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Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat has joined Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the global collection of independent luxury hotels.
The secluded lodge overlooks Lake Pukaki in the central South Island and offers uninterrupted views of Aoraki Mount Cook. Set within a dramatic alpine landscape, the retreat features four luxury villas with lake or mountain views, along with a private owner’s cottage known as The Homestead.
Despite its remote setting, the property is located between Christchurch and Queenstown for self-drive travellers and also offers a helipad for guests exploring the Southern Alps by helicopter.
The retreat sits within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and has its own purpose-built observatory. It is known for its guest experiences, cuisine and hospitality.
Membership of SLH follows a rigorous selection process and recognises the retreat’s commitment to authenticity, service standards and a strong sense of place. Inclusion places Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat alongside more than 650 boutique hotels across more than 90 countries.
Owner Kaye Paardekooper, who developed the property with her husband Luke, says joining SLH allows the retreat to share its offering with a wider international audience.
“We are delighted to join Small Luxury Hotels of the World,” says Kaye. “Being part of SLH allows us to share our alpine lakeside setting and our approach to understated luxury with a global audience, while remaining true to our independent spirit.”
Small Luxury Hotels of the World senior vice president Asia Pacific Mark Wong says the retreat is a strong addition to the collection.
“Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is an outstanding addition to the SLH collection in the Pacific region,” says Mark. “Its setting beneath Aoraki Mount Cook, combined with its intimate scale, hospitality and connection to the natural environment, reflects the spirit of independent luxury that defines our member hotels.”
As part of the SLH portfolio, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat will gain increased international visibility and access to SLH’s global network of luxury travellers, further positioning the South Island as a destination for experience-led travel.
