Wharekauhau

They say New Zealanders love their sheep, and you will too after a stay at the North Island's Wharekauhau Lodge. A gorgeous mansion located on a 5000-acre sheep farm overlooking spectacular Palliser Bay, the Lodge provides guests the chance to swim with dolphins, ski a volcano, go whale-watching or jet-boating, or simply cuddle up by the massive fireplace. And of course, you can tour the farm grounds and see a sheep shearing demonstration, or if it's spring, watch thousands of adorable lambs bounding through the meadows. Afterward, hit the hotel's day spa for a relaxing Ocean Exfoliation, using natural New Zealand sea salts.

Each day winds down with aperitifs in the living room followed by a dinner of New Zealand classics, paired with fantastic wines in the dining room. Then, retreat to your own sumptuous cottage, finished in natural materials like clay tiles, pebble mosaics, and wool carpeting. No need to count sheep: you'll slowly drift off to the sound of the crashing waves.