For decades, Cloudy Bay has been synonymous with Marlborough wine country. Its sauvignon blanc helped place New Zealand on the global wine map more than 40 years ago, and now the winery is opening the doors to one of its most private experiences yet.
The Shack at Cloudy Bay, a secluded luxury retreat tucked within the winery’s original Marlborough vineyard, is now available for year round private bookings, giving guests the chance to stay right among the vines that helped shape the region’s reputation.
Previously reserved for only a limited number of stays each year, the design led property marks a shift toward a more immersive style of luxury travel, one centred less on traditional hotels and more on private, experience driven escapes. For travellers wanting a slower, more personal way to experience Marlborough, it feels especially timely.
Set against sweeping views of the Wairau Valley and the Richmond Ranges beyond, The Shack accommodates up to eight guests across four ensuite bedrooms, each individually inspired by the surrounding landscape through themes of Cloud, Mountain, River and Pelorus. Interiors, led by New Zealand designer Alice Lines, combine locally crafted materials, wool textiles, bespoke ceramics and warm timber finishes, creating a space that feels quietly luxurious without losing its connection to the land around it.
The current home was developed after the original cottage, once home to Cloudy Bay founder David Hohnen, was destroyed in a fire in 2012. Reimagined by architects Tim Greer and Paul Rolfe, the property now blends expansive glazing, natural materials and indoor outdoor living in a way that feels unmistakably Marlborough.
Guests staying at The Shack can curate their own pace. Mornings might begin with coffee overlooking the vines as birdsong carries through the valley, before heading into private tastings and long lunches showcasing local produce. Others may choose to spend the afternoon at the winery’s cellar door or settle in for dinner at SAKU, Cloudy Bay’s contemporary Japanese restaurant where seasonal dishes are paired with the winery’s portfolio of wines.
“The Shack has always been one of Cloudy Bay’s best kept secrets, and it perfectly captures the way we love to host our guests and share our region,” says Stefan Wernli, Brand Experience Manager at Cloudy Bay.
“Inviting guests to book in and experience it for themselves is incredibly exciting. Now more people can wake up among the vines, hang out with locals and get a true feel for Marlborough. It’s a deeply personal way to connect with the landscape, the wines and the stories that make this place so special.”
The expanded availability also arrives at a strong moment for the winery, with Cloudy Bay Pelorus recently named Sparkling Wine of the Year by The Real Review, further cementing the brand’s position within New Zealand’s luxury wine landscape.
As domestic travel continues to evolve, The Shack offers something increasingly sought after: privacy, thoughtful design and a genuine sense of place. Less hotel, more home away from home, it’s the kind of stay that invites guests to slow down and settle into the rhythm of Marlborough wine country properly.