Exciting news from New Zealand: We hear that Matakauri Lodge, the lakeside retreat in Queenstown, is opening a $5 million, four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage. The 5,000-square-foot villa (which is now the property’s top suite) will be available for guest bookings as of February 1.
Accommodating up to eight guests as a four-bedroom reservation (but also available in a two-bedroom format), the freestanding Owner’s Cottage is unique in Queenstown: It has six separate outdoor spaces, including a courtyard and Jacuzzi. There is also a full kitchen where guests can cook their own meals or bring in a private chef. Each suite has a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling views of the Remarkable Mountains on Lake Wakatipu from most of the rooms.
Other perks include a study, a laundry room and even a drying room for adventure gear (think ski boots after a day on the slopes). Cool touch: The villa has wool carpets created by the Lord of the Rings costume designers.
Nightly rates range from $5,000 for a two-bedroom suite to $12,000 per night for the four-bedroom house and include: full breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, dinner, complimentary in-suite refreshments and bar, Wi-Fi and use of Lodge facilities (excluding spa treatments).
Bonus: With the completed renovation, Matakauri Lodge will now be able to cater to 32 guests at a time (good for small weddings and cocktail receptions, we say).