Is it a 5 star? Really?

I was reading a news clip a few days ago about a “6 star” resort opening in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s most popular tourism destinations. Two photos illustrated the story, one with a bottle of Dom near a hot tub with a model sitting in it. The other was a view of Lake Wakatipu from one of the rooms. Both views offered a sea of rooftops from the so-called 6-star property. And made me think…”hang on a second, you are describing yourself a “6-star” with of a view over suburbia Queenstown? Really?

 Obviously what is a 5 or a 6 star for one person is different for another. I have a shelf full of books and studies focused on the concept of luxury and what does it mean. New Zealand is a good example. In my book(and in my honest opinion), there are no 5 star hotels in New Zealand. None. Because, to me, a true 5-star hotel is the Park Hyatt in Sydney or the Peninsula in Shanghai or the Metropole in Hanoi, where service, restaurants, staff to guest ratio and the ubiquitous “wow factor” all work together to create a feel that makes it “5 star”.  We don’t have that in New Zealand. Four star hotels? Yes, a few, in Auckland. Again, in my own opinion.But what we have in New Zealand is a network of 15 or so lodges that definitely are 5 stars. When you look at the small size of our country and a stunning landscape that changes dramatically, New Zealand is one of the very few countries in the world that can deliver such level of exclusivity and luxury in such a small area with ever changing landscape. The lodges are more in the “luxury country/manor house” style, all range between 5 to 20 rooms on offer with stunning views. The location of the lodges is also interesting, ranging from sub-tropical islands way up on the North Island to facing glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains close to our west coast fiords at the bottom of the South Island. 

 Every lodge offers a focus on regional cuisine with regional wine pairing, but also makes a point of showcasing New Zealand made products from chocolates, merino wool blankets, outdoor clothing, art work, boutique wines, spirits and hospitality that shows how proud we are of our country. And yet, the service remains down to earth, with a smile and without any fuss. The drives to the lodges are part of the experience, the isolation, the views, the farm roads (for some) that make you wonder if you are lost. For all these lodges deliver the feeling of “disconnect” ,in pure remoteness, and this accentuates the “5 star” treatment.  But it’s not only dining and sleeping that brings in the feeling of luxury. Each lodge offers (with various degrees of exclusivity) private tours, sometimes with lodge guides, other times with contractors. A great snapshot on what New Zealand is all about, from vineyards to sheep farms, art tours, visiting historical areas to accessing unique coastal and mountain environments.  It’s basically luxury on top of luxury.

And it all tastes better when you are in the wild.

LITTLE KNOWN FACT:

The average cost for a room/villa is about $NZ 1500 to $NZ 3000 per person per night and includes breakfast and dinner, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, taxes and accomodation.

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT

All year round but keep in mind July till end of September is our winter season . Our high season when lodges need to be booked way in advance are in the summer from December till March.