HOTEL NEWS
THE LATEST BOUTIQUE AND LUXURY HOTELS
INTERNATIONAL The Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort
has reopened, following a $48 million renovation. The sprawling property – great for families and keen golfers alike – has revamped its pool area, guest rooms and lobby with a modern-yetFijian feel. New dining options include the Tatavu Grill & Bar, a beachfront open-air restaurant where coal-grilled meats, fresh salads and flatbreads are joined by tiki cocktails; and Island 619, where the breakfast buffet makes a mighty return by day and a ceviche bar, laksa station and a seafood pasta bar take over by night. There’s also 28g, a new coffee bar where the curious but excellent combination of espresso and tonic water with a squeeze of lime is the ideal way to kick-start your day.
In more tropical revitalisations, Hawaii’s Turtle Bay Resort has undergone a revamp. The transformation of the Oahu hotel comes courtesy of renowned interior designer Dianna
Wong (best known for her work on the Beverly Hills Hotel) with help from local artists to reinvigorate the entire property. This includes a new lobby space, pools, cabanas and a pool bar, plus spacious new ocean bungalows. The North Shore’s sustainable agricultural practices are showcased in all of the hotel’s restaurants, while 650 acres of the property will remain as a permanent environmental conservation space.
In New Zealand, Queenstown has welcomed its first “six-star hotel” with the arrival of The Carlin. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown Bay area (with views from every suite) the hotel hosts just 50 guests at a time to ensure tailored service to each guest. Owner and namesake Kevin Carlin personally oversaw construction and design, including a grand 510 square metre penthouse that claims to be the largest in Australasia; while many of the rooms have a private spa or pool. There’s also the option for guests to take direct flights from Australia on a 13-seat private jet, plus luxury cars are on call for each guest.