Hello to all those who adore winter holidays in New Zealand’s wonderful South Island. Queenstown is the proud heart centre of ski activity here with its excellent proximity to the following powder filled snow fields; the Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Treble Cone and Cardrona.
There’s an element of wild winter beauty at almost every vantage point from which you look when visiting the region. Plus, an oh so convenient selection of world class eateries and bars that quaintly line the picturesque streets. Now all you need is a luxury chalet appointed with the finest amenities and elegant furnishings in which to sleep.
Well, seek no more, for you have found my top 3 picks of the very best ski chalets in Queenstown.
Eichardt’s Private House
Prestigious travel industry accolades come in thick and fast for Eichardt’s. It’s right up there as one of New Zealand’s most distinguished ski lodges and definitely Queenstown’s most prestigious of boutique hotels. It is also home to ‘The Grille’ by Eichardt’s – Queenstown’s answer to stylishly vibrant premier dining. It also houses a world-famous bar that garnered a praiseworthy place via The Times as one of the ‘Top 10 bars with a view’ and rightly so.
Eichardt’s unveiled their superb penthouse suite in late 2016 and its safe to say this sophisticated space harbours a fancy old world charm complete with breath-takingly beautiful furnishings. Yes, the Eichardt’s penthouse suite is undeniably fit for a Queen.
Positioned directly on the shores of Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu, this wonderous residence boasts unhindered views over the lake. Available for guests to let from a cool NZ$10,000 per night, it’s no surprise that the following world class services are inclusive through out your stay; a Land Rover and a private driver at the ready to chauffer you at any time, daily doses of Krug Champagne and a one on one hosted luxury shopping adventure in the flagship Louis Vuitton store conveniently located downstairs.
Eichardt’s is synonymous with exclusivity. Hence, there’s a range of signature experiences available to enjoy throughout your holiday to the Southern Alps. Fancy a chartered helicopter tour to gain an aerial view of the snow-capped rugged wilderness? Done. Keen to take a hike through pristine natural terrain with a skilled mountain guide? Well, consider it already arranged. Desire to dine at a remote glacial location? You’re on!
Historical notes; Eichardt’s Private Lodge was founded in the late 1800’s at the height of the gold rush era and the building is a significant Queenstown landmark. Nowadays it accommodates global travellers that appreciate the finer things in life and the penthouse suite is suitably designed for the discerningly worldly character type.
Villa Tihi
The Scandinavian design of this brand new, totally flawless chalet is an optimal vacation destination in Queenstown for families and friends. Comfortably sleeping up to 8 guests across four spacious rooms, Villa Tihi offers a refined luxury stay within its luxury enclave. Also appealing is its central location, just a short 12-minute walk into the hub of Queenstown.
The tastefully decorated villa features an outdoor hot tub with sprawling views of imposing mountain ranges and granite hued blue mirrored lakes. We like the deck area BBQ too, an excellent entertaining set up in warmer weather.
Villa Tihi’s interior features a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, cosy fireplace, heated flooring throughout and a primo coffee machine. Whether you get your caffeine fix within or amble into town to sample the splendid cafes abound is up to you. Side note; Joe’s Garage is our favourite place to indulge in a soothing morning coffee ritual.
The relaxing atmosphere of the property, with its high ceilings and abundance of natural light make it perfect for unwinding after an active day on the local ski slopes.
Travel Tip: Base yourself here & take full advantage of all the Queenstown activities in the vicinity. FYI – I personally think this a great place to take teenagers on a Queenstown holiday too.
Jagged Edge
Unrivaled in privacy, luxury and immaculate contemporary design. Jagged Edge is a private residence that figuratively hangs from a cliff edge. Located just 10 minutes out of Queenstown this beautifully presented chalet is the stuff day dreams and James Bond-esque movie scenes are made of.
Upon arrival guests will be astounded by the awe inspiring alpine vistas that surround this boutique property. The super sleek and… dare I say sexy building, is anchored to the mountainside via steel cables that connect deeply and directly into the cliff rock face. Jagged Edge is unequivocally an engineering and architectural masterpiece in all of its glory.
The floor to ceiling glass and steel prism reflects an abundance of natural light throughout the house, as well as offering up sublime 270-degree panoramic views of the glacier encrusted mountains abound, smattered by blue jeweled lakes below.
An ample spaced kitchen is filled with top of the line cooking accessories, ideal for hosting a ‘once in lifetime’ entertaining dining event for you and your friends. Esteemed private and/or celebrity chefs can be easily arranged via the 24-hour concierge line too. In fact, this open planned 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom designer chalet means that your guests will have plenty of space to stay the night too. This place is by far one of New Zealand’s most luxurious private accommodation offerings.
Highlights include; a 5 x 6 metre heated infinity spa pool, a subterranean wine cave, smart technology throughout, a grand piano, gymnasium, sauna and a fleet of professional staff. Overall Jagged Edge shows off the dramatic landscape via its flawless translucent style design and is a tremendously luxurious yet elegantly understated Queenstown escape.
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