Recommend February 2014 - (Page 50)

southpacific NEW ZEALAND'S LUXURY RETREATS The North Island's Wharekauhau Lodge, overlooking Palliser Bay. laurel herman With stunning nature as a backdrop, friendly people, and Relais & Chateaux lodges, as well as other luxury accommodations, New Zealand offers a flawless, once-in-a-lifetime, high-end vacation. During our recent visit, we traversed the country from the "Far North" down to the South Island. Along the way, we experienced a world-class farm-to-table culinary scene complemented by gourmet food and wine pairings at boutique wineries; amazing golf courses; even more amazing spas; thrilling scenic helicopter tours; luxe accommodations and the best in service. Not to overstate how grand our visit was, but we were treated like royalty. That's due to a combination of New Zealand's magnificent tourism infrastructure and the phenomenal talent and knowledge of our New Zealand destination expert Keri Davis, managing director of ICEworks, the luxury DMC that customized our itinerary. "We work with agents from the U.S. to customize their clients' itineraries-from intimate couples' getaways and honeymoons, to multigenerational family vacations. Our luxury lodges work really well for FIT or family groups, which can have buyouts, and we often design a program that includes three or four of the lodges, either as a self-drive or with flight options," says Davis, adding that, "I am always thrilled to see guests' reactions to our lodges as they are astounded by the beautiful locations that put them in touch with the 'real' New Zealand." lodge at kauri cliffs In the "Far North" of the North Island, our first stay was at the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, a quiet, tucked away retreat overlooking Matauri Bay. This Relais & Chateaux property, set along a rugged and eye-popping coastline with views of the Pacific Ocean, got one of the highest ratings in Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List 2014." The lodge sits on a 6,500-acre working farm with thousands of 50 february 2014 50-53 ASPAC NewZealand.indd 50 cows and sheep dotting the property. The plantation-style main lodge with expansive decks that overlook the property's golf course and the ocean beyond, has high ceilings, fireplaces and an array of spaces to choose from for dining and gathering. Accommodations are in 840- to 900-sq.-ft. cottages that are tastefully decorated with native timber and antiques. They include a working gas fireplace, walk-in closets, and decks with ocean views. After anscene in Macau.day, guests are invited to meet in the main Street activity-filled room for complimentary assorted canapes, cocktails and fine wines from around the region. A sommelier is on hand to offer suggestions and insight on the varieties available from the extensive wine list. Well-heeled guests will appreciate the candlelit dining room, which is elegant and soothing and is run by a highly trained staff, although if they prefer a more personal or private experience, other dining spots are available. Additionally, while on property, guests will want to spend time in the glass-enclosed verandah that provides amazing views of the lodge and landscape. The Library, meanwhile, offers a plush, warm and comfortable setting that is ideal for clients who want to linger long after dinner is over. As we mentioned, the property has a par 72 championship golf course that any golf aficionado will find enthralling-there are 15 holes that face the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs that plunge to the sea, and the inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland. In addition to golf, the lodge also has a spa, as well as three beaches where clients can go swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing. Offsite, guests can visit Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. This is sacred land as it's where the original peace treaty was signed between the native Maori people and the English in 1840. Here, one can experience a music/dance performance to hear and see how the Maori people celebrate their culture. recommend.com 1/21/14 11:41 AM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend February 2014

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Corinthia Hotels
Tour Talk: Convertible Caravans of Europe
Boutique Hotels Beckon
VIP Havens
Crystal Cruises
Costa Rica Travel Planner
Anguilla, Foodie Paradise
Carlisle Bay, Antigua
Culturally Infused Mexico City
New Zealand's Luxury Retreats
Kenya: Where Wildlife and Luxury Coexist
Chic Outlet Shopping

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