Jetsettersblog

There’s Location, Location and then there’s Location. Lake Hawea Hotel overlooks stunning Lake Hawea, with an alpine altitude WOW factor that will surprise even the most seasoned traveller. This iconic lakeside hotel has recently been fully refurbished and with the new owners passionate about this alpine region’s offerings and dramatic scenery, it has become the hottest place to stay in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

The new owners, Mike Smith and Anthony Alderson acquired Lake Hawea Hotel in April 2011 and immediately began a full refurbishment, transforming bedrooms and revitalizing the hotel’s restaurant and bar featuring stunning lake and mountain digital-picture perfect scenic views. Today Mike and Anthony offer an outstanding place to stay and relax with fine cuisine and wonderful experiences.

“Our objective is to give each visitor a special and unique memory of the Central Otago region of New Zealand,” commented Mike Smith.

Stylish new contemporary rooms include eight family suites and four studio suites that make up the hotel’s accommodation. As Mike Smith says, “We have emphasized and focused on a great relaxing stay with sumptuous beds and linen, and a great bath and shower. Each room has a private balcony opening up to one of New Zealand’s finest panoramic views. The room colours chosen represent the last shades of autumn, a time central Otago trees begin to shed their leaves for another winter.”

Merino sheep produce New Zealand’s finest wool and Central Otago is the centre of New Zealand’s Merino farming, where well-tended animals graze on high country, highland sheep stations. “With our guests in mind we wanted the finest blankets draping our luxurious beds so they were spun from pure Wanaka farmed Merino, hand woven, especially for the hotel,” added Mr. Alderson.

Fishing is one of New Zealand’s national pastimes and the rivers than run into Lake Hawea offer anglers fantastic fly fishing. With the idea of bringing some of the surrounding rivers and lakes into each room, local photographer, Kay Todd, has produced wonderful pieces of artwork by photographing colourful fishing flies that add a contemporary feel to the eye-catching interior décor.

All the rooms in the hotel have uninterrupted views of the lakes and surrounding mountains including Free WIFI in the bar and restaurant areas, Flat screen TV’s with Freeview service, hair dryers, free trade tea and coffee, irons and ironing boards.

Priding themselves on their food and beverage service, the hotel’s bar and restaurants have also been lovingly upgraded to offer patrons a warm and inviting place to unwind, dine and experience local hospitality.

Log fires and stunning lake views make The Grill Room a perfect spot to enjoy Chef Logan McPherson’s modern kiwi cuisine. Logan is currently a NZ Beef and Lamb ambassador. Focusing on locally grown and farmed products, serving Central Otago meats from the Grill, complemented with great Central Otago wine, in particular the region’s astonishing Pinot Noirs.

The Stag’s Head is Hawea’s local pub. They serve an extensive selection of quality beers, wines and spirits and specialize in good old-fashioned great pub food that includes menu takeaways. Of course a pub wouldn’t be a pub without a pool table, dart board, table tennis, multi screens showing Sky TV and occasionally live music.

The new owners also offer one of the last great gardens bars with a large children’s playing area and built-in BBQ for visitors to cook their own steaks, choosing from the hotels pre-cut range of premium meats. This is the perfect way to entertain the whole family and still eat fantastic food. The kitchen can also prepare a selection of salads to accompany your choice of meat.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, combining extraordinary mountain and lakeside views with delicious cuisine and a fantastic array of outdoor activities – then it’s no wonder that Lake Hawea Hotel is a place everyone is making a bee-line for. Summer room rates start from NZ$150.00, 1st Dec – March 2012