Tag Archives: Queenstown

Blanket Bay, Queenstown

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When you ask people about the most luxurious lodges in New Zealand, Blanket Bay will normally be first on the list. It is the rumoured choice for stars including Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise and Bear Grylls (when he’s had enough of the great outdoors!) Just a scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown, this idyllic escape is blissfully remote, whilst also benefitting from its close proximity to New Zealand’s most popular tourist town.

We arrived by shuttle bus, though were told most guests fly in directly by helicopter. Our bus driver fidgeted excitedly in his seat whilst taking us up the private driveway, eager to catch a glimpse of the exclusive hotel that is so often talked about but rarely seen. The calm and deserted surroundings are majestic and breathtakingly beautiful. The setting reminded me of the Scottish highlands; rugged and unspoilt. The main lodge is grand and inviting, it was a cosy retreat from the drizzling rain. Guests are encouraged to treat these communal areas as home, whether you choose to use the sophisticated games room, enjoy a cocktail at the elegant bar or relax by the roaring fire. Breakfast and dinner are also served here, in opulent and comfortable dining rooms.

Blanket Bay provides a boutique service, with just nine rooms and suites in the main building and four chalet suites found outside in the grounds, the maximum occupancy is just 26 people. This enables staff to deliver an immaculate level of personalised service, while guests have plenty of space and quiet to truly unwind. I experienced the Wyuna chalet suite located a few minutes walk from the main building. The suite was luxurious yet unpretentious, sympathetically designed and decorated to complement the stunning setting. From our window we could relish the views of the Humboldt mountain range across the lake and the Richardson Mountains behind us. The bedroom was carefully created to pamper and indulge your senses… the softest materials, warm wooden antique furniture, and concealed modern gadgets. The centrepiece fluffy bed let me sink into it, propped up by the bouncy pillows, and I was kept warm by the impressive, farmhouse-style fire, which illuminated the room.

The bathroom was indulgent and functional with a powerful shower (that doubled up as a steam room) and large bath. Toiletries were provided by the familiar English brand, The White Company. The thoughtful extras were endless… branded Blanket Bay water bottles to take home, a complimentary minibar stocked with delicious local chocolate and a varied choice of music to listen to in the room.

Complimentary pre-dinner drinks, creative canapés and a five-course a la carte dinner are included in the room rate for each guest. Order a glass of the delicious Amisfield house wine from local vineyards or challenge the barman to create you a classic cocktail. The intimate dining room is a special place to dine, with filmic views from every window. The team of talented chefs create innovative dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients. Highlights from our meal included a vibrant and comforting Farro Risotto with pumpkin and pea shoots, and a beautifully delicate Saiko Salmon Mousse with subtle seasoning from the leek and celeriac and complementing creamy yoghurt dressing. I loved the Tahitian Vanilla and Rose Bavarois dessert, a girly sweet treat with a range of enticing flavours and textures. For a more private occasion dinner can be arranged in the wine cave.

For breakfast there is an array of healthy and wholesome foods on offer, or you can choose to indulge with the a la carte menu and order pancakes with blueberry compote and maple butter, like I did! For a more hearty morning meal opt for the homemade porridge with apple syrup.

Many guests will choose to take advantage of the private grounds for their outdoor activities and hikes but the staff can also arrange exhilarating day trips to nearby natural wonders. Take a jet boat ride on the Dart River or try heliskiing in the Southern Alps. For a more cultured excursion the hotel offers a wine and arts trail around the neighbouring wine region.

Blanket Bay is renowned in New Zealand and worldwide as one of the finest lodges on offer. For a breath of the freshest air and luxury like no other, this peaceful alpine retreat will nourish and nurture your mind, body and soul.

More information and book a stay at Blanket Bay here: www.blanketbay.com

Sherwood, Queenstown

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sherwood

Queenstown is full of touristy hostels and hotels, uninteresting accommodation options for lazy travellers. Those in the know book a room at Sherwood, a new design-conscious place to sleep, eat and drink. The hotel was previously a run down mock-tudor motor inn, until three friends with a creative vision bought the unwanted property and started an exciting transformation.

The newly renovated and revived collection of buildings offers guests and locals a range of activities and dining options. Join one of the early morning yoga classes or rent mountain bikes to explore town. Head to the bar for a cocktail, a meal or even listen to a band in the multi-purpose venue.

During my tour of New Zealand I visited Sherwood for a few nights stay. The retro red and white alpine lodge exteriors are a surprising contrast to the modern minimalist bedrooms. Inside, the stylish but functional furniture and features instantly reminded me of the successful Ace hotel brand. The simple and bold design is appealing and satisfying: exposed light bulbs, utilitarian enamel kitchenware and specially made Sherwood branded blankets on the beds. In the basic bathrooms there are complimentary ‘The Woods’ toiletries for guests to use. From the bedroom windows we were lucky to have views of glorious Lake Wakatipu.

The restaurant at the Sherwood is fast becoming a foodie destination in its own right. Queenstown residents flock to try the delicious weekend brunch dishes, or spend their evenings enjoying cocktails and comfort food. We spent an evening at the chef’s table, and relished the opportunity to question chef Ainsley Thompson about her dishes and the food scene in the area. The food was comforting with a creative twist, accompanied with clever wine pairings. Highlights included the addictive creamy polenta with smoked tomato salsa, sensational crispy pressed pork shoulder with fennel & orange and a subtle elderflower and strawberry jelly for dessert. Also memorable was the beautifully light Tempranillo Rosé from Central Otago, which they buy by the barrel and bottle in house.

Breakfast is very much a casual affair, served in the same dining room, with a gourmet buffet selection during the week and a lavish brunch menu on weekends. Coffee fans will be pleased to discover the ‘Supreme coffee’ shop, where I ordered my daily flat white. Try to visit on a weekend so you can head to an Awakening Power yoga class and then relax afterwards with a Chorizo and green pepper tortilla or French toast with strawberry and red currents.

The Sherwood team continue to explore all the possibilities, so they can make the most of this exciting space. I loved spending a few days exploring and experiencing the Sherwood brand, and I got the feeling that there is much more to come from this brilliant boutique concept.

More information and book a room at Sherwood here.

Best Food in Queenstown, New Zealand

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Queenstown is the tourist capital of New Zealand and consequently has some of the best dining experiences in the country. From high-quality fast food to reasonably priced fine dining, there is a restaurant to suit every budget and occasion in this beautiful, buzzing town.

rata

Rata by Josh Emett

I recommend heading to this special restaurant at lunchtime when it is less busy and you can choose from the bargain set lunch menu. I enjoyed a refined three-course meal, with complimentary additions from the chef, for just $38 (about £17). Particularly memorable was the delicate white onion velouté with mushroom tortellini and crispy pancetta.

sherwood

Sherwood

This new venue is a great hotel for design-conscious travellers, but locals know it for its destination restaurant. Creative chef Ainsley Thompson presents inventive comfort food with a twist. Opt for their Tantric Dining menu with matching wines, to sample the best dishes. I loved the addictive creamy polenta with smoked tomato salsa, and the beautifully light rosé wine from Central Otago, which they buy by the barrel and bottle inhouse.

sasso

Sasso

Chef Rob Essenburg has recently taken over the kitchen at Italian restaurant Sasso and will soon be refreshing the menu of classics. The atmosphere is relaxed and the food is vibrant and tasty. The stand out dish was the comforting homemade spinach & ricotta ravioli with pancetta, pine nuts, parmesan and butter sauce. To accompany your meal choose a local wine like the Mount Edward Riesling.

Amisfield winery

Amisfield Winery

A little out of town, this boutique winery produces some of the best wine in the region. Once you have tasted the variety of reds, whites, sparklings and rosés, head through to the dining room for lunch. We tried a few exquisite seasonal dishes, my highlights included: Wild Nettle Tortellini with fresh cheese mousse, sage, lemon & garden spring tendrils; and the Organic Chicken with verjus, parsley & Hogan’s gully miners lettuce. The strikingly simple dessert of Brulée poached pear, pinot gris, yoghurt ice cream & hokey pokey was sensational, a perfect mix of tart and sweet tastes. The knowledgeable waiters will assist with the ideal wine to have with your food, my favourites were the light white Fumé Sauvignon Blanc 2014; and the Lake Hayes Noble 2013 dessert wine, though the vineyard is most known for its Pinot Noir.

fergburger

Fergburger

This burger venue is an institution in Queenstown and recently they even extended the pavement to accommodate the huge Ferg queues! Made with high quality local beef and freshly baked buns (Ferg bakery is next door) surprisingly the burgers do live up to the hype. Order the classic Fergburger with cheddar, or a slightly more exotic Swine Burger with avocado and bacon. Fries are delicious too, served with creamy aioli.

madam woo

Madam Woo

This trendy Malaysian eatery is a great evening hang-out when groups of friends visit to enjoy the cocktails and flavoursome cuisine. Order the turmeric chicken grilled satay with peanut sauce and pickled cucumber, or the Woo family favourite – Malaysian beef Rendang curry served with Nasi Lemak and an assortment of traditional condiments.