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MajorDomo Lake and MountainsWith winter winding down in the Northern Hemisphere, snow lovers are starting to look southward. In New Zealand’s Southern Alps, winter sports start up in June, kicked off by a big festival in Queenstown, a popular base for four main ski fields: Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, Cardrona, and Treble Cone. The Queenstown Winter Festival (June 24–July 3 2016), now in its 42nd year, attracts around 45,000 people with street parties, fireworks, concerts, and games.

New Zealand’s newest ski field, Soho Basin, opened last July on a limited basis, with very few bookings available; New Zealander Lucy Mehrtens, of Majordomo, sent us this report at the end of its first season: “Currently, you can only ski off-piste at Soho Basin via snowcat (but I believe certain runs can be groomed on request at additional cost). I’ve skied there with the owner and it’s absolutely incredible. There are plans to put a chairlift on the mountain, so we suggest that keen skiers take advantage of this special window where the mountain can pretty much be enjoyed privately. MajorDomo can organize for guests to ski on Soho, for portable spa pools to be helicoptered in at the end of the day, and for beautiful lunches to be waiting for guests at the bottom of the ski field.

“In terms of activities (aside from skiing Soho, of course), we would suggest dog-sledding with beautiful Alaskan huskies. It’s a great activity for families and couples. It’s also located very close to Soho Basin.

“We suggest that guests experiencing Soho Basin should stay at Lodge at the Hill or villa 123 Frankton Road, an incredible property located close to Queenstown town but very private and set on Lake Wakatipu.”

The Lodge at the Hill is an exclusive-use residence set amongst 500 acres of tranquil ambience at The Hills golf course and day spa. The property features six individual suites, fireplaces throughout, and a sophisticated heating and cooling system that ensures a temperate interior all year round. Other features: a music room, a bar/library, an extensive collection of early New Zealand European and Maori art and artifacts and contemporary Asian and New Zealand art and sculptures, and a spectacular underground wine cellar and dining room. All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas, canapés, snacks, picnics, etc.) are prepared by a dedicated chef.

123 Frankton Road is a stylish, modern and spacious lakeside villa located within walking distance to the hub of the Queenstown town center. The villa has well thought out, beautifully furnished living areas and outside boasts a generous deck, garden, spa and heated swimming pool. The upper level of the holiday house has a large open-plan living room with a kitchen and dining area, which opens onto the deck for alfresco dining. The state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen is perfect for entertaining whether you are the chef or have a private chef arranged. A private lounge space, the master bedroom and one guest bedroom are also located on the upper level. Another two bedrooms/ two bathrooms and an open plan area are located on the lower level, with two foldout beds for extra guests. The villa can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests.

For more information, contact Majordomo Villas New Zealand.