LUXURY ESCAPES

In the lap of luxury

Fine wine, delicious food, soft music, ambient lighting, and tranquil surrounds add up to sheer bliss for many people seeking a luxury escape. From glamping to fi ve-star, New Zealand is your oyster. Here and on the following pages are some suggestions from Metropol.

Luxury lodges

New Zealand has an amazing selection of luxury accommodation venues, from seaside to high country, mountain high to valley low. Some o er intimate bespoke accommodation while others cater for larger groups.

Spas

From north to south, spa options should not be ruled out. Many tourism businesses have their own in-house spa services, while others are purpose-built spas. Think massage, soaking in a hot tub, gourmet food and relaxation.

Sail away

Sail – or motor - away on a luxury yacht or launch, with crew catering to your every need. Explore any number of watery destinations from the comfort of a lounger on deck.

Nature takes centre stage

Awe-inspiring. There really is no other way to describe the Mackenzie Basin landscape. Yet comfortably hunkered down among the tussocks and surrounded by the soaring Ben Ohau Range rests the surprise that is Skylark Cabin.

Named for the birds that nest on the property, Skylark Cabin is architecturallydesigned accommodation built in 2020 in a wonderfully secluded location and with many thoughtful features. Its isolation, stillness and peace cannot fail to soak away the hubbub of the world outside. It’s so quiet at night you can hear frogs croaking from over a kilometre away.

And at night there are the stars too. This is a star-gazer’s paradise as the cabin is nestled within the world-acclaimed Aoraki/ Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Lie back in your king size bed and observe the Milky Way through the massive skylight. Or watch the stars while relaxing in the outdoor bath.

You don’t need to leave the cabin and its facilities to experience the magic of the region, but if you can tear yourself away there are plenty of other activities close by. Aoraki/Mt Cook, Twizel, lakes Pukaki, Ohau and Tekapo are all just short drives away for swimming, fi shing and walking or action and adventure. If retreat and chilling–out are on your agenda, Skylark Cabin isn’t just a stunning place to stay – it’s an experience in itself. Gift vouchers available.

Escape the ordinary

The total package

Feeling like a change of scenery? Hidden is the place to escape to.

Overlooking Lake Wakitipu and the mountains, Hidden is a private, secret hideaway.

Boasting four private suites, this luxury bed and breakfast property will ensure you enjoy a relaxed, fun getaway.

The extensive gardens attract native bird life and ensure a tranquil environment, yet within minutes you can be in downtown Queenstown, enjoying the restaurants, bars and activities.

Incredible views, total privacy and worldclass service are the hallmarks of luxurious Azur Lodge in Queenstown.

A distinctively contemporary luxury lodge, it features nine private villas located on a hilltop overlooking some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand.

With its secluded location comes the best

The hosts at Hidden are passionate about where they live and enjoy sharing their local knowledge, and their ambient hideaway. After a day in the vibrant region, guests can revitalise with a soak in the wood-fi red hot tub, or take a stroll through the garden, and admire the ever-changing, breath-taking views.

Discovering Queenstown is easy using Hidden as a base. Experience world-class wineries and adrenaline packed activities, then head to your private suite to freshen up and relax.

of both worlds - privacy and remoteness only fi ve minutes away from the dynamic of downtown Queenstown.

Each one-bedroom villa is designed to let guests absorb the incredible views in chic luxury and total privacy, with fl oor to ceiling windows framing the outstanding unobstructed view at the lodge, or embrace all the many activities that Queenstown has to o er.

Being so close to Queenstown, and with a complimentary shuttle service to/from downtown, Azur is the perfect place to enjoy the wonderful local dining scene for

Choose from one of four double suites boasting sensational mountain and lake views and enjoy the wood-fi red hot tub, exercise room and sauna.

All rates include breakfast, and packages are available.

lunch and dinner, or guests can relax and dine in the privacy of their villa.

Varied menus are provided by local restaurants and Azur sta will elegantly plate and present them by candlelight.

Included in all its rates are breakfast, afternoon tea, and pre-dinner drinks and canapes, which can be enjoyed either in the main lodge or delivered to your private villa.

www.hiddenlodgequeenstown.co.nz Email stay@hiddenlodgequeenstown.co.nz Call 03 442 6636

Stay where the world can’t find you

Indulge yourself

Welcome to the private luxurious experience that is Annandale in Pigeon Bay. In an area of outstanding beauty and o the tourist trail, Annandale is a coastal farm escape o ering four award-winning luxury villas coupled with relaxed Kiwi-style informality.

Developed in 1843, Annandale was one of the earliest farms in New Zealand’s South Island. The centrepiece of this historic farm is the restored fi ve-bedroom Annandale

Try to wrap your head around what comes above 5-star excellence and your imagination will soar to Queenstown’s fi rst 6-star hotel.

It is the latest project for Kevin Carlin, a US-born entrepreneur and creative who has called New Zealand home for more than 30 years.

The Carlin Boutique Hotel opens in Homestead overlooking the ocean.

Rustic and thoroughly charming, the authentic Shepherd’s Cottage provides a rural retreat for two. Scrubby Bay, a luxurious 4-bedroom beach house in its own bay is the perfect location for a celebration of family and friendship. The jewel in Annandale’s crown is Seascape, an ultra-modern retreat in another picturesque private bay providing a truly romantic experience for couples.

February 2022 and will o er a new level of opulence and service for people who have a taste for the fi ner things in life.

Kevin regards each guest as distinguished and his sta truly know the meaning of service.

“Like me, they have made careers out of service,” says Kevin, whose background includes being a qualifi ed chef and butler to Hollywood stars.

His observation is that New Zealand is evolving from its tall poppy past and

Fresh and delicious local produce is a hallmark of a stay at Annandale with whichever dining option you choose – from a private chef dinner to cuisine created and delivered directly to your villa.

Of course it is also the outside activities that really set Annandale apart. The most popular activity is the farm tour as it is the essence of what Annandale is about, while the waters surrounding the property are perfect for guided kayaking. Or guests can relax with spa service in their villa.

From sunrise to sunset your experience at Annandale will be unforgettable.

Queenstown is embracing a true luxury hotel, of a world class standard, providing butlers, chefs, massage therapists, mixologists, hotel ambassadors and concierge. And a grand piano in the Presidential Suite, if you choose to tinkle the ivories as your host Kevin does.

The Carlin overlooks Lake Wakatipu, is spread over seven fl oors and o ers a range of spacious suites in 1, 2 and 4-bedroom confi gurations with indoor and outdoor living space.

www.annandale.com