Queenstown’s waterfront is about to get a NZD$10,000 per night suite that overlooks Lake Wakatipu.
Skyline Enterprises has begun work on the $6 million, 781 square metre site in the heart of the resort town’s CBD, with neighbouring Eichardt’s Private Hotel (owned by Melbourne businessman Andrew Cox) announced as tenants for a penthouse apartment and two further Lakefront suites to meet ultra-high net worth visitor demand.
The expansion takes the luxury hotel’s capacity to seven suites, with the 240 square metre penthouse suite (plus 100 square metre balcony) featuring a commercial grade kitchen primed for private chef usage, two suites each with ensuites, a sauna, spa and even a powder room with uninhibited views over the lake.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel is part of the Imperium Collection of luxury boutique hotels, owned by Christchurch-born, Melbourne-based businessman Andrew Cox.
Cox was quick to recognise that Queenstown is seen as a key New Zealand gateway to premium visitors, and most recently purchased nearby New York style boutique property The Spire Hotel to add to his mix of exclusive, small and luxurious hotels, apartments, a private residence and restaurants within the group.
Cox said, “Obviously we are talking to a very small yet powerful group of guests. These people value privacy however they want to be in the thick of the action and with all the amenity of home.
“They choose Queenstown because it offers them what money can’t buy – a unique experience to share with their networks that melds understated luxury, safety, food, wine and activities that no other destination in the world can compete with,” said Cox.
Last May a private jet terminal was opened in Queenstown to cope with the large volume of private planes frequenting the alpine town, primarily transporting occupants from Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas.
Cox said, “Our guests want to fly in and out with relative anonymity. It’s important that our packages can be tailored to meet the whole group’s varying needs whether that be heli-skiing on untouched powder to the latest beauty treatment taken in their private quarters.
“When they go home, word spreads fast of the level of comfort in these circles, and it made sense to add a new dimension to Eichardt’s to meet demand.
“It’s about offering the next level of comfort seen at Eichardt’s currently with even more options to customise the experience. Privacy is key to the design and will offer a safe and very secure accommodation offer with unsurpassable views, the best of Queenstown literally below the doorstep and memories ready to be forged,” said Cox.
Completion is expected in early 2016, with the hotel already having a booking for the New Year’s period that December through its luxury affiliate network. The ground floor retail space of approximately 700 square metres has been set aside for a cluster of high-end retail stores, the first floor for either premium office space or more retail. In addition to the new accommodation options, Eichardt’s will also open a bistro restaurant at ground level of the new development.