Oh, boy. We’re in trouble here.

This photo taken from my balcony is unretouched. I mean, c'mon.

This place is gorgeous. Like, divorce your hubby, send the kids to Grandma, tell your boss sayonara and move here forever gorgeous.

See exhibits A- whatever, below.

Unfortunately, I caught a cold on the plane. Initially, it wasn’t such a big deal but a few hours later it had exploded into a Defcon 1 mucus emergency. I’m hoping a little whiskey and 13 hours of sleep will do the trick. (No? Shh. Let me have my delusions.)

My guest cottage at Kauri Cliffs, overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Before I came here, I didn’t know there were that many shades of green possible in nature. Emerald and lime and olive and pine and mint and khaki: New Zealand’s landscape has them all, painted in a beautiful swirl on soft rolling hills stretched as far as the eye can see. Everywhere I’ve looked, water isn’t far behind. And sheep. And cows. And kiwis.

I mean, the people, obviously–but the fruit and the birds, too.

The pre-dinner drinks cart

It’s been raining since I’ve been here, which is only the mildest bummer, since the dramatic cliffside views and abundant wet greenery remind me of the best parts of Scotland and England: two of my favorite places on the planet. I think we obviously have a new winner, however.

Last night, I had a property tour and then channeled my inner Duchess Kate, changing for the third time that day for drinks in the lodge, followed by a mouthwatering dinner. And then, stuffed with quail and John Dory and local Pinot Gris, I slept like a baby–yes, for 13 hours.

The lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Update: the sun has come out! I just halted this post for an hour to go walk around the grounds. Took lots of amazing photos, which I’ll share with you guys soon. In the meantime, here’s a video of my cottage room.