Weekends away for couples are an opportunity to rekindle the flame that can often be lost during monotonous Monday to Friday grind at work. On an ideal weekend away we all want to lose our inhibitions, kick our work clothes off and have some (relaxing) fun. But when your genial, elderly bed-and-breakfast hosts are preparing raspberry pancakes in the near-by kitchen, it's advisable to be careful not to get
too hot and, erm, heavy with your partner.
Such tip-toeing around your hosts will make you feel tense and uneasy, so when researching your options, ensure you have the type of accommodation you'd prefer in mind and clarify this before booking.
So where do you start your search for a welcoming, private, yet charming bed and breakfast that will suit you?
There are numerous types of B&Bs on both the north and south islands of New Zealand.
Traditional B&B
Smaller owner-occupied home, usually with a private guest room, bathroom, and living and dining area.
Homestay
You are doing just that — staying in a home. You'll have your own room but share the living areas with the host family. This is one to avoid if you are seeking privacy.
Farm stay
To be honest, a farm stay may not be everyone's idea of a romantic getaway. They typically involve staying on a fully functioning farm, often with associated farm animals. So if hearing the crow of a rooster at the crack of dawn, or the mooing of a cow outside your window as you try to sleep in, isn't your idea of fun, you might want to avoid these B&Bs. Having said that, they can offer some longed-for rustic charm.
Self-contained
A self-contained B&B is ideal if you'd like to spend the majority of the weekend nuzzling necks and cooking up delectable treats. You will most likely have a kitchen, living/dining room, a private bedroom and bathroom.
Self-contained rooms will often include a home-cooked breakfast delivered to your door for you to enjoy in your personal living room.
Bathroom terms
It's handy to know the bathroom terminology commonly used by B&Bs to describe their bathroom set-ups. Here's a quick guide…
- Ensuite or private bathroom: a bathroom exclusively for you
- Guest share: a common bathroom for all paying guests
- Family share: guests share the bathroom with the host family. (This means no extended bubble baths or frolicking in the tub!)
Handy questions to ask when booking a B&B
- What sort of B&B do you run?
- Does the room have an ensuite or private bathroom?
- Are any meals included? If so, are they at set times?
- Do you have any pets?
- Do you have a bath?
- Are local cafes and restaurants within walking distance?
- What time is check in and check out?
These are the top three B&Bs as voted by the public on
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