Blanket Bay

Best experience ever !

What an amazing experience. I've been wanting to try this lodge for years, and finally just decided to splurge and go on my own - so pleased I did. Where do you start? The location is amazing - mountain range opposite, Lake Wakatipu in front, pristine, and silent. Absolutely gorgeous. Then the lodge and the room. Just lovely. Laid back and comfortable, fire burning in the main guest lounge through the day, grab your book and sit in front of it, or on the other side and just gaze. Rooms all over the place - a games room, a spa etc. but I didn't feel the need. My room was also great - always find it amusing when a bathroom is almost as big as the room itself but hey, why not. And having a verandah was perfect. And then there's the staff, starting with Managers Andrew and Steph (asst), and then all the way through the stay, with special call outs to Damien, Duncan & Nina (though there were many others). The pre-dinner drinks are an opportunity to meet other guests (or not), the food (how did it take me this long to get to the food???) is extraordinary, and they easily catered to my pescatarian requirements, and I still dream of the bread. Seriously that good. Is it expensive? Yes, it is - but that is reflected in the standard, the service, the amenities. And if you get the chance to take the recommended helicopter ride to Mt Tutoka and then on to Milford Sound, do yourself a favour - not only is it spectacular, but being picked up on the front lawn is very special indeed. All up, couldn't recommend Blanket Bay more, and hope to return when there is more snow - I'd think nothing could beat the feeling of being 'snowed in' here!! Thank you for a very memorable few days.

An absolutely incredible stay at an amazing property. All aspects were perfection. The food each night was beyond incredible with wonderful rotating menus. The chef was also happy to accommodate a change based on preferences. Additionally the staff was super helpful in planning activities. The spa is also incredible here. Make sure to plan time for a massage. It’s simply life changing.

This hotel is truly outstanding. From the gracious welcome to the final moment, we loved every second of our two nights. We didn’t want to leave. Superb staff; beautiful lodge ambiance; lovely rooms; great atmosphere; fantastic views; beautiful dining spots; great food and a special cocktail gathering. Every effort was made to make us feel special including arrangement of trips and celebration of my husband’s birthday and our anniversary. We will definitely return if we can. If you go to the South Island do not miss this hotel

Blanket Bay was an amazing experience. Customer service was excellent. Meeting other guests during cocktail hour was so enjoyable. I’m glad we had 4 nights there. The rooms are old school (don’t expect a desk) and well maintained so a guest has to be happy with the “ lodge” feel. The property is large and beautiful. Gorgeous views of the lake. Food is excellent. The accommodated my food allergies and once I thought they could have been more creative for my substitution. We did a helicopter tour of the Southern Alps. The helicopter picks you up on the front lawn. It was an amazing experience!! Dart boat adventure was ok, too long. Hiking is great!!

First and foremost: amazing property in terms of location and upkeep, however - check-in felt quite soulless and lacking, housekeeping were overly present and spread out which I felt like I couldn't escape at times when just trying to relax around the property. Overall I honestly did enjoy the setting and location just not the staff which obviously play a huge part in the stay no matter the property. So therefore, it's hard in this case to look past that aspect. I understand that every individual undoubtedly works hard and I'm sure try's their best. But my encounters, interactions, and observations of staff were sadly just not good during my stay. Especially with Damien Brown who I believed let down and disappointed at such an otherwise prestigious and enjoyable property.

The arrival sequence is magnificent, and the wow never ceases. Views are majestic and serene- the rooms designed to optimize comfort. It’s hard to leave that cocoon, but the whole place invites you to partake. Casual leather sofas nested our conversations after magical mountain hikes. The heli tour took off from the front lawn. Meals were served in cozy intimate nooks that felt private but lively. Staff was entirely gracious and welcoming. We always looked forward to the happy hour preceding dinner. The rustic elegance invites you to stay, and I’d love to return.

I had my expectations set extremely high due to the positive reviews of the property and my previous experiences in New Zealand lodges and Relaix and Chateau properties. Unfortunately I was left feeling disappointed. Positives: 1. The location of the lodge is breath-taking. Set on the shores of lake Wakatipu overlooking snow-capped Mount Bonpland your first impression is Wow! The beauty and serenity of the location is undoubtedly unique and impressive, and I couldn’t get enough of the view. 2. Arrival and check-in was seamless. In fact there was no formal check-in but rather just a tour of the property whilst they quickly placed our luggage in the room. No forms to complete or credit card exchange. 3. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, greeting you with smiling faces and eager to assist. 4. The beds, pillows and linens are incredibly soft and comfortable, and combined with the silence of the location you will have an amazing sleep. 5. Breakfast has a nice mix of cold buffet items (cold meats, cheese, pastries, yoghurt) and your choice of hot dish including a traditional full breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown and black pudding, eggs Benedict, omelette or really anything you choose. It’s relaxed and uncomplicated. Negatives: 1. The lodge room is just that, a rather small, drab room with no living/sofa area, no desk, no fireplace. This compares unfavorably with the base category at Huka Lodge which is a junior suite almost 50% larger with sofa, fireplace and French doors which open on to the lawn and river. 2. Whilst the bedding is soft and enveloping the towels unfortunately are course and scratchy. 3. The lodge has an odd mix of woods which aesthetically don’t match. The floors and doors are a highly glossed orange color wood whilst the roof and timbers are a rustic unvarnished dark brown. They clash. 4. The main living room has high ceilings with amazing views and is beautiful. However the bar is unappealing and the games room in the basement has zero ambience or charm and feels drab. 5. There are very few areas to sit and relax outside despite there being vast lawns to utilize. In fact, it’s really only poolside that has loungers, and the cushions for these were away being cleaned during our stay. They should invest in comfortable loungers / steamer chairs placed in the gardens overlooking the lake. 6. Unlike Huka Lodge where there are at least 6 locations throughout the property where you can dine, Blanket Bay really only offer the indoor restaurant and patio outdoor area. That’s a shame given the size of the property. 7. Dinner at Blanket Bay is a 4-course set menu which changes every evening. Be prepared for complicated dishes which utilize anything and everything the chef was able to source that day. This means that sometimes the flavors become confused and what should be the star of each dish becomes overtaken by other elements. If location is the deciding factor for your choice of lodge then it’s d

Remarkable stay. Gorgeous property, attentive and thoughtful service. Exceptional food. Look forward to a return visit.