Post on 07-Apr-2017
27Travel DigesT, October 2015
saraH WeeKs takes time to slow down, indulge and enjoy boutique accommodation in some of New Zealand’s
most picturesque surroundings – from luxury chic hotels to spacious lodges and villas – with unique décor and
breathtaking locations.
Uniqueand
outique
The French Country House, Pahoia, Tauranga.
28 October 2015, Travel DigesT
Boutique accommodation is small,
intimate and unique, with personal
touches and feeling, from
contemporary vibe and modern
décor, to designer-restored country villas with
sophistication. Guests typically enjoy
exceptional, personal, five-star service from
hosts and it’s this boutique experience that
draws travellers to these memorable places.
The French Country House is an
enchanting and luxurious property nestled
amongst Pahoia’s countryside and rolling
hills near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty.
This boutique villa-style lodge offers stunning
views overlooking the bay’s coastline and is
the perfect place for a weekend escape,
romantic getaway, corporate retreat or even
a wedding.
My husband Craig and I drove through the
gated entrance following the driveway framed
with manicured hedges and gardens until we
reached the front door where we were
welcomed by our wonderful host Kay and her
gorgeous Shih Tzu dog Freddy. As we stepped
inside this warm and inviting property, we felt
how spacious, light and relaxing the dining
room, lounge and living areas were. The
French country style is perfectly
complimented with luxury antique furnishings
and comfortable modern facilities.
We’re led to our gorgeous room upstairs,
The Farm View Room, which, as its name
suggests, offers beautiful views from the
French doors that opened onto our private
balcony, of the surrounding farm.
This loft-style king bedroom features
a high ceiling, intricately detailed
middle-eastern rug, toile draperies, fine
antique furniture and a sparkling crystal
chandelier hanging from the centre which
BOUTIQUE HOTELS
The Arrow Private Hotel, Arrowtown.
When you deserve the best, contact Tim today on 03 409 8600 or via
tim@thearrow.co.nz to organise your luxurious holiday.
• 5 minutes walk from Arrowtown
• Breakfast in bed• Personalised Service
Nestled into established private grounds with majestic trees and romantic roses.
www.thearrow.co.nz
Luxury accommodation Free Wi-Fi Continental breakfast Free mountain bike hire Outdoor spa Friendly pet alpacas Gym with infrared sauna Self-catering options also available
City Lights
Relax and unwind in a quiet, peaceful location away from the city centre. Enjoy a soothing spa with panoramic views over the city and mountains, or just gaze at the night sky.
E: stay@citylights.net.nz W: www.citylights.net.nz
City Lights Boutique Lodge, 56C Mountain Road, Western Heights, Rotorua
T: 07 349 1413
29Travel DigesT, October 2015
lights the room with a magical mood.
Our bedroom ensuite features a luxurious
shower with soaker head and if you’re feeling
in the mood for a little romance or me time,
you can treat yourself to a nice long soak in
the spa bath under the glowing light of the
antique French chandelier or candles. The
country house features two other rooms to
stay in, the blue and green rooms, each with
their own unique style and offering a
different view of the property.
After a peaceful night’s sleep, we’re
greeted the following morning downstairs in
the dining room to a beautiful full-cooked
breakfast. We’re treated to a range of
homemade muesli, preserved fruits, jams,
spreads and freshly baked breads. Whatever
your diet preferences, Kay will cook your
food to your liking whether it’s poached
or scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or
smoked salmon.
In Arrowtown, The Arrow Private Hotel, located just 20 minutes from Queenstown,
is a unique, luxury and boutique place to
stay. This private romantic hideaway is
modern and architecturally-designed, with a
distinctive style in a gorgeous setting. This
accommodation combines the personalised
service of a lodge, with the privacy of a bed
and breakfast in a secluded setting.
The property has five suites, each with a
luxurious contemporary design, large
comfortable king-size beds, modern polished
concrete floors, fully-equipped kitchen,
spacious bathroom with glass sliding doors
opening out into the bedroom – so you can
watch television from the bathtub. With floor
to ceiling windows, you’ll enjoy views of the
surrounding mountains and trees from
the comfort of the designer couch. One of
my favourite quirky surprises was finding
the secret cupboard near the front door
where your hot cooked breakfast arrives
each morning.
We stayed in the luxury super king suite
at the top of the driveway, which features a
private spacious outdoor seating area. The
king-size bed with luxury linens gives the
ultimate comfort, while the en-suite
bathroom is notably spacious with double
vanity and double shower. Each luxury suite
has large, panoramic windows with
maximum views of the tree-clad hills and
rocky, often snow-capped mountains that
change colour and look spectacular all year
round, especially in autumn.
Owner Tim designed this property
City Lights Boutique Lodge, Mount Ngongotaha, Rotorua.
around an original historic stone cottage, which
is where guests check-in and provides the
perfect place to enjoy local wines and canapés
each evening. Coronet Peak is just
20 minutes’ drive away, making this the
ultimate ski accommodation. After a day of
sightseeing or skiing, you can relax and unwind
in front of the open fireplace and share your
adventures with fellow guests.
In nearby Queenstown the new boutique
bed and breakfast accommodation, Amour Queenstown, is just a six-minute drive or
25-minute stroll from downtown and a ten-
minute drive to both Coronet and The
Remarkables ski fields. This is a romantic
getaway place at the end of a quiet driveway
with absolutely amazing views of Lake Wakatipu
and the towering Remarkables mountain range.
Hosts Rose and Bob, along with their two
BOUTIQUE HOTELS
Amour Queenstown, bed and breakfast.
30 October 2015, Travel DigesT
✈
Maltese dogs, Austin and Lucy, are so
friendly and welcoming, they make your stay
most enjoyable and you feel right at home.
After a glass of local wine, cheese and
crackers, we’re shown to our room upstairs,
the stylish Lake View deluxe king suite, with
spectacular lake and mountain views. The
room is large with beautiful décor, its own
lounge area for serene relaxation and en-suite
bathroom. All rooms are serviced daily and
contain fresh fruit, tea and coffee making
facilities, toiletries, television and electric
blankets for those cold winter nights.
The large open plan kitchen / dining /
lounge area opens onto two expansive decks
and a newly-built spa garden. Each morning
you can see the sun rise and listen to the
sweet notes of bellbirds as you sit on the
deck sipping a cup of tea or coffee. You’ll
also get to enjoy Rose’s home cooking and
warm hospitality when she serves delicious
continental and cooked breakfast in the
dining room downstairs.
The expansive living area and large floor
to ceiling windows showcase the stunning
panoramic views of the lake and mountains,
while the fireplace adds a touch of ambiance
and warmth on chilly autumn nights. From
their large decks nestled in the treetops,
you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet with fresh
mountain air so much, you’ll find it hard to
leave this place.
City Lights Boutique Lodge offers
boutique bed and breakfast accommodation
set in two acres of grounds on the slopes of
Mount Ngongotaha, in the city of Rotorua.
The luxury accommodation includes three
guest rooms inside the lodge with daily
continental breakfasts and a self-contained
two-bedroom cottage and newly-opened
two-bedroom apartment.
Hosts Angie and Leigh recently took over
the business after staying here when the
previous owners wanted to sell – right time,
right place. The bed and breakfast option
includes fresh fruit, homemade yoghurts,
peanut butter, jams and muesli, cereals,
fruit juice, toast / fresh bread rolls and
tea or coffee. However, if you stay in the
apartment, they’ll also provide a welcome
pack on arrival.
Their two-bedroom bach-style cottage is
perfect for families of two adults and two
children and the apartment sleeps up to four
people. Both have a fully-equipped kitchen,
dining room and lounge with television and
DVD player. All showers feature rainfall heads
and are so relaxing after a full day’s
activities, plus they come with all towels and
toiletries. We stayed in the apartment with a
private outdoor seating area, BBQ and
mountain views.
The back of the property opens up to
spectacular views overlooking the countryside
and friendly alpacas, which guests can feed.
At night you can view the city lights and the
property is only an eight-minute drive from
the city centre. Angie and Leigh can also
help plan your trip with advice on local
attractions and restaurants and can make
bookings on your behalf.
The large covered patio at the back of
the lodge features an outdoor spa and
entertainment area with large table and
chairs. The spa provides the perfect
romantic setting to relax with a glass of
bubbles and stargaze into the night sky.
There’s a gym and infrared sauna for those
who like to stay fit and they also have
mountain bikes, helmets and gloves
which you can use free of charge.
BOUTIQUE HOTELS
• exercise • rest • eat right • relax • meditate • enjoy nature
www.whyretreat.com
Whangarei Heads Yoga Retreat, 16 Reotahi Road, McLeod BayPhone 0221 608 950 or
email: whangareiheadsyoga@gmail.com
HolisticYOGA
STRENGTH TRAINING & MASSAGE
EMPOWERING YOU WITH HEALTH
www.whyretreat.com
New Zealand’s first tax deductible yoga retreat
Until recently, employers who wanted to contribute
to the well-being of their staff by paying for
exercise programmes would have to pay
Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT).
Now, under an initiative with Exercise Association of
NZ and IRD called SMEAEP, exercise programmes that
meet certain criteria are tax deductible and not subject to
FBT. Reducing stress can improve productivity, reduce
absenteeism and create a happier workplace.
WHY Retreat, owned by Jo Woollacott, is New Zealand’s
first yoga retreat offering the Stress Management Exercise
Association Endorsed Programme (SMEAEP). It is a new,
purpose built B&B with three elegantly appointed suites
offering bay views at the foot of scenic Mt Manaia. Facilities
include a boutique exercise and yoga studio, sauna and
streamside meditation area.