Where I Stayed: Queenstown

Most of my travel has been done alone, my recent trip to Queenstown was with my boyfriend. It was our first trip away together, so I wanted it to be special. Traveling as a couple is much different to traveling alone: instead of focusing on meeting people and soaking up the experiences that travel provide, you want to soak up each other’s company in a new place.

I always feel there’s a little pressure when booking a place for someone else too – you want to be certain that they’re going to love it as much as you think you will. When browsing for places to stay in Queenstown, Azur Lodge stood out. The main thing that drew me to choosing Azur was the stunning view of Lake Wakatipu and that it was rated one of the best places to stay in Queenstown on Tripadvisor.

Upon arrival to Azur, I knew I’d made the right choice. We were shown around the main lobby area, which is well appointed with a large kitchen, dining area and spacious lounge. Azur manages to perfectly balance luxury with a homelike comfort, ensuring you start to unwind from the moment you step in. From the beginning the staff make it very clear: nothing it too much trouble. Would you like afternoon tea and a bottle of wine brought to your room to settle in with? No problem. How about dinner brought in from a lovely restaurant in Queenstown and set up in your room? In villa dining can be easily arranged.

Our plan was to check in and then promptly make our way to Queenstown to do some sightseeing. After walking into our villa, with the gas fire already set and the stunning view our minds were quickly changed. Instead, we took a drink each and stood outside in awe, admiring our private view.

The rest of the villa was very spacious and comfortable with a giant bed, a lounge suite by the fire and a small kitchenette.

I fell in love with the bathtub – the views are just irresistible and it’s the perfect place to soak in some bubbles, while sipping on a glass of wine.

My partner and I donned our matching robes, and watched attentively as the sky slowly changed from grey and mystic, to pink and dreamy.

And then we decided to order complimentary canapés and wine. We had planned to drive into Queenstown for dinner, but found ourselves too comfortable and content to consider leaving our room. So we ordered gourmet pizza that was brought to us by one of Azur’s staff in a picnic basket and laid out on our table. The rest of the evening passed enjoying each other’s company and we awoke to the same breathtaking scene we’d seen the night before.

I’ve never stayed somewhere that I found so irresistible I wasn’t tempted to venture out and explore. I would have to agree with the ratings that Azur has earned, it is definitely the best place to stay in Queenstown and definitely makes the list of my favourite hotels I’ve stayed in.

It was the perfect way to start my trip away with my partner and exactly the kind of relaxing holiday I’ve been wishing for.

Where is your favourite hotel? Have you stayed somewhere very memorable?