Compared with New Zealand's outdoorsy luxury lodges, The Spire stands out like stiletto heels at a Greenpeace rally.
Set back from the lakefront at Queenstown,
it is slick and sleek but so understated that most locals don't even know it's there. Fixtures and furnishings ring the high notes, with Eames chairs, Starck lamps, Christofle cutlery and BeoCom cordless phones. The huge bedrooms are decorated in black and cream with splashy burgundy accents. Theyre also wired with gadgetry from 42-inch plasma screens to Wi-Fi and Microsoft Media Centre software. On the downside, one of Queenstowns favourite pubs is at the end of the lane boozy bonhomie can be a problem in the lake-facing rooms on Saturday nights. Personalised service in this 10-bedroom property is a priority, and the staff are young, peppy angels who serve as your very own PA. Public spaces are confined to a slinky
bar and dining room, but then you only have to step outside to hear the call of the wild sounding loud and clear from the serrated mountain peaks.
WHEN TO GO
JulySeptember for
skiing; NovemberMarch for other outdoor adventures.
ROOM TO BOOK
One of the quiet back rooms overlooking the church grounds.
CONTACT
Church Lane, Queenstown, New Zealand (00 64 03 441 0004; www.thespirehotels.com).
COST
Doubles NZ$995 (about £395)
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