Q: What’s your ultimate way to spend an indulgent, luxurious day in Queenstown?
A: Wake up in your luxury private villa at The Elms on Lake Hayes to fresh coffee on the deck followed by a chef-prepared breakfast with fruits, eggs any way, freshly baked goods, homemade muesli, chia puddings, smoothies and juices. Shortly after breakfast, your private chauffeur will pick you up and take you to the Over the Top helicopter base for an experience of a lifetime.
Stopping first at the Over the Top Golf Hole, high above Lake Wakatipu, you will hit golf balls into the oblivion while trying to get a hole in one on the only tee up on a mountain. After that, they will whisk you down to Fiordland where you will land on a boat and spend your lunch cruising the sounds, eating freshly caught crayfish, perfectly paired with local New Zealand wine. If you want to get closer to nature you can jump into private kayaks and enjoy a tour around the basin of the sound before sinking into the yacht’s rooftop hot tub to relax.
Upon flying back to Queenstown, your pilot will stop by Central Otago’s most exclusive cellar doors for private wine tastings with the vintners. Your driver will then be on hand to transfer you back to your luxury villa for drinks and canapes prepared by your chef before you head out for dinner at local eatery Aosta in Arrowtown. Finish the night off with dancing and cocktails at the infamous Blue Door Bar.
Q: If you had a week, no expenses spared, what would you suggest?
A: Staying at Lodge at The Hills (five night minimum) would be the most exclusive stay you could imagine in Queenstown. The Lodge comes with six suites (all with ensuites) plus a full-time butler, chefs, sommelier, tennis court, heated pool, spa, sauna, gym, golf course… it even has its own Sculpture Park, open only to lodge guests and members of the private golf club.
Q: Your favourite luxury hotels in Queenstown are…
A: The Penthouse at Eichardt’s Private Hotel offers lakefront luxury in the heart of Queenstown. With the buzz from the surrounding bars, restaurants and boutique stores, it’s the ultimate spot for a weekend away, where access to everything the town has to offer is key.
Blanket Bay is also amazing, just a 45-minute drive towards Glenorchy. The lodge is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on a working sheep and cattle station – it’s like a luxurious escape cocooned by nature, offering a truly authentic New Zealand experience with some of the best food in the region.
Jacqui Spice, owner of luxury concierge company Touch of Spice