 "Splendid alpine relaxation."
Country luxury has just been redefined. Braemar Lodge on New Zealand’s South Island, defined as a “luxury lodge,” invites you into its realm of excellence in all things. A $16 million total rebuild of the renowned property has transformed this into one of the finest retreats in the country.
Its contemporary new design, predominantly in granite and cedar, encompasses a main lodge — reception, lounge, bar and dining areas — while 24 guest suites branch off the main building. A highlight of the complex is the Asian Inspired Spa, with massage and other treatments, saunas, relaxation and plunge pools, and fitness centre, opening onto ponds and landscaped gardens.
Each of Braemar Lodge’s large, 60-sq metre and 80-sq metre, open-plan suites offers sumptuous designer furnishings, a Californian Super King bed and elegant marble bathroom with a double spa bath. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto your own private terrace, complete with granite hot tub – from where you can revel in the views over the tranquil Hanmer Basin and surrounding mountains.
Your excursions from Braemar Lodge might start with Hanmer Springs, a charming alpine village famous for its therapeutic thermal waters. Then there are snow sports, hiking, fishing, horse riding, golf and more. Neither last nor least of your daily highlights at Braemar Lodge will be fine cuisine and wines that can transform each meal into an epicurean experience.
"New Zealand’s bountiful produce."
Dining at Braemar Lodge takes place in the contemporary Altitude restaurant, seating 48 and open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Lodge’s chefs create innovative fine-dining menus from the finest, and freshest, produce – featuring Kaikoura seafood, local gourmet meats, vegetables, herbs and fruits. The dinner menu might include goats cheese dumplings drizzled with roasted capsicum oil; main course options such as roasted saddle of hare or boudin of New Zealand crayfish; and desserts like freshly-made sorbets, or a South Island cheese board with seasonal fruit.
Braemar Lodge’s fine food is, of course, complemented by outstanding New Zealand wines, including those of the nearby Waipara Valley, famous for its chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, and rich spicy pinot noirs and rieslings.
Guests can also start their day with a special ‘Breakfast in the Clouds’ – gourmet food with superb mountaintop views or a full gourmet country breakfasts are also included, with local free-range eggs, dry-cured bacon, field mushrooms, and croissants and pastries made on the premises.
The Altitude caters for special dietary requirements, and room service is available from 6 am to midnight daily.
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(5 stars)