Bay of Many Coves

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when our water taxi pulled up to Bay of Many Coves – I mean, you can’t even drive here, which immediately tells you this isn’t your typical hotel experience. The place sits tucked into this secluded bay in the Marlborough Sounds, and the first thing that hits you is just how quiet it is. Not silent exactly, but that specific kind of peaceful where you can actually hear the water lapping against the jetty and birds you’ve probably never noticed before.

The accommodation itself is spread across these individual apartments that feel more like architect-designed holiday homes than hotel rooms. Each one has floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water – and I’m talking proper water views here, not some angled glimpse you have to crane your neck for. The interiors are what you’d call understated luxury; everything’s well-made and thoughtful without being flashy about it. The kitchens are actually functional too, which matters because while the restaurant is excellent (their green-lipped mussels are ridiculous), sometimes you just want to make coffee at 6am without getting dressed. Speaking of the restaurant, they source a lot locally – the salmon comes from just down the coast, and honestly, after trying it here I’m sort of ruined for the stuff you get in supermarkets.

What really sets this place apart though is how they’ve managed to make luxury feel effortless rather than stuffy. The staff know their stuff about the Sounds – they’ll point you toward the best walking tracks (the one to Punga Cove is particularly good if you’re up for a decent hike), and they’re genuinely helpful about organizing boat trips without making you feel like they’re just pushing expensive excursions. The spa treatments are worth it if that’s your thing, but honestly, just sitting on your private deck with a glass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc while the sun sets over the water is pretty therapeutic on its own. The only real downside is that you’re sort of captive here – once that last water taxi leaves for the day, you’re staying put until morning. But that’s also kind of the point, isn’t it? It forces you to actually switch off, which these days feels increasingly rare. If you’re looking for that proper escape-from-everything experience and you don’t mind paying for the privilege, this place delivers without making a big song and dance about it.

The best resort villages feature carefully designed properties that harmonize with their natural surroundings, offering guests authentic experiences combined with luxury amenities and exceptional hospitality.