Matakauri Lodge Voted to Conde Nast Traveller UK Hot List 2011

Covering 31 countries from Argentina to Russia, the 65 hotels that made the cut this year were selected after months of careful research, working with hundreds of suggestions that were sent in by the magazine's correspondents around the world.

Ranging from impeccably-converted centuries-old properties to gleaming, edgy skyscrapers, the winning hotels offer guests a broad range of experiences. All have one key thing in common: they're clearly going to be the hottest places to stay in 2011.

Having wowed discerning guests with their two outstanding North Island properties, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Julian Robertson and family have opened their third luxury lodge on the shores of sparkling Lake Wakatipu on the South Island. Just minutes from Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge is wonderfully positioned on a knoll flanked by a pine forest, overlooking the glacial lake. The jagged peaks of the Remarkables mountain range serve as a magnificent backdrop. After a 12-month makeover by acclaimed New Zealand interior designer Virginia Fisher, the property has emerged as an intimate boutique lodge with just 11 suites - all with picture windows to capture the magical views. You can enjoy the same mesmerizing outlook while having a spa treatment, swimming or working out in the gym. Colors reflect the alpine environment: slate-grey external walls with white gutters and trim like the snow-capped mountains; felt-covered chairs and masses of velvet cushions that echo the vibrant autumn foliage. Grey schist walls give a sense of place, and warm, Italian-marble floors continue the link with nature. Honeymooners will love the seclusion and private terraces of the outlying deluxe suites; others might opt for main-lodge accommodation. Guests mingle family-style over drinks and canapés in the central lodge before dining on chef Dale Gartland's daily-changing menu of regional produce - perhaps Aoraki salmon or New Zealand lamb - with excellent local wines to match.

When to go: In New Zealand's summer (November-April), or from late July to the end of September for skiing.

Room to book: Any of the eight deluxe suites.

"Matakauri Lodge is a special place and our family are thrilled that we have opened to such unanimous acceptance from our guests. Being recognized by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the world's hottest hotels is absolutely a great honor for the whole lodge team." says Managing Director Jay Robertson.

Most recently Condé Nast Traveler named The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs as the No. 1 Lodge/Resort in Australia+ Pacific on the 2011 Gold List, The World's Best Places to Stay. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers was recognized by Condé Nast Traveller, UK on the Gold List 2011, Best of the Best for Food. X-factor: Chef Dale Gartland makes excellent use of local produce, including seafood and New Zealand lamb and beef. The wine list is excellent.

Owned and developed by New Yorkers Josie and Julian Robertson, Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown on the South Island is the sister property to The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay on the North Island. All are members of the exclusive and prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection. For more information please contact: www.matakaurilodge.com

Hotel Profile: Matakauri Lodge