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Dramatic scenery combined with ambience and gourmet food have garnered five New Zealand hotels and luxury lodges a place on a list of the world's best hotels.
Conde Nast Traveller magazine has named Taupo's Huka Lodge, Kauri Cliffs in Northland, Wharekauhau in Southern Wairarapa, Wellington's Bolton Hotel and Blanket Bay Lodge on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in its 2007 Gold List.
Described as "the ultimate guide to the world's hotels", Conde Nast Traveller compile the list using feedback from readers and their own editors.
Queenstown's Blanket Bay Lodge received special recognition as being among the best for food and was described as a "gourmet haven" by the magazine.
It was the only New Zealand property to feature on the food list, which included Michelin-starred establishments Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and Italy's Capri Palace Hotel.
The award comes at the end of fantastic year for 27-year-old sous chef Mark Sycamore. In October he was awarded the title Chef of the Nation - ten years after his boss, Executive Chef Jason Dell, won the same award.
"This award is pretty special for us." said Sycamore. "You get all these guests that have obviously eaten at all the top establishments around the world, and they come in and they say 'that was one of the best meals I've eaten'."
Blanket Bay general manager Philip Jenkins said it was pleasing to see the other New Zealand properties that made it to the Gold List.
"It really endorses the New Zealand product and what New Zealand has to offer," he said.
Jenkins said to have a number of properties "in little old New Zealand" in the gold list proved New Zealand has luxury hotels that are up there with the rest of the world.
"That's all credit to all properties that are in it," he said. "It's a very powerful message."
Wharekauhau Lodge general manager Kristy de Lange agrees.
"It's great there is a collection of New Zealand properties throughout the list," said de Lange.
"It's showing we're on a par with some of the worldwide, well-known places."
According to the magazine, Wharekauhau's 'x-factor' lay in its 'sophisticated country-house atmosphere' and awarded it a place in its 'best for ambience and design' category.
