Blanket Bay Lodge, near Queenstown 

An intimate sanctuary renowned for its impeccable service and breathtaking setting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

If you are looking for a private lakefront escape with a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks and rainforest then this remote lodge is perfect. Crafted with local timber and stone, the award-winning lodge blends in with its magnificent natural environment and the spellbinding panoramas dominate every corner of the 12,000-acre grounds, from the pool (open in the summer), spa and restaurant to the rustic, yet elegant guest rooms. If you can tear yourself away from the views then you will be spoilt for choice with the range of local activities on offer, from fly-fishing and mountain biking to scenic flights and heli-skiing.

With its 30-foot beam ceilings, antique furniture and crackling fires, the welcoming Main Lodge is an ideal venue for dining and socialising. Sink into inviting sofas in the Great Room for pre-dinner cocktails and enjoy a daily-changing menu of innovative cuisine showcasing fine local produce and Pacific Rim flavours.

Every comfort has been considered in the rooms which feature polished wooden floors, fine fabrics, free Wi-Fi, a balcony or terrace and panoramic views across the lake towards the Greenstone Valley and the peaks of the Humboldt Mountains. The charming Lodge Rooms and Suites are located in the Main Lodge while the romantic Chalet Suites are set in gardens and offer a spacious living room and private courtyard.