Winter Horizons
Rosewood Hotels
Jul 31, 2025
Words: Dee Vermeulen
Photography: Rosewood hotels
Perched on rugged clifftops in Hawke’s Bay, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers doesn’t just offer a premium place to stay for a luxury break– it offers a complete recalibration of the senses, whatever the season.
I’ve always maintained that if there is one redeeming feature of winter, it’s the excuse to refresh your wardrobe with a stylish new coat… or three. That, and providing the perfect justification to book a luxurious escape where coats can be properly admired.
While it may sound indulgent, this seasonal ritual aligns with the intentions of all walks of life, from the yoga-pant-clad wellness seeker to the golf swinging corporate executive; finding a reason – a need, even – to embrace rest and reset with a little refi ned opulence during the quieter months is inherent to happiness.
But where to go? Carving out time for a full weekend of self-care is no small feat. Still, as someone wise once told me, the true cost of something “cheap” is usually more than we realise. Which is why, when it comes to investing in ourselves – in our energy, one of our most valuable assets – only the best will do.
Enter, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers. Perched on rugged clifftops in Hawke’s Bay, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers doesn’t just offer a premium place to stay – it offers a complete recalibration of the senses.
The drive into the property alone is enough to silence your phone and your mind, as rolling hills give way to sweeping ocean views, and you start to feel the gravitational pull of a slower pace.
The lodge itself is elegant yet unpretentious – think modern farmhouse meets curated art gallery – with roaring fi res, panoramic lounges, and a signature Rosewood attention to detail that makes you feel instantly at home, only better.
Whether you're curled up with a glass of local Syrah in front of the fire or wrapped in a cashmere throw on your private terrace, everything about this place whispers “pause… and exhale.”
And then, of course, there’s the food. From breakfast served with views of the Pacific, to degustation dinners that champion seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce, every meal is a masterclass in flavour and finesse. There’s no need to dress up – but you’ll want to. That winter coat? This is its moment.
The sprawling 6,000-acre property is the perfect opportunity to test drive the offroad functionality of our Range Rover P550E HSE with little need to risk scuffing the wheels on gravel roads. We were able to maximise our time outdoors reaching the most pristine of 360-degree ocean views quickly for longer, uninterrupted moments of bliss.
An unplanned but particularly exciting treat on this trip was the distinct sound of kiwi calling to each other at night – an amazing stroke of luck and definitely a close ‘next best’ to an actual sighting.
Other local treasures to be discovered? Tucked inside the lodge’s library is a jaw-dropping array of antiques and collectables, among them items as diverse as an original Colin McCahon, a 1.5-million-year-old nautilus shell, and an original Picasso ceramic. The room itself is already spectacular – but paired with these pieces and more, it becomes a visual escape within your actual escape.
The library is situated next door to the architecturally sublime cylindrical reading room—complete with turreted ceiling, a roaring fire and plush woollen throws. Together these spaces are atmospheric and impressive all-at-once. I am forever spoiled.
The benchmark for my ideal luxury winter getaway has been well and truly raised. Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is an exquisite venue, and also part of a triumvirate of incredible Rosewood Hotels.
How very clever of them – now I just can’t wait to sample Rosewood Matakauri and Rosewood Kauri Cliffs. Not all luxury breaks need seasonal winter coats after all.