Nugget Point Resort, NZ

Nestled between the spectacular Shotover River and the majestic Coronet Peak, Nugget Point Resort is close enough to Queenstown for convenience, yet remote enough to make you feel like you’re a world away. And, with their own private heliport, getting there can be almost as fun as staying there.

Surrounded by the natural grandeur of the Queenstown region, with its monumental rock formations, soaring evergreens and rushing water, Nugget Point Resort is the perfect vacation destination. They’ve even got an award to prove it! In 2004, they were honored with the Conde Nast Traveler Gold Award, an awrd given to only the supreme accommodations in the world. It is in the heart of the “adrenaline” part of Queenstown, which is so well known and it’s becoming an international resort in its own right. Nugget Point is a relaxed, comfortable, five-star quality resort that is quiet and unobtrusive, has superb service and fabulous food. All the things that make for a relaxed Kiwi resort of high quality.

Nugget Point completed a multi-million dollar renovation several years ago, resulting in a world-class resort guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning traveler. Catering to travelers who are used to the best, the rooms are a fabulous fusion of luxury and relaxation. All of the rooms are open plan suites featuring spectacular views of either the famous Shotover River or the glorious gardens and lighted tennis courts.

Their suites are like apartments and have all of the usual amenities including: tv’s, radios, irons, a mini-bar, coffee and tea making facilities, and your very own working kitchen! Not to mention a fireplace…now that’s romantic! And, how about your own private jacuzzi on your own private balcony…second honeymoon anyone?

I’d have to say my favorite thing here is the ambience. The service is impeccable, yet very approachable. You truly feel welcome. The resort is elegant, but also very relaxed. If you want to walk ‘round in your slippers or in your bathrobe, you can! If you want to go in the lounge, just tell them what you like. If you want the staff out of the way, they’re never obtrusive. But, if you need service, they’re there in an instant. This is a relaxed, informal Kiwi natural and beautiful mountain alpine resort.

That’s the beauty of a boutique hotel, you feel like you’re staying in a private home. You can go into the lovely grand salon and sit by the fire or read a book…You can order a drink, and, if you want, you can have your dinner in front of the fire. Or you can have your meal in the award-winning Birches Restaurant, an integral part of the resort operation.

The dining room is a blend of eclectic furnishings and refined elegance. The atmosphere is comforting, comfortable and cozy…You can sit at the windows or on the veranda over-looking the Shot Over River or near the fireplace, even at the quaint English Pub style bar with its 47 inch plasma tv.

The food? Award winning, people rave about it all over the world. They have ostrich carpaccio for starters, confit of duck leg, salmon and roast quail for entrees, not to mention some decadent desserts. All prepared by resident Chef Warner, who makes each meal a masterpiece. Their wine cellar has an extensive selection of fine wines from all over the world. And for breakfast, there is a hearty selection of breakfast foods and wonderful bake goods available to give you a solid start to your day.

Now, if you overdo it on the classic Kiwi cuisine, you can always burn off a few calories in the wonderful indoor-outdoor pool… fabulous! Or try to work it off in the full size gym with all of the latest equipment. Grab a couple people and enjoy a game in the all-season indoor squash or outdoor tennis courts…Then relax in the Swedish sauna. Myself, I just like lounging in the outdoor hot tub!

Why not let Nugget point’s staff take care of you while you recharge your batteries in these invigorating natural alpine surroundings! Ahhh, now that’s the life!