“Blanket Bay was also recently recognised by British Conde Nast readers when it was named ‘Best Leisure Hotel in Australasia’. This second award is another real achievement for the hotel and this kind of coverage is a wonderful way for New Zealand to get noticed in very competitive long-haul markets,” Mr Hickton added.
Mr Tusher said New Zealand is unique in that all the best accommodation is in small, luxury lodges and that this meets the travel style of today’s discerning traveller.
“Today’s traveller is healthier and more adventurous and is looking for the personalised attention small properties can offer,” he said. This is good news for New Zealand and fantastic for us in Glenorchy because we are in a pristine and beautiful place that offers the widest possible range of adventure. For many North American travellers, this area offers a package of Switzerland, Norway and Napa Valley rolled into one.”
The standards of excellence maintained by Blanket Bay staff, many of whom have been with the property since it opened its doors 10 years ago, have contributed heavily to its success.
“We have been very fortunate to secure and hold an amazing team of people including the very best chefs, managers, housekeepers and gardeners, all committed to ensuring every moment our guests spend with us is a superb experience. Our aim has always been to deliver the highest standards and service levels and to be well regarded internationally.”
The Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are conducted through a questionnaire made available to all readers through a secure web site. The final tabulations of 25,008 responses were collated by Mediamark Research, Inc., of New York City.
In the 10 years since opening in December 1999, Blanket Bay has enjoyed a dramatic climb into the ranks the world’s best properties with an awards list that ranges from building honours through to Hotel Management Awards, several awards won by individuals of its culinary team and annual places on various lists of the world’s best accommodation properties.
For more information and high resolution images please visit www.blanketbay.com or contact Blanket Bay General Manager Philip Jenkins on 03 441 0115 or email pjenkins@blanketbay.com. If you would like high resolution images emailed directly, please call Alexa Forbes at Southern PR on 03 441 1117 or email alexa@southernpr.co.nz.