Queenstown Transforms into Luxury Hotspot with New Hotels and Dining
Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, is undergoing a luxury transformation with new five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and wellness experiences. The ROKI Collection, opened in September, offers 15 suites and a spa with personalized rituals, earning a spot on Robb Report's 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth list. Its two-Michelin-starred restaurant Essence, led by chef Paul Froggatt, features a ten-course tasting menu with wine pairings by sommelier Erick Tuesta. Coronet Ridge Resort opened in January after a multimillion-dollar transformation, offering 41 suites, a private cinema, Roman-inspired spa, and Elevation Bar & Restaurant by chef Dominic Dsouza. A floating sauna, Watershed, moored on Lake Wakatipu, provides a blissed-out alternative. Future developments include 20 luxury villas at Waimarino Lodge and NOCTIS by Kamana in 2027.
Key facts
- ROKI Collection opened in September with 15 suites.
- ROKI earned a spot on Robb Report's 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth list.
- Essence restaurant at ROKI has two Michelin stars.
- Paul Froggatt is executive chef at Essence.
- Erick Tuesta is sommelier at Essence.
- Coronet Ridge Resort opened in January after multimillion-dollar transformation.
- Coronet Ridge has 41 suites, private cinema, Roman-inspired spa.
- Dominic Dsouza is executive chef at Elevation Bar & Restaurant.
- Watershed is a floating sauna on Lake Wakatipu.
- Waimarino Lodge and NOCTIS by Kamana are future developments.
Entities
Institutions
- ROKI Collection
- Robb Report
- Essence
- Huka Lodge
- Coronet Ridge Resort
- Elevation Bar & Restaurant
- Gaggan
- Geranium
- Watershed
- Waimarino Lodge
- NOCTIS by Kamana
Locations
- Queenstown
- New Zealand
- Lake Wakatipu
- Remarkables
- Central Otago
- Marlborough
- Arthurs Point
- Gorge Road
- Shotover River
- South Island