The handsome alpine lodge Hotel St Moritz caters to chic yet adventurous explorers seeking out the unbeaten path.
Queenstown has earned the reputation as the “adventure capital of the world” for a good reason – there are endless ways to get the adrenaline pumping and staying active whilst experience the surrounding nature in this picturesque New Zealand town.
However, if you aren’t an extreme adventurous thrill-seeker or a hardcore fitness buff looking for a tough yoga retreat or gruelling boot camp but still love the idea of a wellness holiday in the outdoors, don’t despair. Hotel St Moritz, located in the heart of Queenstown offers light, fun and totally optional outdoor and adventure activities to its guests. The handsome and masculine alpine loge, also, like its European namesake, epitomises glamour and style. Think of Hotel St Moritz like a warm and strong ‘mountain man’ thoughtful to its female guests. In fact, the inclusive hotel caters to adventurous female travellers looking for an outdoor adventure whilst also enjoying the luxury and comfort of the lodge. At Hotel St Moritz guests know when getting their hiking boots on in the morning that there will be delicious cocktails, luxurious milk baths, gourmet dinner and a hot tub soak waiting for them back at the hotel. It’s all about balance in life, isn’t it?
Explore the outdoors
Not up for bungy jumping or whitewater rafting? For those looking for a slightly slower pace, there’s plenty of recreational outdoor activities such as hiking and biking trails to explore around Queenstown. Wakatipu Trails, is, for example, a great 130kms off-road journey taking you from Queenstown to Gibbson via historic Arrowtown. Breathe the fresh air and take in the magnificent views whilst discovering the region’s exotic flora and fauna along the way.
Another great way to explore the natural beauty of the region is the pine forest walk up to Queenstown Hill (Te Tapu Nui). The Queenstown Hill Time Walk, as it’s referred to, is a 500-meter climb up to the summit of Te Tapu-Nui which takes around three hours. Once at the top climbers are rewarded with a stunning 360° view of the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, parts of Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River. Here you will also spot The Basket of Dreams, a big iron sculpture which was created to symbolise a meeting place, a resting place and a dreaming space and to the showcase the local art, landscape and heritage.
For those fancy a shorter stroll into town, The Queenstown Gardens are just a few minutes walk from the town centre and offers a beautiful and tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle. The landscaped gardens include pristine lawns, large water features and a rose garden as well as a couple of significant memorials. This is the perfect spot to admire the views of Lake Wakatipu whilst enjoying a ‘Lunch-to-Go’ from the hotel. The packed lunch is a brilliant initiative developed by the Lombardi Restaurant encouraging guests to shamelessly pack their own doggy-bag from the breakfast buffet in the morning to be enjoyed later in the day.
Return to the comfort and luxury at Hotel St Moritz
After a long day exploring the outdoors, returning back to Hotel St Moritz allows guests to put their feet up in style, relax and enjoy a cosy and comfortable feeling of being right at home. The lodge is known as ‘A Big House’ and whilst sinking into the comfortable sofas in front of the roaring open fire, relaxing any tired legs and enjoying a moment of calm, it’s not difficult to see why.
For guests looking to continue the relaxation and take self-care and pampering to the next level The Molton Brown Rosa Absolute Milk Bath Experience is a luxurious ritual helping to release any pain from sore muscles from a day in the mountains. The gorgeous New Zealand milk-based bath covered with rose petals is conveniently prepared in your room and best enjoyed together with a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir for total bliss! After the luxurious soak, slip into the bespoke House Robe, a comfortable bathrobe which is so chic you can confidently wear it in and out of your bedroom adding to the homely feel.
For guests wishing to keep active, beyond the outdoor activities, whilst staying at the hotel there is a good-sized boutique gymnasium which can be used together with the sauna. There is also a Hot Tub Garden where guests can enjoy the serenity and tranquillity of nature whilst soaking in one of the barrel-shaped hot tubs which are tucked away in the lush private terraced garden.
And as they say, food always tastes better after a workout, so make sure to finish the evening with a memorable gourmet dinner at The Lombardi Restaurant where the menu is as impressive as the view.
Hotel St Moritz is a 5-minute walk from Queenstown CBD and a 10-minute drive from Queenstown International Airport. Guest rooms start from NZD$289/night, One Bedroom Alpine Suites from NZD$334/night and Two Bedroom Suite Lake View from NZD$679/night.
10-18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown, 9300, NEW ZEALAND
For more information and bookings: www.stmoritz.co.nz
Telephone +64 3 442 4990 Email reservations@stmoritzmg.co.nz
To plan your trek, download maps and get additional information visit https://queenstowntrail.co.nz
