OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS
Weekend getaways for every need
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THE PENTHOUSE AT EICHARDT’S PRIVATE HOTEL
Queenstown Vibe: Eichardt’s has long been considered Queenstown’s premier lakefront address, and with panoramic views and 240m2 of spacious living areas (including an expansive terrace, complete with spa pool, fireplace and fully-equipped outdoor kitchen), the newly opened Penthouse is the jewel in its crown. What’s included: From a chauffeur-driven Land Rover Discovery (which you can use throughout your stay), to a dedicated 24hour butler and a private chef, The Penthouse experience is all about giving you what you want, when you want it. Pre-dinner cocktails served in-suite, or would you prefer Krug Champagne? The choice is yours, baby.
How much: $10,000 per night — so think hibernation destination, rather than just a bed to sleep in. But with a 140cm television, Netflix, and a Nespresso machine included among dozens of other high-end extras (ghd and Aesop goodies in the bathroom — hello!) why would you ever need to leave? eichardts.com
WHAREKAUHAU COUNTRY ESTATE
Featherston Vibe: A scenic 1.5 hour drive from Wellington, nestled between the rugged Rimutaka ranges and the Palliser Bay coastline, Wharekauhau Country Estate comprises four luxury accommodation options spread across 2200 hectares of farmland. Hankering for an indulgent, winter weekend away? Opt for The Ultimate Package.
What’s included: As well as three nights in a sumptuous Cottage Suite with drinks, canapes, and a nightly degustation dinner, The Ultimate Package entitles you to two 90-minute massages, a half-day guided farm tour, a full-day guided wine tour of the Martinborough region, and a private tasting of Martinborough Vineyard wines. Return transfers from Wellington Airport are included, or you can upgrade to a helicopter. How much: $6855 for three nights between April and December. This rate effectively doubles from December until the end of March, which is all the more reason to make it a mid-winter treat. wharekauhau.co.nz
GWINGANNA LIFESTYLE RETREAT
Tallebudgera Valley, Queensland
Vibe: You’ll need your passport for this one, but the Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is an essential getaway for the super-busy woman who knows she needs to slow down. Naturally, a seven-day stay is on our wish-list but if a quick fix is all your schedule allows, we recommend the restorative Gwinganna Wellness Weekend, which blends spa, movement and relaxation with delicious organic cuisine in a luxurious, low-tech environment.
What’s included: Two nights’ stylish eco accommodation, organic meals (including an evening glass of organic wine), a wellness seminar, and a 50-minute massage are all part of the package. On top of that, you can maximise the health benefits of your stay by participating in the morning Qi Gong sessions (an ancient Chinese art of promoting health by developing a harmonious relationship to nature) and taking the time to recentre yourself with yoga, or perhaps going on a daily bushwalk with the retreat’s resident botanist. How much: Depending on your choice of living arrangements, the Gwinganna Wellness Weekend will cost you between $1000 and $1440. There are also weekend extension packages available. gwinganna.com
CAPE SOUTH HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS RETREAT
Hawke’s Bay
Vibe: Located within the stunning, natural surroundings of Cape Kidnappers, Cape South is an experience designed to help you achieve your full physical, mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual potential. Promising up to four nights of complete relaxation, and the utmost in nurturing care from a team of qualified specialists, the Rest and Recharge package is our long-weekend pick.
What’s included: Three delicious, healthy meals per day? Tick. A daily massage or yoga session? Tick. A consultation with a qualified naturopath? Tick. For an additional cost, you can supplement your stay with a number of treatments and therapies including acupuncture, energy healing, guided meditation, kinesiology, reflexology, Tibetan Singing Bowl meditation, and transformational breathing.
How much: Flying solo? The Rest and Recharge package will set you back $950 per night. Or persuade your BFF to join you on your journey and split the $1700 per night twin-share option. capesouth.co.nz
Supplement your stay with a number of treatments and therapies including acupuncture, energy healing, guided meditation, kinesiology ... and transformational breathing