By Mia Ingui
“Although the building has many stories to tell, it is now about the lodge’s evolution over the past 25 years that provides the reason visitors should choose The Marlborough Lodge.”
New Zealand’s province of Marlborough, the country’s largest producer of wine and world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, is now home to the luxury Marlborough Lodge, a new resort that serves as the perfect spot to uncover the culture, beauty and cuisine of the region.
Boasting the most hours of sunlight in New Zealand, the Marlborough region is almost always covered in sunshine, perfect for the 110 wineries of the region to thrive. The Marlborough Lodge is located right in the heart of Marlborough, and is on the second stage of its four-stage renovation.
“We have retained many of the beautiful historic elements highlighted throughout the building and mixed those with a modern eclectic decor, while adding the creature comforts expected in the 21st century,” said Angela Dillion, the managing director and owner of the Marlborough Lodge, “The mix of New Zealand art throughout the lodge was chosen to highlight the talent in the country while also creating talking points and conversation pieces.”
No two rooms are alike and each feature their own unique style, thanks to the interior design of Peter Lloyd. The lodge includes remnants of the original lodge, which was a Victorian convent from 1901 and original artwork from New Zealand artists.
The Marlborough Lodge is offering two new food and wine experiences, along with its Harvest Restaurant, open to lodge and non-lodge guests. The first is the, Taste of Cloudy Bay Surf Clams & Sauvignon Blanc, in which the guests will get up close and personal with Cloudy Bay Surf Clams and later prepare them with Chef Sam Webb in an interactive cooking demonstration. The lodge’s new, Helicopter Reef Fishing: D’Urville Indulgence excursion is for the adventurous guests. Guests will fly by helicopter to fish off of a reef, catch Blue Cod, and enjoy a beach lunch.
“Our team of chefs showcase some of New Zealand’s best produce in our a la carte restaurant, and our wine list supports this with an evolving selection of local Marlborough, New Zealand and international wines,” said Dillion on the Lodge’s dining.
In terms of moving forward in the renovation, Dillion spoke about the Lodge’s big plans. “We are currently underway on renovating a small chapel that is on site, and this will become a guest entertainment area,” she said, “This will provide even more space for our guests to relax and enjoy the gardens from with comfortable seating that flows out through large bi-fold doors.”
The lodge is also adding on a spa area, according to Dillion, “We are also creating a massage and treatment room for our guests at the back of this building. This will be unique as it will encompass the old altar area of the chapel.”
Other amenities of the lodge include bicycles to explore the grounds, a freshwater pool, tennis courts, and tours of the surrounding gardens and vineyards. Rates per suite start at $843 USD.
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