Recommend February 2014 - (Page 50)
southpacific
NEW ZEALAND'S
LUXURY RETREATS
The North Island's
Wharekauhau Lodge,
overlooking Palliser Bay.
laurel herman
With stunning nature as a backdrop, friendly people, and Relais &
Chateaux lodges, as well as other luxury accommodations, New
Zealand offers a flawless, once-in-a-lifetime, high-end vacation.
During our recent visit, we traversed the country from the "Far
North" down to the South Island. Along the way, we experienced a
world-class farm-to-table culinary scene complemented by gourmet
food and wine pairings at boutique wineries; amazing golf courses;
even more amazing spas; thrilling scenic helicopter tours; luxe
accommodations and the best in service.
Not to overstate how grand our visit was, but we were treated like
royalty. That's due to a combination of New Zealand's magnificent
tourism infrastructure and the phenomenal talent and knowledge of
our New Zealand destination expert Keri Davis, managing director
of ICEworks, the luxury DMC that customized our itinerary.
"We work with agents from the U.S. to customize their clients'
itineraries-from intimate couples' getaways and honeymoons, to
multigenerational family vacations. Our luxury lodges work really
well for FIT or family groups, which can have buyouts, and we often
design a program that includes three or four of the lodges, either
as a self-drive or with flight options," says Davis, adding that, "I am
always thrilled to see guests' reactions to our lodges as they are
astounded by the beautiful locations that put them in touch with the
'real' New Zealand."
lodge at kauri cliffs
In the "Far North" of the North Island, our first stay was at the
Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, a quiet, tucked away retreat overlooking
Matauri Bay. This Relais & Chateaux property, set along a rugged
and eye-popping coastline with views of the Pacific Ocean, got one
of the highest ratings in Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List 2014."
The lodge sits on a 6,500-acre working farm with thousands of
50 february 2014
50-53 ASPAC NewZealand.indd 50
cows and sheep dotting the property. The plantation-style main
lodge with expansive decks that overlook the property's golf course
and the ocean beyond, has high ceilings, fireplaces and an array of
spaces to choose from for dining and gathering. Accommodations
are in 840- to 900-sq.-ft. cottages that are tastefully decorated with
native timber and antiques. They include a working gas fireplace,
walk-in closets, and decks with ocean views.
After anscene in Macau.day, guests are invited to meet in the main
Street activity-filled
room for complimentary assorted canapes, cocktails and fine wines
from around the region. A sommelier is on hand to offer suggestions
and insight on the varieties available from the extensive wine list.
Well-heeled guests will appreciate the candlelit dining room, which
is elegant and soothing and is run by a highly trained staff, although
if they prefer a more personal or private experience, other dining
spots are available. Additionally, while on property, guests will want
to spend time in the glass-enclosed verandah that provides
amazing views of the lodge and landscape. The Library,
meanwhile, offers a plush, warm and comfortable setting that is
ideal for clients who want to linger long after dinner is over.
As we mentioned, the property has a par 72 championship golf
course that any golf aficionado will find enthralling-there are 15
holes that face the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs that plunge to the sea, and the inland holes wind through
marsh, forest and farmland. In addition to golf, the lodge also has
a spa, as well as three beaches where clients can go swimming,
snorkeling, kayaking and fishing.
Offsite, guests can visit Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. This is
sacred land as it's where the original peace treaty was signed
between the native Maori people and the English in 1840. Here, one
can experience a music/dance performance to hear and see how
the Maori people celebrate their culture.
recommend.com
1/21/14 11:41 AM
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend February 2014
Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Corinthia Hotels
Tour Talk: Convertible Caravans of Europe
Boutique Hotels Beckon
VIP Havens
Crystal Cruises
Costa Rica Travel Planner
Anguilla, Foodie Paradise
Carlisle Bay, Antigua
Culturally Infused Mexico City
New Zealand's Luxury Retreats
Kenya: Where Wildlife and Luxury Coexist
Chic Outlet Shopping
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