KoruStay Coastal Retreat

Please use the heat pump when required.  Please note: It will automatically turn on between 9pm and midnight every day. This is to ensure the air quality of the property when it’s vacant.  If you don’t want it on during this time, please feel free to switch it off or to a mode you prefer.

Step 1: Contact Kathryn for Your “Go-Ahead” & Access Code

• On the day of your arrival, please send a quick text to our Property Manager, Anne, with your estimated arrival time (ETA). Her number will be in your check-in message.
• Anne coordinates the final touches with our cleaning team. She will message you back the moment the house is ready for you, and will provide you with your unique lockbox code and access details at that time. This is your “all clear” to head to the property.
• The Bonus: We always try to get you in earlier if we can! By texting Kathryn, you’ll be the first to know if an early check-in becomes available. On rare occasions during a busy changeover, the house may be ready slightly after 3:00 PM. This process ensures you can time your arrival perfectly without any waiting.

Step 2: Accessing the Property (Once you have your code)

• To Open Lockbox: Enter the code Kathryn provides into the lockbox to get your keys.
• Security: For your safety, please be aware that a CCTV camera monitors the lockbox area.

our kitchen is fully equipped for everything from a simple breakfast to a gourmet meal.

• Pantry & Fridge Items: You will find various food items, including home preserves, in the fridge and pantry. Please feel free to help yourself! Our cleaners check expiry dates, but it’s always wise to double-check before use.
• Appliances & Cooking: Feel free to use all the appliances. You’ll find a portable induction plate in the cupboard under the espresso machine; we highly recommend using this instead of the main cooktop for boiling water fast for things like pasta. All our dishes are microwave-safe.
• Microwave: Our microwave is a combination oven. It’s best for smaller meals and can heat on fan bake, grill, or microwave settings.
• Dishwasher: Please feel free to use the dishwasher. Using it actually saves more water than handwashing! The dishwasher tablets are located under the sink.
• Cocktail Station: Help yourself to the cocktail station for mixing your favorite drinks. The Soda Stream is great for making mixers. All the glassware for wine, beer, and cocktails is located in the pantry.
• Bella Vacca Milk: We love local! You’ll find delicious, fresh milk from Bella Vacca. Take the empty bottle from the pantry and swap it for a new one at the local Four Square or Cable Bay Store—this saves you the $5 bottle deposit!
• Blender: Perfect for mixing cocktails, thickshakes, or smoothies.
• Ice Cream Maker: See the separate section for simple instructions on making your own ice cream!
• Cleaning: Should you need them, cleaning cloths and multipurpose spray are stored under the kitchen sink.
• BBQ: Outside, you’ll find the BBQ ready for action. To keep it in top condition, please use a bowl of water and the metal fibre brush (hanging on the BBQ) while it’s on and hot. Scrub with water until clean.
• Popcorn Maker: You’ll find popcorn in the pantry. For melted butter, microwave for 10 seconds in a covered container.
• Sandwich Press: Located in the cupboard under the espresso machine. Please ensure it’s clean (use non-stick safe cleaning utensils to clean before putting away).
• Chopping Boards: Plastic boards can go in the dishwasher, however please hand wash bamboo and wooden ones.

In the Menu Ring binder on the bottom shelf of the cocktail station, you’ll find guides and our favourite recipes.
Important Note: Our main oven is fast! We suggest turning the temperature down 15-20 degrees from what a recipe states and keeping a close eye on your food.

The binder includes:

• A guide for cooking the perfect meat on the BBQ.
• A guide for the rice cooker with correct measurements (we recommend weighing the rice – scales are in the cupboard to the right of the oven).

Some of our favourites include:

• Breakfast: Nikau Kedgeree (you can usually get great smoked fish from the local Four Square).
• Mains: Nigella’s Watermelon, Feta and Black Olive Salad.
• Breads: Tip 00 Pizza Dough (plain flour works fine if you don’t have 00).
• Biscuits/Cakes: The Gluten-Free Truffle cake is delicious!

IMPORTANT: Please do not change any of the settings on the coffee machine or the grinder. They are already set up for you!

Step 1: Get Ready

• Check Water: Make sure the water tank at the back of the machine is filled with cold water.
• Turn On: Press the POWER button on the front. The lights will flash while it heats up. Wait until the lights stop flashing and stay on.
• Warm-Up Shot: Place the empty metal coffee handle (portafilter) into the machine where it says “LOCK.” Turn it to the right until it’s tight. Press the 2 CUP button. Hot water will run through it to warm it up. Once it stops, remove the handle and wipe the inside dry with a cloth.

Step 2: Grind Your Coffee

• Check Beans: The grinder is to the right of the machine. Make sure there are coffee beans in the top.
• Get Grinds: Place the grinder’s container under the spout and push it to the back. This should start the grinding. Fill it about halfway with ground coffee.
• If it doesn’t work: Simply flick the switch on the right side of the grinder to ‘auto’.

Step 3: Prepare the Coffee

• Add the Guide: Place the coffee guide (the plastic ring) on top of the portafilter basket and give it a quick screw into place.
• Fill: Using the provided scoop, add approximately two rounded scoops of ground coffee into the basket. It’s okay for the grounds to be a few millimeters over the top of the portafilter.
• Tamp: Using the round press (tamper), press down firmly through the guide. You will see the coffee grounds compact down into the basket.
• Remove Guide: Unscrew the guide, lift it straight off the portafilter, and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Espresso

• Lock In: Place the portafilter back into the machine and turn it firmly to the right.
• Place Cups: Put two espresso cups under the spouts.
• Press the Button: Press the 2 CUP button once. The machine will make the coffee and stop by itself.

Step 5: Clean Up

• Empty Grounds: Once you’ve enjoyed your coffee, remove the portafilter. Knock the used coffee grounds into the bin.
• Rinse: Press the 1 CUP button to rinse the machine’s group head with fresh water.

Need Hot Water?

Place your cup under the hot water spout (next to the main coffee spouts) and turn the dial on the right side of the machine towards the back (water icon). Turn it back to the middle when you have enough.

For Steamed Milk

• Use the provided stainless steel milk jug and fill with a little less milk than you need, as it will expand.
• Point the steam wand into the drip tray and briefly turn the dial on the right to the front (steam icon) to clear any water.
• Place the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and turn the dial to steam again. Keep the tip near the surface to introduce air and create foam, then lower the jug to heat the rest of the milk.
• Turn the steam off before removing the jug.
• Clean immediately: Wipe the wand with a damp cloth. A hot tip is to fill the clean jug with water and let the wand soak in it while you drink your coffee, then give it a final wipe.

Important: The freezer bowl must be completely frozen before you start. It should be in the freezer for at least 12 hours.

Step 1: Prepare

• Prepare your ice cream recipe mixture and chill it in the fridge. For recipe ideas, please see the Menu Ring binder on the bottom shelf of the cocktail station.

Step 2: Assemble

• Take the frozen bowl from the freezer and place it in the center of the base.
• Place the mixing paddle inside the freezer bowl.
• Place the lid on top and turn it clockwise to lock.

Step 3: Make Ice Cream

• Press the On/Off button to start the paddle turning.
• Immediately pour your chilled mixture through the ingredient spout.
• Let it churn for about 15-20 minutes. The ice cream is done when it’s smooth and firm.

Step 4: Enjoy & Store

• Turn off the machine and transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. For firmer ice cream, place it in the freezer for another couple of hours.