30 Jan 2019
Tags: Luxury Lodges New Zealand, New Zealand travel, food and wine, Central Otago Wine Region (wine Region)
A world away from the cut and thrust of a prior commercial life spent in Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur, Mt Michael Lodge's hosts, Fiona and Alistair, have delivered their vision of a boutique lodge designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Nestled on a corner of a 10 hectare premium pinot noir vineyard overlooking Lake Dunstan, and with magnificent alpine views of the Pisa, Dunstan, and Carrick ranges, Mt Michael is the perfect place take in the stark beauty of Central Otago.
This is a special place where guests enjoy peace and quiet away from the maddening crowds. It's a place to unwind in a stunning architecturally designed building with generous luxurious rooms and extensive amenities for guests, including a spectacular lap pool and guest spas with views to the clear southern skies.
Fiona and Alistair enjoyed significant international careers and are well-travelled so have an empathy and knowledge of what is essential to deliver a fabulous guest experience. A love of their home country drew them back to the South Island of New Zealand where they both enjoyed the lifestyle of growing up on farms or living in provincial towns. It's the proximity to nature and outdoor pursuits that saw them choose to establish their lodge in the heart of Central Otago, the perfect place to recognise Fiona's talents in hospitality and food.
Fiona has a passion for food (having once been a contestant on Masterchef NZ and also published a recipe book together with her sister) and will happily prepare guests evening meals by arrangement. Her style is contemporary and follows a garden to table philosophy, enjoying the very best of seasonal foods. Sitting at the dining table guests not only enjoy the ever changing mountain and lake vistas, but can look across the courtyard to the raised vegetable gardens in the knowledge that the journey to the plate was only a few steps – not hundreds of kilometers. Central Otago is renowned for producing premium quality summer fruits and Fiona's desserts frequently feature these and the flavours of local wines. To compliment Fiona's fabulous food guests can enjoy a glass or two of the award winning wines from the vineyard that surrounds the lodge. Fiona offers the choice of either a continental and/or healthy choice cooked breakfast which changes with the season. All meals are prepared in an award winning kitchen that most only dream of!
Keen for guests to have an extra special experience when staying at Mt Michael Lodge, Fiona and Alistair have created strong relationships with many tourism companies to ensure they can help their guests find things to do that are truly memorable. From a private heli-wine tasting – complete with a pick up from the front lawn, or a luxurious gastronomic experience food and wine match at 'The Shed' across the lake, to a gentle cycle ride around the shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell – the choices are many and varied.
Guest feedback confirms that Mt Michael Lodge is delivering a quality experience with exceptional five star ratings and positive reviews on trip advisor and booking sites.
“Fantastic stay in Central Otago
We had a wonderful two days at the Mt. Michael Lodge in the Pisa Room during December 2018 on our honeymoon. Fiona and Alistair were incredibly welcoming and we loved getting to know them. The views from the property are gorgeous and we were very comfortable in our large room.”
“Perfect in Every Way
We had a memorable and enjoyable three days stay at Mt Michael Lodge, situated in a vineyard in Lowburn in Central Otago.
Greeted by the owners and proprietors Fiona and Alistair, we were immediately made to feel welcome and at home. A cheese plate and magnificent Mt Michael Pinot Noir commenced our stay.
With only four suites, our room had a spa, beautiful views of immaculate gardens and Lake Dunstan, and facilities and furnishings were first class. There is a lovely swimming pool for warmer weather.
Fiona is a superb and innovative chef and her breakfasts and one dinner were outstanding.
Location is extremely central to all the best vineyards, old Cromwell, historic Clyde and Wanaka is only a short drive.
Situated less than an hour from Queenstown, it is a perfect 5 Star base for visiting Central Otago. We will be back and highly recommended.”
Ends
For more information contact:
Mount Michael Lodge
Fiona and Alistair Marris
P: +64 37 950 3422 Fiona
Tourism Central Otago
Alison Mason
Media and Marketing Manager
P: +64 27 432 0689
