The 2011 Romance List
Matakauri, Queenstown, New Zealand
As I arrive at Matakauri the sun is setting across Lake Wakatipu turning the Remarkables – the towering shell-shaped mountain range that dwarfs Queenstown – a shade of burnt mauve so vivid that I push by the welcome committee and stand open-mouthed on the deck staring. Just seven kilometres from Queenstown, this is surely New Zealand’s tastiest piece of real estate. Entirely ensconced in pine forest and perched 50 metres above one of the world’s most renowned glacier-fed lakes, it’s the staggering views of Queenstown’s most famous mountains – the Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak – that make this one of the world’s most spectacular romantic retreats.
Home to just 11 suites – each boasting uninterrupted views, (even from bed and the bathtub) private porches and open fi replaces – the emphasis at Matakauri is on romance. Guests may choose to dine in private dining rooms with food prepared by the country’s most celebrated chefs, or if you’d rather mingle, canapés and drinks are served each evening at seven; while dining under the stars is encouraged in summer when an open fi replace takes any chill out of the air. Matakauri also has a day spa, heated pool, jacuzzi, gym and steam room.
Review from Craig Tansley [Meet our Romance List Panel]
Why you'll love it
Matakauri creates such a complete feeling of romantic isolation it’s hard to believe Queenstown - one of the world’s action adventure capitals that’s also home to some of the country’s best restaurants and bars - is just a five minute drive away.