Archive for the 'Accomodations' Category
Touch of Spice
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 27, 2011 at 8:58 am
I had the opportunity to learn more about Touch of Spice, New Zealand’s leading luxury lifestyle and concierge company at TRENZ. They provide a wide range of services nationwide to the discerning client.
With offices in Auckland and Queenstown, services offered have expanded to include travel and leisure assistance, event planning, wedding planning, property investment and management and also the well-recognized and world-renowned Touch of Spice Private Villa Collection.
For the leisure market, they promote luxury villas, lodges and private retreats – New Zealand wide – partnered with a personal concierge service, tailored specifically for in-house guests. The specialist team of staff can source the finest wines, locate guests’ favourite flowers, assist with ground arrangements, find the perfect gift and arrange a world-class private chef to prepare an intimate dinner for two.
The Touch of Spice Private Villa Collection features a portfolio of properties of unsurpassed elegance and opulence including exclusive townhouses, luxury penthouses, luxury lodges and private island retreats.
Touch of Spice Weddings provides tailor-made wedding-planning services throughout New Zealand.
Touch of Spice Events offers exclusive and unique event solutions – New Zealand wide.
Glen Aros Country Estate
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 24, 2011 at 1:52 pm
I recently had the chance to learn more about Glen Aros – a classic New Zealand country estate, set in the foothills surrounding the wine-growing region of Hawke’s Bay. Everything I heard makes me want to go there.
From its beautifully secluded location, Glen Aros is only a short drive to the many world-class attractions of this diverse region – including wineries, winery restaurants, the lovely Art Deco city of Napier, fishing and golf. As a fully-serviced lodge, Glen Aros is ideal for high-end FIT travellers or small groups of friends can have exclusive use of the lodge. And the weather there is fantastic!
Luxury Accommodation
At Glen Aros, travellers enjoy a 5-star Guest & Hosted Qualmark Luxury accommodation with 24-hour concierge. Six spacious bedrooms, each with a super king-sized bed and a modern ensuite bathroom, are available for single or double occupancy. Tasteful furnishings lend individuality to every room and enhance the original character of this elegant Hawke’s Bay estate. Quiet, independent climate control assures your comfort winter or summer, throughout the house.
Dining
Enjoy creative meals prepared by their on-site chef, with an emphasis on fresh, natural foods and local produce. Menus can be arranged to suit your preferences. Choose a wine from their extensive cellar of carefully selected New Zealand and international vintages.
At TRENZ 2011, Glen Aros is promoting the incredibly talented Nigel Marriage – a top chef with Michelin star experience. He is classically trained and has worked as Head Chef in some of the finest restaurants in Europe and New Zealand, including Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, John Burton-Race’s (of French Leave fame), The New Angel in Devon and Eight Point Two in Birkenhead Auckland.
Nigel enjoys using the vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden at Glen Aros along with the wealth of locally grown produce available at the well-known Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market and the nearby port in Napier. The Glen Aros garden also has an olive grove and a vast range of fruit trees, including greengage plums, guavas, pomegranates, persimmons, figs, feijoas, gooseberries, black currants, apricots, artichokes and walnuts.
It sounds like a fabulous place.
Ralston Marketing Launches New Products At TRENZ
Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 9, 2010 at 3:49 pm
The people from Ralston Marketing have many high quality boutique accommodations and activity suppliers on their roster. They include Atholwood Luxury Country Accommodation in Mapua, Adrift Outdoors in National Park Village, Bay of Many Coves Resort in the Marlborough Sounds, Knapdale Eco Lodge in Gisborne, Bachcare Holiday Homes found across the country, U-Fly Adventure Rides in Wanaka, and - new this year - Waiatoto River Safaris and Hannah’s Homestead in Hasst .
I spent some time in Haast last year and loved it! It is a breathtaking place and these two new products are worth checking out! I had the opportunity to see Hannah’s Homestead as it was just being developed. I also got to experience Waiatoto River Safaris. It was an excellent experience (see my blog post) and anyone looking to get out there and really connect with Mother Nature will enjoy the adventure!
Bay Of Islands Overnight Cruise On Ipipiri
Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 1, 2010 at 1:07 pm
At TRENZ, I had the chance to learn a little more about Ipipiri, the latest addition to the Fullers GreatSights fleet at TRENZ. This is a unique overnight cruise that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Bay of Islands. On the cruise, you learn about the region’s historical and cultural significance as you journey back to the birthplace of New Zealand. You can snorkel or kayak in the clear waters and then sit on the rooftop sundeck and relax with a drink.
The overnight experience accommodation is in one of 30 ocean view cabins, each with private ensuite and uninterrupted sea views. Also included are a three-course buffet dinner and a full cooked breakfast featuring local produce. There are complimentary afternoon activities at one of the favourite sheltered bays – that could include snorkeling, kayaking or nature walks.
I am told that starting in September 2010, there will also be a two-night cruise option, allowing guests to extend their wonderful experience in the Bay of Islands.
Another one to add to my wish list for next year!!!!
Auckland’s Hippest Four-Star Hotel
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 26, 2010 at 4:28 pm
I checked in with the people at The Quadrant Hotel Auckland yesterday and had a great time hearing about their funky hotel. Their rooms range from a studio apartment to a one bedroom apartment, two bedroom apartment and penthouse suite. I love this part – they have FREE WI-FI!!!
The hotel has lovely rooms that look extremely comfortable and each have a fully equipped kitchen. They say it’s where style and affordability spend the night together. That’s a good thing.
They have a bar and restaurant. (Sounds weird for me to say this, but when you see the website, it looks like your staying at beautiful condos.)
Check out the website, the hotel is impressive.
