The wind is whistling past the snow-capped mountains and arriving to gently tap on the double doors of my lakeside balcony in Suite No. 1 at Eichardt’s Private Hotel Queenstown.
Sitting by the soothing fireplace in my woollen socks, whisky in hand - I am watching the wintery sun slowly retreat behind The Remarkables and listening to the lake water lapping outside my room.
I feel I have robbed my soul by waiting this long in life to visit Queenstown. There is something here that photography cannot capture. A vibe in the air, a certain je ne sais quoi. The stuff dreams are made of. Truly.
Snow-kissed mountain peaks, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, roaring fireplaces, the changing colours of the Autumnal leaves, and the crispness of the air that slightly takes your breath away when you step outside into the frosty night. There is nowhere better to spend your nights than tucked up under the stars at Eichardt's, in a super king bed in 5-star paradise.

This stylish suite is appointed with magnificence, every detail is taken care of with sophistication and elegance - from the ambient fireplace to the exposed stone wall lining the opulently decorated bedroom. Mood lighting, geometric ceiling patterning and the highest quality linen and flooring have my heart set on fire!
Classical tunes are softly cascading through the suite as we tumble through the doors to warm our bones in this relaxing, private retreat with expansive, magnificent views over Lake Wakatipu.
I have to admit, one thing I do love is a good bathroom... and this one blew me away.
Slipping out of a soft Eichardt's robe, I sunk slowly to the bottom of a warm bath full of bubbles and salts - soothing aching legs after a big 6-hour hike to the top of the Ben Lomond Summit. This relaxation made all the more magical with a chilled refreshment close at hand.

It isn't often you come across a hotel of such magnificence. Ticking all the boxes. Exceptional location, breath-taking views, luxurious rooms,  5-star staff and delicious food. But Eichardt's found a way to pack even more into that wish list.
Let me introduce The Parlour. One of my favourite rooms in the house. A communal guest-use room with large open fireplace, stunning lake views and comfy couches to enjoy a little night cap of complimentary whisky, sherry or port (or a pre-dinner delight in my case). I highly recommend enjoying this room as the sun goes gown before you head down to the bar/restaurant for a dinner of tapas and wine.

Don't forget to order the seafood chowder. A local and international favourite. It was nothing short of delicious but what really stole my heart was the 'grilled bruschetta of local wild mushrooms, thyme & feta'.  Mouth watering simplicity. The food and the space!

 If you're travelling with a group of friends or a little tribe of your own, stay at one of Eichardt's spacious Lakeside Apartments. Beautifully designed by Virginia Fisher, they're just a hop and a skip down the road from the main hotel. Four luxurious apartments that can be used separately or as one large residence. Supremely functional and luxurious, with incredible views, the apartments are completely private and a fabulous way to have your own space whilst still being close to the main hotel.
Can you hear the blazing fireplace and the whistling wind outside? Warm your feet on the heated tiles in the bathroom while a good cuppa brews in the kitchenette and soft relaxing tunes radiate throughout the space. We watched the stars through the skylight and fell fast asleep on the comfy bed after another big day exploring the magic of the mountains.
My soul feels blissfully warm after our stay at Eichardt's. The feeling of being completely nurtured and relaxed. The warmth of the hotel and apartments is more than just temperature from the abundant open fireplaces, this magnificent luxuriously inviting getaway warms you from within. It ignites your soul with the magic of the mountains and envelopes you in a cloud of pure luxury.
The most spectacularly beautiful place to breath in the magic of mother nature and feast your eyes on the snow kissed peaks while you enjoy Eichardt's mouthwatering cuisine and the height of luxurious lodging.
Paradise awaits at Marine Parade, Queenstown.

Keep adventuring,

Explore Eichardt's
Crème de la crème of Queenstown: One Day in Paradise.