Queenstown certainly doesn’t lack luxury stays or good restaurants, but Coronet Ridge Resort seems to understand exactly why people visit in the first place.
Leaning into the landscape with everything from the architecture to the food, and to the quiet moments spent staring out over the Shotover River. It really is designed to make you stop and take it all in.
You’re never disappointed when you land in Queenstown either. The nature, sights, activities, eateries, people. It just has an overall vibe that draws you in. Coronet Ridge Resort is a welcome addition, and boy does it suit the location.
Perched above the iconic Shotover in Arthur’s Point, the newly opened five-star resort manages to feel tucked away and central at the same time. It’s less than 10 minutes from the heart of Queenstown yet once you arrive, the outside world feels very far away.
We were warmly welcomed by the staff, with an even warmer introduction in front of the fireplace just inside the front doors. There’s an immediate sense of calm about the property. Soft lighting, earthy tones, timber finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows drawing your eye straight toward the mountains beyond.
We were treated to a lovely tour of the resort, which includes a Roman-inspired spa complete with an indoor heated pool, sauna and steam room, outdoor hot tubs, fitness centre, private cinema, and many beautifully designed shared spaces.
Our Superior Shotover Room overlooked the river and alpine beauty beyond. Standing on the balcony, your eyes take a few moments to adjust to the view, almost tricking you into thinking it’s a painting. In the thick of autumn, it’s like fifty shades of orange waiting to greet you – aside from the evergreens and crystal-clear slate blues of the river.
The room struck that perfect balance between comfort and understated luxury. Perfectly heated and cosy, with elegant finishes, generous storage, and enough space to properly settle in. The minibar was amply stocked and the bathroom is more than spacious, complete with a bathtub that absolutely knows its place in the chilly weather.
Elevation Bar & Restaurant, the resort’s dining space, easily stands its ground as a destination restaurant. With panoramic views stretching across the Wakatipu Basin and toward the Remarkables, it’s a little hard to focus on the menu at first.
We ended up having both lunch and dinner there that day, because honestly, why would you leave when you have a roaring fireplace, lush blankets, mountain views, champagne and… baked brie! The melty goodness was topped with toasted walnuts, cranberries and honey. Again, a very convincing argument to stay put.
Lunch also included a dish called Truffle Inspiration, which I can only describe as heaven in a bite. Encased in delicate pastry was a creamy truffle mousse style filling, topped with mushrooms and edible petals that look like they were foraged by an artist.
That artist, you could say, is Executive Chef Dominic Dsouza, who leads the kitchen and whose background spans Michelin-starred kitchens and classical French training. His dishes feel exceptionally grounded in local ingredients with thoughtful execution.
One thing I adored is how the restaurant itself mirrors the landscape outside. Soaring pitched ceilings echo the surrounding mountain peaks, while the interior pulls from the colours of the region and view. Deep charcoals, warm browns, earthy greens and burnt orange tones all layered through timber, textiles and glassware.
Dinner was genuinely exceptional. We tried the Spiced Duck Croquettes; Mt Cook Salmon with puffed potatoes, beetroot, wasabi emulsion and cured yolk; Royalburn Lamb with cauliflower purée, pickled radish, walnut crumble, black garlic and charred leek; alongside the Market Fish served with fennel, olive agria mash, mushroom broth, herb oil and tapioca crisp.
And for dessert, the NZ Whiskey Parfait with Whittaker’s chocolate, caramel and almond, all with a hand-poured drizzle of The Southerly’s whisky-infused mānuka honey. The perfect finish.
The wine list is nicely curated too, rather than overwhelming, with a strong focus on local and New Zealand producers that pair naturally with the menu.
Retreating back to the room after a delightful dinner, for what was possibly one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a long time, felt dangerously easy. Between the comfortable bed and absolute silence outside, sleeping through an alarm feels very possible here, especially with the addition of blackout curtains.
The next morning started with Eggs Royale – poached free range eggs nestled on kumara rosti and toasted brioche with hollandaise, crispy pancetta, roquette and Mt Cook alpine salmon. The two cups of freshly brewed coffee also went down a treat while watching the mountains happily start their day with the morning light.
Queenstown will always tempt you outdoors no matter the weather, but coming back to this kind of comfort at the end of the day is what makes the experience complete. The resort effortlessly finds its place beside the crisp alpine air and extraordinary landscape that makes Queenstown so special in the first place.
To book or find out further information visit coronetridge.co.nz
