For discerning travelers seeking an unparalleled escape, the allure of New Zealand has just intensified. Beyond the highly anticipated reopening of its borders after two years, a symphony of luxury experiences awaits, promising an unforgettable sojourn to the adventure capital of the world: Queenstown. This summer dream trip is now within reach.
Queenstown: A Jewel of the South Island
Nestled on the South Island, Queenstown has long been celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. But beneath the surface of bungee jumping and white-water rafting lies a burgeoning luxury travel scene, ready to captivate those with refined tastes.
The most recent addition to this landscape is The Carlin Boutique Hotel, a beacon of opulence that redefines hospitality in New Zealand. This isn’t just any hotel; it’s the nation’s first and only six-star accommodation, setting a new standard for personalized service, exquisite amenities, and unparalleled comfort.
The Carlin Boutique Hotel: Where Luxury Knows No Bounds
Imagine waking up to panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the charming Queenstown Bay area. The Carlin Boutique Hotel, a seven-story masterpiece, offers an intimate and exclusive experience, accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. The hotel boasts eight meticulously designed one- and two-bedroom suites, each a sanctuary of elegance and sophistication. For larger families or groups, the option of adjoining suites creates a seamless and spacious living environment.
Step inside any of these suites, and you’ll be enveloped in a world of indulgence. Sink into the plush embrace of a David Shaw sofa bed, and let the warmth of a gas fireplace create a cozy ambiance. A private terrace beckons, complete with a heated spa and an outdoor dining area, perfect for savoring the crisp mountain air and breathtaking scenery.
The attention to detail is remarkable. A complimentary soft minibar offers a selection of refreshing beverages, while a fully equipped kitchen provides the freedom to prepare your own culinary creations. Gather around the elegant dining table for intimate meals, and experience the convenience of a smart toilet and a double vanity. The pièce de résistance? A freestanding bathtub, inviting you to unwind and soak away the stresses of the day.
The Carlin Skyhome Penthouse: An Apex of Extravagance
While every suite at The Carlin is a testament to luxury, The Carlin Skyhome Penthouse elevates the experience to stratospheric heights. Starting at NZD 17,000 per night, this is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest penthouse suite, a sprawling expanse of indulgence that redefines the meaning of opulence.
The penthouse can be expanded into a seven-bedroom haven by connecting three interconnecting rooms: The Eagle’s Nest, the Presidential Suite, and the Royal Suite. Accessed via a private elevator, this expanded penthouse offers unparalleled privacy and exclusivity.
The Eagle’s Nest, in particular, boasts amenities that are simply breathtaking. A chef’s kitchen awaits culinary masterpieces, while a separate powder room adds an extra touch of convenience. Private access ensures complete discretion, and a massage chair promises ultimate relaxation. Guests who book the Skyhome Penthouse also enjoy access to a private reception and butler’s office, ensuring that every need is met with seamless efficiency.
Personalized Service and Unforgettable Experiences
Even if the Skyhome Penthouse remains a dream for now, every guest at The Carlin is treated like royalty. The hotel offers a curated selection of luxurious amenities, designed to create unforgettable memories.
Indulge in afternoon tea, a delightful tradition that combines exquisite pastries with a selection of fine teas. Rejuvenate your body and soul at the premier spa, where skilled therapists offer a range of treatments designed to relax and revitalize. Take advantage of the valet service, ensuring effortless arrivals and departures. Enjoy complimentary airport transfers, nightly turndown service, and complimentary breakfast, setting the stage for a day of adventure and exploration.
Upon arrival, sip on signature cocktails, expertly crafted by the hotel’s mixologists. Evenings are filled with live music and stand-up comedy, providing entertainment and laughter.
At the heart of The Carlin’s philosophy is the Guardian Angel program. Each guest is assigned a dedicated team of hotel ambassadors, butlers, chefs, massage therapists, and other staff who are attuned to their personal preferences. This personalized approach ensures that every guest receives best-in-class treatment, from a personalized welcome gift to a tailored itinerary.
ORO: A Culinary Journey
The Carlin’s on-site restaurant, ORO, is a culinary destination in its own right. Led by executive chef Thomas Barta, who honed his skills at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred Claridge’s, ORO promises an unforgettable dining experience.
The menu showcases local and seasonal ingredients, transformed into exquisite dishes that celebrate the flavors of New Zealand. Sample mini crayfish rolls, a delightful twist on a classic, or indulge in Wagyu beef burgers, crafted with the finest ingredients. ORO is a testament to culinary excellence, a place where every meal is a celebration.
Invivo Air: Soaring to New Heights of Wine Tourism
While private charter jets offer a seamless way to reach The Carlin, there’s a new and exciting option on the horizon: Invivo Air, the world’s first winery airline. This innovative venture is an arm of Invivo & Co., a celebrated winery that has garnered over 250 medals since its inception in 2008.
Invivo & Co. sources grapes from New Zealand’s renowned wine regions, including Marlborough, Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay, and Gisborne. The company has earned accolades from celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Graham Norton, solidifying its reputation as a producer of exceptional wines.
Invivo Air’s inaugural flight, expected to launch this summer or fall, will connect Auckland with Queenstown, transforming a journey into an experience. The initial plan to charter a 34-seat Saab plane has evolved, with Invivo now considering larger aircraft due to the overwhelming interest.
Passengers will have a choice between two tiers of tickets, each offering a unique and immersive experience. The first tier includes a one-night stay at the Hilton Queenstown hotel, while the second tier features an extraordinary itinerary that includes visits to Invivo’s vineyards and a tasting session with Invivo co-founder and winemaker Rob Cameron.
Regardless of their ticket tier, all passengers will receive complimentary treats from the winery on each flight, including samples of Invivo’s award-winning wines and non-alcoholic beverages.
"The pricing of each tier of ticket will reflect the experience that the guest will receive on the trip," says Invivo co-founder Tim Lightbourne. "Rob and [I] will be serving guests ourselves… at Invivo Air, it’s business class in every glass!"
Currently, only New Zealand residents aged 18 and over can register their interest in flying with Invivo Air. However, Lightbourne has indicated that international visitors will be invited to join once the country reopens fully.
"While there will be a number of [complimentary] seats prioritized for the New Zealand hospitality community who have had a really tough couple of years, we also plan to allocate some seats to international travelers, to help encourage visitors to our beautiful county at the bottom of the world," Lightbourne said. "Our international guests will be given a pretty unique experience by our friendly Kiwi team."
This summer dream trip to Queenstown, with its blend of luxury accommodation and innovative travel experiences, promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
Making the Dream a Reality
Suites at The Carlin start at NZD 1,975 per night, a worthy investment for those seeking unparalleled luxury and personalized service. As New Zealand reopens its borders, the opportunity to experience this summer dream trip becomes a tangible reality.
This summer dream trip, combining the opulence of The Carlin Boutique Hotel with the unique experience of flying on a winery airline, represents the pinnacle of luxury travel. It’s an invitation to indulge in the finest things in life, to explore the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
