I can't recommend Stonefield highly enough. From the moment my friend and I, who were visiting the South Island to play polo, arrived, we felt completely spoilt. Our host, Donald, seemed to think of everything, from installing a GPS device into our hire car on arrival and programming into it the key addresses we'd need, to contacting the TV station that filmed our polo game to organise DVD copies for us after our departure.

The rooms and living area, which is for guests' exclusive use, are beautifully appointed/decorated and my bed was as comfortable as any I have enjoyed at a Westin or Hyatt. Our hosts have worked in the travel industry, at the top end, for many years and their wealth of experience is apparent in the details.

The breakfast menu at Stonefield caters for all tastes and set us up nicely for each day's strenuous activities and we enjoyed local wines and gourmet canapes before heading out for dinner each evening. We were disappointed that there wasn't an opportunity to host a dinner party at Stonefield (as we had other commitments) - Donald is an excellent cook!

I am looking forward to returning to Stonefield when next visiting the South Island.