Blanket Bay

June 21 2007: It was almost like Fantasy Island when the caretaker opened the door & called us by name before we could ring the bell, but we came to understand it was simply an example of the wonderful service at Blanket Bay.  This is the most beautiful place I've been.  The staff and accommodations are better than anywhere else we visited in NZ, and the setting perfect - on a bay in New Zealand, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains where The Lord of the Rings was filmed.  We hiked every day and ate 5-star meals each night. Other activities included: horseback riding, a helicopter ride to Milford Sound, private massage, reading by the fire, hot tub & sauna, gym.  The food is delicious and prepared just for you.  The lodge is far from rustic - beautiful architecture, huge fireplaces in each room and the public spaces, views from every angle, with a warmth and comfort that isn't always available in luxury settings. Best of all, it's private and quiet.  They could probably keep 20 people at once, but we were able to function by only interacting with each other.  Everybody is spread out in their private quarters and there are no ice machines or other noisy, public, hotel-feeling aspects.  It's the benefit of a B&B with none of the icky B&B personal stuff.

June 13 2007: We were fortunate enough to be gifted several nights at Blanket Bay.  I would lay down the gauntlet to anyone to name a more luxurious place on earth.  We were welcomed by name, every meal was succulent, every need and whim was met with pleasure.  The rooms (our room and public areas) were comfortable with views of lake and mountain...it doesn't hurt that it is outside of Queenstown.  Drove to amazing hikes, helicoptered from the back lawn to up to snowcaps and down to the beaches of Milford Sound.  The choice to keep to yourself or interact with the dozen or so others on a full night (from all over the world) is totally up to you.  Just an absolutely sick place to visit.