I initially had doubts when deciding on this Bed and Breakfast retreat because of the distance from Rotorua (approximately 20 minute drive from town toward Lake Tarawera). Once arriving on the Views property, however, my doubts turned into sheer delight. Mandy and her daughter Diana and their lovely yellow lab Bella greeted us at the door of their amazing architecurally-stunning home.
Situated atop a peak overlooking the lake and mount Tarawera (that famously erupted 10 June 1886), the home is nestled among 11 acres of privately-owned farmland.
The room has sweeping views of the lake and grazing sheep. Mandy's sense of design is impeccable and the guest's quarters (one room sleeps up to two adults) are secluded, elegant and romantic. Details like fresh flowers, home-made cookies and New Zealand-made toiletries made us feel so much at home. Breakfast was heavenly, fresh-baked croissants, home-made jams and made-to-order eggs.
The pinnacle of our stay, however, was the... more