LODGE WEEK: A Luxury lodge in New Zealand

For the second post of the week featuring stunning lodges, we head off to a totally different corner of the world, New Zealand. Minaret Station is the country's first luxury tented lodge, and sits at the head of a picturesque glacial valley. If you're struggling to imagine what the scenery looks like here, it may help you to know that Peter Jackson filmed parts of the Lord of the Rings in the immediate vicinity of the lodge.


If you've ever dreamt of arriving somewhere in style, then this could be for you, because it's only accessible by helicopter from Wanaka Airport. There are many places that claim to have luxury tented accomodation, but they really mean it here! The four luxury tented suites are available in either double or twin configuration, and come with sheepskin carpets; king size beds; private decks with their own hot tub, and are fully en-suite.


All food and drinks are included in the package, and you can expect the freshest food imaginable as it comes either from the mountain stream, or the farm. As for the wine, the Central Otago region boasts the world's southern most vineyards, and is renowned for it's uniquely charactered wines due to the hot dry summers and cooler winters.

The main Mountain Kitchen lodge is the hub of this site, and contains the library, dining room (with roaring fire), kitchen and living room. Meals are served in the dining room, or out on the deck - and if you prefer they can serve your meal at your tented suite. There is also a library of DVD's and books.

If you want peace and quiet then this place if for you - Minaret Station is a 65,000 acre private high country property with no road access, 25km lake frontage and adjoins Mt Aspiring National Park. If you'd like more information you can go to the official website here.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The undisputed King of Chicken Piri Piri!

Image
If you like chicken, and haven't yet tried Piri Piri, I have to break it to you.....you're missing out big time! The dish is traditionally made from Piri Piri peppers which originated in South Africa, and were imported to Portugal from Angola and Mozambique. Restaurants across Portugal have their own individual recipes for the dish; but the Algarve town of Guia is said to have the most authentic Piri-Piri houses, and I am quite confident when I say I think I have found the best. O Teodósio (otherwise known as King of Chicken) opens for lunch at 12 noon; and 6pm for evening meals. Trust me, it pays to get there just before it opens. Long queues of people soon build up, and every time I've eaten there it has been mobbed - quite impressive when you consider it seats nearly 700! Although they do serve other dishes, you never see a menu being handed out - you simply order "Frango piri piri, batatas fritas e salada" (chicken piri piri, chips, and salad). It'...
Read more

Life is not a dress rehearsal

Image
Ever since I was a little girl, my dad told me "Life is not a dress rehearsal". While it was a phrase that stuck in my mind, it didn't resonate with me until I got a bit older, and realised that he was totally right! We spend so much of our lives at work; in meetings, and sometimes doing things we don't always enjoy. So when we have time off and go on holiday, we have to make the most of it. Take time to look up at that blue sky, breathe in that fresh air to give us new energy for when we have to return to reality! One of my passions is travel - another is research, which combine to make a brilliant partnership! I love finding places off the beaten track; hotels that make you go 'ooooooh'; B&B's that make you feel you could just unpack your suitcase and stay forever, and attractions in different countries that you may not find in your guide book!  This is why I decided to start Travel Lightbulb - I want to share some of the great things I've...
Read more

Thailand at its best: Rayavadee, Krabi

Image
If you've never been to Thailand before, then picture a lush country with white sand beaches and emerald waters. Today I'm featuring a fabulous hotel which is set on the edge of Krabi's National Marine Park at the heart of the stunning Phranang Peninsula. Courtesy of Rayavadee, Krabi Inspired by a southern Thai village, the Rayavadee resort has won awards for its architecture. There are 96 two-storey pavilions and 5 luxurious villas, all dotted through tropical gardens and coconut groves.  Courtesy of Rayavadee, Krabi There are several restaurants to choose from, with everything from elegant dining to casual beachside fare. As for things to do, there is a fabulous spa at the resort which also offers a full range of excursions to places on Krabi itself, as well as the area's outlying islands.  Courtesy of Rayavadee, Krabi The beaches here are stunning and there are three incredible ones just a few steps away. Phi Phi island can also be reached by spe...
Read more