs’ distinguished in-house Sommelier. His dedication to guest comfort was evident in his hands-on approach; he was often seen assisting his team with the same diligence as a server, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to operational excellence. Ashish’s profound knowledge of wines, coupled with his unparalleled ability to recommend the perfect pairing for each dish, underscored his reputation as one of New Zealand’s top Sommeliers. Learning about his journey from humble beginnings to such an esteemed position was genuinely captivating, revealing a truly remarkable and wonderful individual who is undoubtedly a tremendous asset to the hotel.||||Our experience was further enriched by the thoughtful assistance of Arjun, who ensured all guests felt thoroughly settled and well-informed. He went above and beyond to highlight the property's unique offerings, particularly emphasizing the exclusive access to the breathtaking private Pink Beach – a truly unmissable highlight. We are especially grateful to Arjun for arranging and to Neil for kindly driving us to this spectacular secluded spot, making that particular excursion an unforgettable part of our trip. Both gentlemen were incredibly helpful and exemplified the property's dedication to personalized guest experiences.||||While the service and ambiance in the restaurant were exemplary, it is with regret that I must note a significant area for improvement concerning the culinary offerings. The food, unfortunately, consistently fell short of the high standards set by the rest of the property. It often lacked distinct taste and luster, presenting as rather mediocre. Given the property's somewhat isolated location, limiting dining alternatives without a drive to a nearby town, enhancing the quality and appeal of the restaurant's menu becomes even more critical. There is immense potential for the dining experience to match the impeccable service, but it currently represents a notable disparity.||||Despite a few minor operational hiccups, which we conveyed as constructive feedback, these instances provided an invaluable opportunity to meet the property's truly exceptional leader, Mr. Fraser Wong. His benevolent and compassionate leadership is profoundly evident in the positive morale and dedication of his entire team; every staff member spoke of him with genuine admiration. Mr. Wong radiates kindness, humility, and a deep sense of compassion, making him not just an outstanding leader but a truly wonderful human being. My husband and I were genuinely captivated by his presence and felt truly blessed to have met him. His profound kindness and empathetic approach, which seem to supersede even his impressive leadership qualities, rendered our experience at Kauri Cliffs truly memorable. He left an indelible impression upon us, and we extend our deepest gratitude for his remarkable presence and for being the inspiring individual he is....

For $5800 per night we certainly expected more than was delivered. We had just arrived after 3 nights from their competition in Russell which way over delivered at a third the price. ||The room: we booked a two bedroom unit with the understanding we would be upgraded. Well, it turns out we had already booked the highest category and they couldn’t upgrade to next level because it was full of employees of the new company Rosewood that is taking over. ||The layout was poorly designed. To get to the primary bathroom from the primary bedroom you had to exit the bedroom and go through the common hallway. Who thought that was a good idea?||I bent down to tie my shoe on our third day and saw a belt sticking out from under the bed. It didn’t belong to us. Which means for three days at least the house keeping staff had missed it. Gross. ||There were only three towels in the bathroom so when you get caught in a rain storm and need to dry off (we did) there weren’t towels to use for showering with after. ||The food: so bad our first night that instead of going back to the property for lunch after our excursion we looked around for any alternative. We didn’t find anything so had lunch at Kauri Cliffs and it was reasonable. Dinner that night was significantly better than the first night. ||The service: everyone seemed to be trying hard but with the exception of the true professionals like Sebastian (food and beverage manager) and James (guest services) they really didn’t get what five star service should be. ||In summary: beautiful property with potential but wildly overpriced for what you currently get particularly when you compare to the alternatives...

For $5800 per night we certainly expected more than was delivered. We had just arrived after 3 nights from their competition in Russell which way over delivered at a third the price. ||The room: we booked a two bedroom unit with the understanding we would be upgraded. Well, it turns out we had already booked the highest category and they couldn’t upgrade to next level because it was full of employees of the new company Rosewood that is taking over. ||The layout was poorly designed. To get to the primary bathroom from the primary bedroom you had to exit the bedroom and go through the common hallway. Who thought that was a good idea?||I bent down to tie my shoe on our third day and saw a belt sticking out from under the bed. It didn’t belong to us. Which means for three days at least the house keeping staff had missed it. Gross. ||There were only three towels in the bathroom so when you get caught in a rain storm and need to dry off (we did) there weren’t towels to use for showering with after. ||The food: so bad our first night that instead of going back to the property for lunch after our excursion we looked around for any alternative. We didn’t find anything so had lunch at Kauri Cliffs and it was reasonable. Dinner that night was significantly better than the first night. ||The service: everyone seemed to be trying hard but with the exception of the true professionals like Sebastian (food and beverage manager) and James (guest services) they really didn’t get what five star service should be. ||In summary: beautiful property with potential but wildly overpriced for what you currently get particularly when you compare to the alternatives...