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  You go down a little driveway, walk down a few steps...unlatch a gate --and paradise opens up! A gorgeous, airy perch over the water. One of a kind and deeply... read more refreshing. We loved it. Really did feel like a nest at the end of each day.

  We stayed in the Sails Villa for three nights just before the Queen's Birthday weekend.

Originally, I considered some of the hotels / resorts in Paihia, but my wife... read more suggested we stay at Crows Nest again because it would be much, much quieter. We needed a good rest, so it didn't take much to convince me and I booked the Sails Villa for us.

Our reception was very friendly and efficient. And the area, as always, was stunningly beautiful.

The villa was very well equipped and had everything we needed for a relaxing stay. There were even some fruit and a bottle of wine for us to enjoy.

The beds, which are apparently fairly new, were very comfortable and linens of excellent quality.

So ... friendliness, efficiency, convenience, AND stunning views. What more could you want?

Why, then, the average rating?

This is, perhaps, splitting hairs. But we felt there were just too many cobwebs throughout the house. My wife had been bitten by spiders on a few occasions in the past, so she becomes a bit "itchy" if there are spiders in the vicinity. The presence of cobwebs in various places inside the house was enough to make both of us feel slightly uncomfortable.

Other than that one point of criticism, the place was very good. More

  Many years ago our family counted itself lucky to come across this gem of a hideaway in Opua. We absolutely loved the design features which were created to make you... read more feel as though you were in a sailing vessel looking out onto the stunning Opua Harbour. We marveled at the curved walls, the portholes for windows, the imaginative use of timber and blues of every hue, and a hundred other little decorative features which were clearly the product of a creative mind. But beyond that, the property itself was spotless and the reception was flawless - both crucial aspects of a quality stay. This time around- what a disappointment! Most of the architectural specialties have been "refurbished" (not by an architect is clear to see), port holes have been "replaced", one of the fridges was not cooling, there were cobwebs in the corners, the linens badly needed a refresh. And we could have dealt with all those things had the attitude been as warm and welcoming as our first, but sadly, this too had vanished under new management. Our queries were met with curt retorts, which we felt were unnecessary especially given the price we were paying- approx 400/night NZD. Prior to our time of departure our hostess just sat outside waiting with a surly expression for us to leave. Conversation does not seem to be a strong point. Fortunately the view is still top notch and good weather meant... Many years ago our family counted itself lucky to come across this gem of a hideaway in Opua. We absolutely loved the design features which were created to make you feel as though you were in a sailing vessel looking out onto the stunning Opua Harbour.
We marveled at the curved walls, the portholes for windows, the imaginative use of timber and blues of every hue, and a hundred other little decorative features which were clearly the product of a creative mind. But beyond that, the property itself was spotless and the reception was flawless - both crucial aspects of a quality stay.
This time around- what a disappointment! Most of the architectural specialties have been "refurbished" (not by an architect is clear to see), port holes have been "replaced", one of the fridges was not cooling, there were cobwebs in the corners, the linens badly needed a refresh.
And we could have dealt with all those things had the attitude been as warm and welcoming as our first, but sadly, this too had vanished under new management. Our queries were met with curt retorts, which we felt were unnecessary especially given the price we were paying- approx 400/night NZD. Prior to our time of departure our hostess just sat outside waiting with a surly expression for us to leave. Conversation does not seem to be a strong point.
Fortunately the view is still top notch and good weather meant we had a very lovely time in the BoI but we will not be returning to Crows Nest Villas. There are many properties nearby in similar price range that are outstanding in both presentation and service. More