High fives for New Zealand luxury lodges

New Zealand’s luxury lodges are basking in a series of international accolades - lining up with the world’s best to demonstrate how the local luxury accommodation sector continues to punch above its weight.

Just announced, the latest edition of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Reader's Travel Awards includes five New Zealand lodges in a list of 108 best international resorts.

The Condé Nast Traveller Gold List 2011 has selected Mollies (Auckland), Huka Lodge (Taupo), The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (Hawke’s Bay), Wharekauhau Lodge (Martinborough), and Blanket Bay (Queenstown).

Condé Nast honours
The Condé Nast honours also place The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (Bay of Islands) at #6 in the world on the Readers’ Choice Top 100 Travel Experiences, and The Spa at Kauri Cliffs at #10 for the Oceania region.

The Langham, Auckland placed at #3 for the best hotels in Oceania, and Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa was #15.

In the destination stakes, New Zealand was listed at #9 on the preferred country destination. Italy was the top choice.

The Gold List is chosen by the magazine’s editors from the results of an annual readers survey. For the 24th survey, almost 29,000 readers cast a combined eight million votes rating the cities, islands, and hotels they had visited in the past year.

Candidates are judged on a five point scale, and rated on food/dining, location, overall design, rooms, and service.

Fodor’s selection
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs also featured in the 2011 Fodor's 100 Hotels selection for luxurious retreats.

The hotels are chosen by Fodor's editors and travel experts for their service, stylish accommodation and unforgettable experiences.

Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, is one of the world's leading providers of travel information with 700 writers around the world contributing travel advice for guidebooks and the Fodors.com website.

Background information: NZ luxury lodges

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Northland
Owned and developed by US investor Julian Robertson, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is a grand Plantation-style spread in a tranquil setting with stunning coastal views. The 6000-acre property - which includes a private day spa, par-72 championship golf course, tennis courts, and a stable of horses - has the feel of an exclusive country club. Accommodation is in 22 guest suites in 11 private cottages. The lodge's resident naturalist leads guided bush walks, and day excursions include scuba diving, fishing, and relaxation in the beautiful Bay of Islands.
www.kauricliffs.com

Mollies, Auckland
Set on a leafy residential street with views over Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, the 14-suite Mollies is a stylish boho bolt-hole. A grand piano in the airy and art-filled lounge, sets the scene for regular operatic recitals. The individually designed bedrooms are filled with antiques, vintage finds and other curiosities - some complete with grand pianos. Facilities include a day spa and The Dining Room restaurant serving contemporary Kiwi cuisine and top regional wines.
www.mollies.co.nz

The Langham, Auckland
Auckland's The Langham Hotel is a five-star destination in the classic tradition of grand hotels offering timeless luxury and style. There are 17 luxury suites among its 411 rooms, and the Chuan Spa is one of New Zealand’s top spa experiences. It has eight restaurants, an elegant lounge bar and hosts many glittering events in its luxuriously appointed Great Room.
auckland.langhamhotels.co.nz

Huka Lodge, Taupo
Huka Lodge started life as a secluded 1920s fishing resort on the riverside near Lake Taupo, and the rustic sporting heritage continues to influence the contemporary style. The 19 suites and two private cottages are spacious and bright, with every amenity a modern traveller requires. The main attraction is some of the world's best rainbow-trout fishing, but there are also natural hot springs, tennis courts and a pool.
www.hukalodge.com

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay
Set on a 6000-acre working farm in the Hawke's Bay wine region, this 22-suite resort is famed for its spectacular Tom Doak-designed golf course. There are four suites in the former farm buildings that make up the main lodge, and the other suites are clustered nearby. Part of the property has been set aside as a conservation area for kiwi. The spa sits on a hillside above, and activities include farm tours, visits to the gannet colony and mountain biking.
www.capekidnappers.com

Wharekauhau Lodge & Country Estate, Wairarapa
This exclusive lodge, on a 5500-acre working sheep station overlooking Palliser Bay in the Wairarapa wine region, has recently been refurbished. The main lodge, with its grand rooms and cosy nooks, resembles an Edwardian country mansion, and the 10 guest cottages have sea views and sumptuously furnishings. There is an indoor pool and spa-treatment room, a croquet lawn and terrain de boules. A new spa is set to open this year.
www.wharekauhau.co.nz

Blanket Bay, Queenstown
Pitched as New Zealand’s ultimate alpine escape, Blanket Bay sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape of snow-capped mountains, prehistoric rainforest and small, trout-filled lakes. It’s also renowned for its award-winning Pacific Rim cuisine, and intimate relaxed atmosphere. Accommodation is in 12 bedrooms and suites in the main lodge and individual chalets, and facilities include a spa, steam rooms and pool. Local activities include fly-fishing, riding and heli-skiing.
www.blanketbay.com

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
The Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa is a sophisticated five-star retreat in the heart of the South Island alpine resort and adventure capital. The elegant 82-room hotel combines French antique chic and local avant-garde design. Facilities include LeSpa day spa, Vie Restaurant, Nue Lounge, and the 80-seat Left Bank Café - part French kitchen, part tea room.
www.sofitel.com