Blanket Bay

We’re already hoping to return someday. My wife and I visited Blanket Bay in early March, and the care from the staff was a big part of what made it memorable. Sebastian, the sommelier, was especially personable and knowledgeable. Our room felt warm and welcoming, and we loved the exceptional dining. The setting beside Lake Wakatipu was peaceful and breathtaking. It’s one of the finest luxury hotels we’ve experienced.

The staff were outstanding, and Jade’s cocktail skills deserve a shoutout. We also enjoyed the complimentary wine tasting and the Game Room, especially the pool table. Breakfast and dinner were superb, and the wine was excellent. Our enormous suite had a gas fireplace and a private terrace looking over the property and Lake Wakatipu. The lodge is beautiful, and the Great Room has a cozy feel that reminded me of the Great Room at the Ritz - Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, CO. Blanket Bay in Glenorchy was the final stop of our nine hotel stays on an epic NZ trip. It’s about 45 from Queenstown, which I think is a good thing. We’d definitely recommend it and would return.

The grounds really stood out to us. We loved walking the trails, and enjoyed our massage and facial, too. We’ve stayed at a lot of high calibre hotels around NZ, including cape kidnappers, kauri cliffs, and huka, but Blanket Bay is our new favourite. Service was impeccable. Everyone introduced themselves and was very accommodating with our dietary requirements. They even created bespoke dishes for pre-dinner drinks and a custom menu. I highly recommend this stunning hotel.

The suite had the most breathtaking views I’ve ever experienced, with generous living space, a stone courtyard, and uninterrupted lake and mountain scenery. As a solo traveller, I especially appreciated how warm and welcoming the staff were. Special thanks to Lucy and Taylor for understanding my specific needs. The food was outstanding, with creative, beautifully presented dishes and wines expertly paired by the sommelier. Pre-dinner drinks were a nice chance to connect with other guests. The team could arrange almost anything I might wish for, and the service felt effortless. Highlights included a private helicopter experience over mountains and glaciers, a lakeside picnic, and an indoor-outdoor jacuzzi with mountain views. Blanket Bay feels timeless, with classic lodge elegance and old-world charm. It’s a genuine taste of New Zealand at its finest, unforgettable, and somewhere I’ll absolutely return to when I can. A must-stay for luxury travellers. Aug 2024, delayed review due to illness.