Acacia Cliffs Lodge

Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 22, 2011 at 6:01 am

There aren’t many places in the world where the experience actually outdoes the pictures, but Acacia Cliffs Lodge is one of them. It is a luxury boutique lodge accommodation in a simply stunning location. The views from almost every room  are breathtaking. Perched high overlooking Lake Taupo, it was architecturally designed to maximize the spectacular panorama of the lake, Mount Tauhara and the Kaimanawa Ranges.

Owners and hosts Linda and Rick Whitlock are fabulous people. They are welcoming, friendly and interesting (Rick is also pretty funny too, so there is a lot of laughter here). Acacia Cliffs is a hosted lodge, which means that Linda and Rick engage with guests, creating a warm, interesting environment. I am not quite sure how they do it – some feat of magic, I think – but they have found the perfect balance of being a part of the conversation and keeping things flowing, while providing world-class service. Anyone who has ever hosted a dinner party knows how hard it is to balance the social side, making sure drinks are poured and refreshed and making dinner… Linda and Rick excel at this and on top of it all, the food Rick cooks is incredible. I am still dreaming of the ravioli with blue cheese and walnuts.

We had the good fortune to stay at Acacia Cliffs Lodge with a lovely couple from Australia, David and Michelle. Dinner was incredible – with gourmet food (four courses), lovely New Zealand wine and great conversation. Linda and Rick  moved seamlessly in and out of the chat, creating a comfortable, casual and elegant experience. And then you get to go to sleep in what just might be the most comfortable bed ever with two, count ‘em, two down comforters and one of the  most beautiful views in the world.

Acacia Cliffs Lodge also has a special celebrity that hangs around – Tom the black-faced sheep. He is becoming quite famous, we understand, and a favourite with guests. It seems Tom is quite social and likes to interact with guests. When wedding parties come to Acacia Cliffs Lodge, Tom seems to magically appear right around the time they are
taking their wedding photos. There are many Tom and guest stories to keep you laughing.

Staying with Rick and Linda was an exceptional experience and one that I will treasure.

Please visit Flickr to see additional images.