I'll keep this one short and sweet.

There are only a few spots in the world where we've been able to honestly say, "This is the life." One of those places is Marlborough, New Zealand.

Marlborough is best-known in New Zealand for wine, especially Sauvignon Blanc, and we definitely did our share of wine-tasting (details towards the end of this post).

But we will remember Marlborough for more than just wine. We rented a little cottage an hour away from anything. After picking up some food for the next few days, we drove down a long gravel country road, passing only animals and the occasional sheep farm.

We pulled up to our home for the next two nights. The setting was out of a dream. A lone cottage set against a backdrop of pine trees and a rocky river. The cabin was simple and rustic, yet had all of the modern comforts we could want and even a few special luxuries.

A nice place to curl up with a book overlooking the river.

Roland and Jenny Mapp have lived on farms their whole lives in areas much more rural than Marlborough. With Off The Mapp, they've managed to really understand what travelers want. Everything we needed was there (plus more). The thought and level of detail put into the cottage was nothing short of amazing.

Outdoor bathtubs heated by barbecue grills right along the river.

An old plow now used as decor. — An old plow now used as decor.

Outdoor shower - with perfectly hot water and the river rushing by!

The Mapps used items that they'd collected over the years like Roland's great-great-great-grandmother's washbasin.

We are constantly on the move and lucky to be seeing so much, but taking a few days to disconnect and unwind were just what we needed. Jenny stocks the kitchen with farm fresh eggs, yogurt, granola, homemade fruit cocktail, coffee, teas, and yummy breads. We spent time watching movies, playing cards, reading books, cooking, reminiscing, and of course, taking advantage of those amazing bathtubs! It is impossible not to be at peace here.

We had some friendly visitors every now and then.  But only of the four-legged variety. — We had some friendly visitors every now and then. But only of the four-legged variety.

Sadly, we eventually had to leave Off The Mapp. So we headed into town to drown our sorrows in wine. We got an early start and caught this pretty sunrise over the vines of a Marlborough winery.

We started at Te Whare Ra, a small winery owned by its winemaking husband and wife.

An incredible photo on the wall at Te Whare Ra of the winemaker's hands crushing grapes.

We also visited wineries Wither Hills, Framingham and Villa Maria.

We've found the quality of food and technique in wine country to usually be elevated, and our meals in Marlborough were no exception. Special props to Gibb's on Godfrey (photos below).

Our three days spent in the Marlborough region were some of our most relaxing and favorite days. It was a fitting way to say goodbye to the unbelievable beauty of New Zealand's South Island.

-Michelle