To see the follow up interview with Garth & Angie London - click here
In awarding Whakaipo Lodge Overall Supreme Bed & Breakfast of the Year, the judges commented:
"Garth and Angie you are an inspiration to us all. You tick all the boxes You have a very impressive track record, you are committed to sustainability in the broadest sense, you have tourism packages, you support your community, provide employment, you have excellent reviews and the level of engagement with your guests sets you apart", Rayma Jenkins.
“Everything about Whakaipo Lodge resonates with their core values of professionally hosting their guests and treating them as the most important people in the world. This also extended to their local community where they involved and supported people through the Whakaipo Lodge experience. It was clear to see the advances Garth and Angie had made with their business by testing and reviewing every decision to create a very professional business model. Their commitment to sustainability both with Whakaipo Lodge and the environment at large is truly inspiring. Whakaipo Lodge epitomises what bed and breakfast hosting is and what we all should be aiming for,” Donna Brooke.
To see more of Whakaipo Lodge visit their website - click here
2020 Vision Insurance Exceptional Bed & Breakfast Business of the Year
Highly Commended
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Warblers Retreat
With the plans for the future to improve the bush tracks and doing more to educate and inspire their guests to live in harmony with nature, establishing a reiki healing room, creating a health retreat along with the wedding packages and day wellness packages - we look forward to seeing the progress from Warblers Retreat next year. To see more of Warblers Retreat - click here |
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Ribbonwood Country House
In 2019 Gary and Robert were one of Booking.coms top 10 accommodation providers in New Zealand. Along with this they have received north Canterbury business and tourism awards. To see more of Ribbonwood Country House - click here
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2020 Vision Insurance Rising Star Bed & Breakfast Business of the Year
Brooke & Tim Trenwith, Relax at Red Earth Gardens, Onewhero
"We want our guests to feel welcome, safe and spoiled in a country environment and to leave the thoughts of their stressful lives behind them."
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The Rising Star Bed & Breakfast of the Year is awarded to those who have been in business for less than two years.
The judges said “Brooke and Tim convinced me right from the outset that this is a place that I would love to stay. The passion shone from their entry. They then backed this up with sound business practices. I look forward with interest to see how this Rising Star develops over the coming years.”
In the words of one guest - "My friend and I had a fabulous one night stay at Red Earth Gardens. What a stunning location! The views over the Waikato river were beautiful, and we loved watching the changing light from dusk until dawn. Inside there was every amenity you could think of. Brooke and Tim added so many thoughtful extra touches and could not have been more welcoming and helpful. A perfect place to relax and recharge - we will be back!"
To see more of Relax at Red Earth Gardens - click here
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2020 Vision Insurance Rising Star Bed & Breakfast Business of the Year
Highly Commended
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Aston Road Villa
Aston Road Villa promote local businesses, have a strong community focus and a comprehensive sustainability plan as well as enhancing their environment by planting thousands of native trees.
Aston Road Villa have a wonderful story around their logo and marketing. A B&B is not just about the room it is about the story and experience that our guests will enjoy and Louise and Dean impressed the judges with the way they love to tell that story.
To see more of Aston Road Villa - click here
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2020 Vision Insurance Essence of Bed & Breakfast Business of the Year
Garry Mitchell & Robert Day, Ribbonwood Country House, Cheviot
"We pride ourselves on offering a world class customer experience and going the extra mile to ensure our guests have a memorable and enjoyable stay."
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To see the follow up interview with Gary Mitchell - click here
This award recognises those who go out of their way to provide an exceptional hosting experience for their guests.
The Judges said that all those who entered this category were exceptional.
Rayma said "Just reading about Ribbonwood and the tension dissolves. You can imagine being pampered and relaxing in the spa pool sitting looking at the view or perhaps indulging in a spa treatment whilst waiting for the divine dinner being prepared for you with produce from the garden and animals."
“Gary and Robert breathed the essence of home hosting into their award entry. It really stood out to me that the guests and in fact, the community in general, were treated with the welcome, the sharing and the professionalism with which this B&B operates. It is something that all B&Bs aspire to be like,” said Donna.
To see more of Ribbonwood Country House - click here
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Presentation
The Awards were presented virtually this year due to the cancellation of our 2020 Conference. However, you can see the finalists below:
To see our press release - click here Rayma Jenkins presented the Awards "virtually" to our members: To see Rayma's full presentation - click here or, to view Rayma's powerpoint presentation (a smaller file) - click here
Thank you
Thank you to the judges - Chris Roberts, Rayma Jenkins and Donna Brooke. The last few months have been hectic for everyone, but you still managed to give your time to judge the Awards.
Thank you to David Rush, Vision Insurance, whose continuing sponsorship of the Awards (and the Association) is hugely appreciated.
Our biggest thank you goes to those who took the time to enter the Awards. It does take time and commitment and it is no mean feat to have completed the entry process. Congratulations to you all - you are all amazing hosts with amazing properties.
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