Dinner service was very slow. It Over an hour after we sat down to get the main course. It’s a set menu - so there isnt any time wasted ordering. Also there is no advance notice of what the set menu actually is going to be This was an issue for us as the main course contained a lot of truffle oil. Which I really can’t eat And the desert was something my wife can’t eat. She got a replacement pudding.

The location The bedroom lounge and bathroom are all amazing plus a hot tub with a view. The staff were great and the stargazing experience ( whilst expensive considering there were 12 o& us doing it) was informative and fun.

Stayed in February 2024

The property was amazing and the staff helpful before, during and after our stay. Top shelf design and amenities - everything was perfect!

Stayed in January 2023

Villa was super well appointed, food was amazing and aplenty. Very warm welcome by owners and staff.

Stayed in January 2023

nothing

The property and the staff there gave us such unique and luxurious experience at the Mount Cook. The scenery, the meals we enjoyed in our villa was top notch.

Stayed in December 2022

Location. The name and advertising showed a lake view and implied proximity to Mt Cook. Neither was true. We had a nice view of distant mountains (not Mt Cook) and nearer pastures with grazing deers. It was not the view we drove 4 hours to see. The retreat should be renamed Twizel Retreat.

Villa itself, parking outside, view from our room, open fireplace and included dinner.

Stayed in November 2022

absolutely beautiful lodge with the most amazing scenery. dinner provided to our room was nothing short of amazing. the hot tub overlooking the mountain ranges was a bonus. the entire experience was 10/10

Stayed in September 2022

Great breakfast, especially the salami.

Stayed in July 2022

We could not find any fault with the property at all. Perfect!

The location would have to be up there with one of the best anywhere on the globe. The foresight of the owners to build this for travellers to enjoy is truly inspirational. The construction and interior design of each villa is testament to the respect the owners have invested in honouring the beauty of Mother Nature and this world class location. The warmth of the villas in such a crisp clean cool environment was so comforting like being wrapped in a warm blanket sitting on a cloud of pure majestic natural wonders. Without a doubt our best holiday due to location and the accommodation not to mention the hospitality and care extended by the owners of the property. It simply is a bucket list experience for rest or play.

Stayed in June 2022

It was a great stay, to make it even perfect: perhaps an easier way to communicate with staff and/or book activities and services - maybe via the tablet? Also a more varied menu, perhaps an a la carte selection even for an extra fee would be great. Option to have a TV too would be great.

Stayed at the Ashley-Mackenzie villa. Stunning spot, hot tun well placed with sauna and ultimate privacy. My dog who was also very much welcomed, was super comfortable in the place running around the large place - assuming chasing bunnies that pop up often, which adds to the idyllic charm of the place. Can highly reccommend.

Stayed in January 2022

Nothing.

Amazing views. The facilities are to die for, the food upstanding. They know how to make their guests feel truly special.

Stayed in October 2021

Not one single thing!

This retreat is truly "all class". The location is unique, peaceful and a beautiful example of rural Aotearoa. The villas are beautifully appointed accommodation. The attention to detail in the decor and the little touches is exceptional. The experience of staying at this retreat was for us very romantic, but equally it would be a wonderful place to meet up with close friends and share a high class getaway together. The food cooked by the chef is exceptional and despite this retreat being a distance from civilisation the food choices are impressive. We cannot recommend this retreat enough.

Stayed in September 2021

Should have stayed longer, brought more people with us, and would have loved more stars in the sky!

Woke to snow on the mountains and it was the icing on the cake! Dinner served in our villa, hot spa in the cool rain, and the biggest rooms I have ever stayed in. And amazing friendly people.

Stayed in August 2021

1) The gravel 1.25km road to the lodge was very uneven and full of pot holes. 2) There is no TV in any guest lodge (it’s not advertised as having a TV) but we would have liked the opportunity to choose ourselves but Luke decided ‘ no one would want to watch TV ! ‘ 3) No air conditioning in the lodge which makes it difficult to sleep when the weather is very warm, Luke said we should open the doors, but of course a lot of flies would come in and we were also worried about our security. We were given a fan. 3) The bathroom has a floor to ceiling window which is ‘mirrored’ on the outside and clear see through from inside, unfortunately, at night when the lights are on, it is totally see through from the OUTSIDE and there is no blind, which leaves you feeling very exposed. 4)Breakfast is continental and left in the fridge the day before. Eggs are available on request and brought to your lodge but by the time they arrive they are overcooked. 5) Dinner is also brought to your lodge and there is no choice, you have what the chef decides, in our four day stay we had beef twice and lamb twice and although it was excellently cooked we would have liked a choice. You also have up to a forty five minute wait between the starter and main course. 6) The photos on the website lead you to believe that all the guest lodges have a lake view, when in fact, only two have.

The shower was very good, the bed and pillows comfortable and the view towards the mountains was excellent. We ate in the main Lodge on two occasions with Luke, his wife Kaye and other guests which was very enjoyable. We attended a cooking demonstration with hufa which was excellent and was followed by a lovely lunch. Luke the owner was very prompt in coming to discuss all our concerns but couldn’t change anything, he offered the cooking demonstration and the opportunity to eat in the main lodge with him, which we accepted.

Stayed in February 2023

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in May 2024

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in December 2023

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in November 2023

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in June 2023

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in February 2023

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in February 2023

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in December 2022

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in December 2022

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in November 2022

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in October 2022

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in October 2022