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.
Royal wedding fever is upon us, and people around the world are placing their bets on what Meghan’s dress will look like, where the couple will honeymoon and even the food at the reception. But how about what happens when the wedding insanity dies down? The couple will surely need a few places to relax and unwind. Listed below are a few homes we believe are fit for royalty.
Rock House
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
If privacy is top of mind for Meghan and Harry, this brand new residential resort tucked into the untouched limestone cliffs of Turks and Caicos, a British territory, will offer the perfect combination of five-star service and plenty of personal space to unwind once the wedding madness settles. The recently-announced Ridge Cottages are especially ideal cliffside hideaways, as they will offer the most space and a private pool off the main living area, ensuring a lifetime of Turks and Caicos sunsets, sans paparazzi. Other Grace Bay Resorts-managed properties are frequented by public figures such as Jane Fonda and Gayle King.
Photo courtesy of Rock House
Photo courtesy of Millerhare
1000M
Chicago, Illinois
Located less than an hour away from Northwestern University — Meghan Markle’s alma mater — 1000M may be the perfect pied-à-terre for the royal couple. Getting around won’t be a problem for the newlyweds with access to the Helmut Jahn-designed Porte-cochère with 24-hour door staff and driver service. When they’re looking to stay in, Meghan and Harry can take advantage of more than 40,000 feet of indoor and outdoor amenity spaces including a 52-foot resort-style pool with private cabanas, a conservatory for musical performances and art exhibitions, a full-service bar and lounge, live music and events, a wine tasting room with private wine storage and the sky terrace with telescopes for celestial viewing.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences
Miami Beach, Florida
With seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, the $40 million penthouse at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach offers the newly-wed royals a tropical palace in paradise. Megan and Harry can take in the views of the Miami skyline and expansive ocean vistas on the private side of Miami Beach on a quiet ocean inlet.
The penthouse is equipped with a private hammam spa, his-and-hers studios, sunrise and sunset swimming pools with hot tubs, private plunge pools off the master bedrooms, alfresco kitchen and bar, butler kitchen, service accommodations, book library, separate his-and-hers studies, wine room, private screening room and family game suite.
If that’s not enough, the property will also offer a private house car and day yacht, as well as a navigable marine helipad for easy transportation without the paparazzi.
Photo courtesy of DooArchitecture
Photo courtesy of Epiphany
Caroline Bay
Bermuda
For the ultimate feeling of privacy and tranquility, Meghan and Harry can purchase at Caroline Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located in a private enclave on the west end of Bermuda. The Cove, the first 35 residences to be complete, offers residents a waterfront lifestyle with access to a superyacht marina. With open floor plans and generous spaces for indoor and outdoor living, homeowners who’ve purchased the four-bedroom penthouses can take advantage of the private elevator entry offerings and plunge pools. If the couple gets homesick, the homes pay subtle tribute to British Colonial architecture. The couple can also receive a complimentary one-year membership to Port Royal Golf Club, a Troon Privé club just across the street.
Alaia
Belize
Located in one of the world’s most photogenic yet untapped destinations, Alaia, the newest waterfront resort and residential property spanning more than 20-acres, is the ideal location for Harry and Meghan to call home. A collection of residences and eight oceanfront villas will have their own entrances along the tranquil Caribbean Sea.
Offering the utmost privacy and luxury, the property is surrounded by lush landscaping and provides exclusive amenities for residents only, including a live art gallery and beach club. Harry and Meghan can purchase a villa and indulge in their own private pools, beach seats, bedrooms filled with rustic marbles and stones, reclaimed wood, linen curtains, textured beige walls and earth-toned hues, as well as direct access to pristine white beaches.
Photo courtesy of Alaia
Photo courtesy of Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences
Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences
Singer Island, Florida
The residences at Amrit will offer Megan and Harry the perfect second home to slough away the stresses of royal life.
With a personal wellness assistant included, the couple can partake in daily meditation classes, yoga, nutritional juices and foods, as well as various spa therapies.
Located on prime beachfront property in Palm Beach’s Singer Island, Amrit’s residences are equipped with posture supportive flooring and vitamin C infused showers.