Coming from Singapore, we had a choice to fly into New Zealand via Singapore Airlines either via Auckland or Christchurch, and I decided to pick the latter as our gateway into the South Island of New Zealand.

I was also enticed by what I had read about Christchurch’s vibrant culture and wanted to explore the city that has undergone extensive urban transformation in recent years.

Mom and I wanted to stay in a centrally located hotel that was just right in the center of Christchurch, yet away from the main street. The George, with views overlooking picturesque Hagley Park, was described as one of New Zealand’s treasured luxury boutique hotel and my interest was piqued. And without a doubt, it was an amazing stay!

I am a little biased, mostly because there was an incident that happened (thanks to my carelessness), and what transpired really left a deep impression on me.

I would like to commend the housekeeping team at the hotel for finding the personal items that I had left behind as we headed toward Queenstown, and being super efficient in sending it back to me! The same evening after I had left the hotel, I received an email from the Front Office Host from The George alerting me about my missing items – even before I had realized I had forgotten to pack them!

This was only when I realised I had left a clothing item behind, along with my travel adaptor. In the same email, I was provided clear instructions on how I could retrieve my items from their housekeeping’s “lost property” inventory, and they requested a mailing address so that they could send the items to me via courier. Fast forward to three days later – when I arrived from Queenstown to Auckland (which was the forwarding address I had provided) the package from The George was already waiting for me.

Luxury is in the little details

I was trying to pick a description that would encapsulate my stay at The George – and that would be “Elevated Comfort”. It truly is in the details of how the design and amenities are all carefully curated to make guests feel comfortable. From a cute “George” bear in the lobby, to Canterbury bath salts for a Bath Soak to help guests relax,

I was also drawn to the lounge area on the ground floor of the hotel, which offered us peaceful respite from our exploration around the city.

The Park suites (54 sq m) were so comfortable with a separate living room and heating that we probably spent more time than we should have indoors. As we were travelling during winter, the warmth from the heating evoked such a welcoming effect when we stepped into the room, and that was really a special touch of comfort that just made our stay much more memorable. We also appreciated the spacious ensuite bathroom where there was a separate double shower and a large spa bath

The hotel also has seven Executive and thirty-five Premium Executive Rooms, both 27 sq m in size, and four junior suites (40 sq m)

The Residence at The George

I was able to explore the hotel a little, and the hotel manager shared that they have a separate building that is popular for private weddings and events but can also be booked by larger groups/families.

The Residence has the feel of a country lodge overlooking The George’s private hotel gardens, with access to full hotel services and the exclusivity of a 3-bedroom private villa.

Typically, groups would book out the entire villa which consists of two luxury suites and one studio apartment. On the ground floor are the kitchen, library, dining room, private outdoor garden, private dining room and an elegant lounge. However, it is possible to book the rooms separately. In fact, I found out that the villa is popular for private parties, especially birthday celebrations and corporate dinners!

Collection of New Zealand Artworks

The George has an impressive collection of artworks from New Zealand artists that reflect the distinctive style of the hotel. One can find the largest collection of Ralph Hotere, one of New Zealand’s most important artists whose visual work reflects events of the day, a visual ode of political events in the country.

Four bronze violins at The George are part of a sculptural set developed over 13 years by Stephen Gleeson.  They represent a series of laments, with the instruments as a carriage for different stories and meanings. 

Private tours of the hotel’s private art collection are available by arrangement or guests can wander the corridors at leisure to admire the artworks.

Dining at The George

Guests staying at the hotel will enjoy breakfast at 50 Bistro, which has also earned accolades as one of the best restaurants in Christchurch.

The hotel offers guests the option of a continental breakfast (buffet selection of fresh fruits, cereals, croissants, danish pastries, yogurts, compôtes & juices) or a full breakfast menu where one can add on an a-la-carte item.

The classic eggs benedict topped with Akaroa smoked salmon was amazing!

Kudos to the culinary team led by Executive Chef Chanaka Jayabahu for creating a menu that showcases contemporary New Zealand cuisine. Menus change throughout the year to reflect the mood and trends of each season. 50-Bistro spans three interconnected rooms and offers an intimate place to meet, a light-filled conservatory with a living wall for outdoor dining,

The conservatory in 50 Bistro is ideal for afternoon high tea from `12pm to 3 pm for bigger groups of up to 20 and is a great venue for bridal showers or birthday celebrations. 

The George is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and it embraces the ethos of luxury with comfort. It’s definitely where I will come back to the next time I’m in Christchurch.

Photo Credits: The George

The post Delightful Moments await at The George in Christchurch appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

General Manager Rick Crannitch aptly describes how luxury is redefined at The Mayfair

The Mayfair is a fresh take on luxury, meaning that luxury no longer has to be about formality. Instead, it’s relaxed, thoughtful, and welcoming at every touchpoint: a beautiful space, complemented by attentive service.

Impressively, everyone at the hotel – from the front desk to the housekeeping team and the restaurant staff all seem to have that ethos of thoughtful hospitality in mind and we appreciated the attentive service during our stay.

STYLISH MODERN TOUCHES

The design of the guestrooms exudes elegance with furnishings made of American oak and Italian ceramics for the bathroom. 

We stayed at the Mayfair Twin King room which is great for families or groups travelling together needing extra space as it had two king beds, with ample space – a generous 42 square metres!

An additional amenity that we appreciated during our stay was the mini kitchenette complete with a microwave oven and sink.

The Mayfair has cleverly utilized in-room technology to enhance the overall guest experience. In each guest room, there is ample charging points and USB ports are placed at both the desk area and beside the nightstand lamp. With the digital hotel directory loaded onto a bedside tablet, one can browse and discover the hotel’s amenities,

I confess I was particularly impressed that other than the hotel’s in-room menu, guests can also check out the menus from restaurants such as Asian fusion fine dining restaurant The Goldfinch , as well as modern-Viet restaurant You Hanoi Me, both located just a short walk away from the hotel. Dining at these partner restaurants is super easy as you can charge the meal back to the room, so there’s just one bill.

Notably in the bathroom, standard single-use small toiletries bottles have been replaced by larger pump dispenser bottles from Byredo, a European luxury brand known for its scents and ambition to translate memories and emotions into products and experiences.

MAJESTIC AT MAYFAIR

The hive of activity of the hotel centers around its contemporary restaurant – The Majestic. One can enjoy a hearty breakfast that is served from 630am as well as a-la-carte all-day brunch and high tea. The royal-esque loose leaf tea blends (there are 35 different flavours) are interesting and the restaurant also offers a unique high tea set created by French patisserie chef Aurelien Fermen, In the evening, Majestic at Mayfair transforms into a premium cocktail bar where one can enjoy creative cocktails and pair them with the delectable desserts. Plus! The hot chocolate made with real Belgian melted chocolate and fresh New Zealand milk was a Superstar !

An example of an exceptional yet thoughtful gesture was when we had arrived before check-in time in the morning and were invited to have a complimentary drink at the Majestic while waiting for our rooms to be ready. I highly recommend the “Queen Elizabeth” caffeine-free tea with ginger and lemon, a perfect blend for jet lag recovery, or a simple perk me up.

VICTORIA NEIGHBOURHOOD

Victoria Street is a charming street that cuts across the CBD of Christchurch. There is lots of green space within walking distance including Hagley Park, where Victoria Lake is home to New Zealand’s oldest Model Yacht club, and the scenic lake where their members regularly have radio yacht races.

Walk down Victoria Street and you will head into the city centre as you pass by a mix of high end retail stores and contemporary bars and restaurants. Along the way to Christchurch Casino, you will find an outdoor street gallery that tells the stories of the historic street’s significance as the city’s main thoroughfare in the early days,

As I was walking through the street one afternoon on the way back to The Mayfair, here’s what I spotted! Just loved the urban vibes of the streetscape!

Photo Credits for hotel lobby & interiors:: The Mayfair (Photographer: Sarah Rowlands)

The post Understated Luxury at The Mayfair in Central Christchurch appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

Recently I received an email from someone with some of the most amazing photos of many places I’ve been to.

It made me remember the many amazing things I’ve seen in my never-endingly eventful Travelife.

The photos are not ours and the email makes no mention of photo credits so unfortunately I can’t appropriately credit the photographers. 

OUR TRULY AMAZING WORLD

But I thought I’d share them anyway to remind everyone of the amazing, incredible, interesting and wonderful experiences in store when you embark on your own TRAVELIFE.  

From all of us at Travelife Magazine, the leading travel & lifestyle publication, our best wishes for a life of joy amidst travel.  

WHAT AWAITS ON A NEVER-ENDING TRAVELIFE

A bridge in Seoul

Hot air balloons over Turkey. Still one of my most amazing experiences so far.

A statue in France

A forest in Russia

A building in Germany

Sunset seen through a wave

An office in Madrid

Photo of a statue in Lithuania in the daytime and at night

A forest in Poland

A balcony in Chicago

View of Dubai

The (flat) floor of a store in Paris

A national park in New Zealand

The border between the Netherlands and Belgium, literally outside a cafe

Read more about the most beautiful places in the world in Travelife Magazine.

The post Beautiful photographs of our world appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

The organisers are planning to hang traditional red lanterns. The elaborate scenes, the array of colors and intricate paper designs will be a sight to behold.

ABOUT THE AUCKLAND LANTERN FESTIVAL

The festival also features an extensive programme of local and international Chinese acts. There will also be over 100 food stalls, art and craft displays and demonstrations, karaoke, and roaming performers.

New features this year include the ‘Traveller’s Avenue.’ This was created to recognise the China-New Zealand Year of Tourism. The organisers are also displaying an impressive lantern inspired by a China Southern Airline airplane in the Guangzhou skyline to honour Auckland’s 30th anniversary with Guangzhou as its sister city.

WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE PIG

To pay tribute to the Year of the Pig, which is the last animal on the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, they will also be displaying a new spectacular pig lantern. Also, on the Harbour Bridge, Vector Lights will present an animation show inspired by the Year of the Pig.

The Auckland Lantern Festival was created by the Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED). It is important for improving Auckland’s economy.

Stuart Turner, Head of Major Events at ATEED, says the festival is a much-awaited cultural highlight in Auckland.

“Auckland Lantern Festival’s 20-year reign really does speak volumes. Its enormous popularity has dictated the festival duration, venue changes, and range of performances and attractions over the years.

“There’s something for everyone at this festival. There will be unique performances, music, food and the beautiful displays. But it’s the cultural experience that draws people in. This is why ATEED is proud to support events that showcase and celebrate Auckland’s diverse people and cultures.”

200,000 people are expected to attend the four-day event. So organisers are encouraging festival goers to plan their visit in advance.

DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL

Saturday evening is usually the busiest night of the event.

Thursday evening is the Lantern Appreciation Evening. On this evening, the lanterns are lit for viewing. However, there will be no food stalls operating. So people attending on this night are encouraged to eat out prior to arrival. Both Parnell and Newmarket have excellent Chinese restaurants. So festival goers can keep in theme with Chinese New Year.

Coincidentally, the Auckland Lantern Festival falls on Valentine’s Day in 2019. So a stroll to see the beautiful handmade lanterns is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day.

The post The Auckland Lantern Festival of New Zealand appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.