Queenstown's HOTTEST Villa: Lake Views, Gas Fire, BBQ & AC! ๐ฅ
Queenstown's HOTTEST Villa: Lake Views, Gas Fire, BBQ & AC! ๐ฅ - A Review So Real, It Might Just Make You Book
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – and maybe a little Pinot Noir – on Queenstown's HOTTEST Villa: Lake Views, Gas Fire, BBQ & AC! ๐ฅ. I've just gotten back, and honestly? I'm still dreaming of that view. But before I get lost in a haze of scenic bliss, let's break it down, warts and all (because let's be real, perfection is boring).
First Impressions & Accessibility - The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Okay, so accessibility. This is where things get a little… nuanced. The villa itself? Absolutely stunning. But getting to it? Well, Queenstown is famous for its hills, and this villa's no exception. Let's just say, if you're relying on public transport or have mobility issues, you'll want to double-check the specifics. There is a car park (thank the heavens! - Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]), which is a major win. But the walk up? Not for the faint of heart. Elevator? Nope. But, Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so clarifying directly with the villa is a must.
On-Site Eats & Drinks (and My Near-Miss with a Pigeon)
Alright, food, glorious food! This is where the villa really shines. The BBQ is a godsend (more on that later!), and the kitchen and tableware items are Sanitized, which is a HUGE plus in these times. They offer Breakfast in room which is great, but I'm a sucker for a good buffet. I didn't see any On-site accessible restaurants / lounges, but who needs them when you've got a view like that?
Now, about that BBQ. Picture this: me, attempting to grill a perfectly medium-rare steak, a glass of wine in hand, and a rogue pigeon eyeing my dinner like a furry-feathered bandit. It was a close call, people! A close call. Lesson learned: keep a close eye on your grill and your food.
There's no Poolside bar, but who needs one when you can bring your own drinks to the Swimming pool [outdoor]? (And let's be honest, I'd probably spill more than I'd drink if I were poolside). And the Restaurants? Queenstown has a plethora.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation – Spa Dreams and Gym Realities
Okay, so I'm a sucker for a good spa day. Did this villa deliver? Well… It doesn't have its own spa. No Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, or Sauna. Sigh. But the Pool with view more than makes up for it. Hours spent just staring at the lake. Pure bliss. There is a Fitness center, but, I'm ashamed to admit, I didn't make it. Let's just say the allure of the gas fire and the comfy sofa won out. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage - Nope, nope, and nope. But hey, at least they have a Daily housekeeping.
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Secure (and Slightly Obsessed)
Okay, this is important. In the current climate, safety is paramount. The villa gets top marks here. They're clearly taking hygiene seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment - the works! And the Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour] all added to the feeling of well-being and safety.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Self-Inflicted)
Okay, so, as mentioned, the BBQ is a star. Breakfast in room - lovely. And the Kitchen is well-equipped. But, let's be honest, I did more eating out than cooking in. The A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant are all readily available in Queenstown. I did have a Bottle of water provided, which was a nice touch.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Difference
This is where the villa really shows its stuff. Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center – they've thought of everything. The Concierge was incredibly helpful, the Daily housekeeping kept everything spotless, and the Cashless payment service was a lifesaver.
For the Kids – Babysitters and Family Fun
Okay, so I don't have kids, but I did see a couple of families enjoying themselves. The villa is listed as Family/child friendly, but I didn't spot any dedicated Kids facilities or Kids meal. But there's a Babysitting service if you need it.
Access, Getting Around & Tech – Connected in Paradise
Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. This is a win!
Getting Around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
The Verdict – Book It (Seriously, Just Book It)
Okay, so it's not perfect. No on-site spa, and the accessibility might be a hurdle for some. BUT, the view? The gas fire? The BBQ? The sheer luxury of it all? It's worth it. The villa is stunning, the location is incredible, and the staff are fantastic. It's a perfect base for exploring Queenstown and its surroundings.
My Emotional Breakdown (in a Good Way)
I'm being honest here. The first time I walked into the villa, I actually gasped. Like, full-on, involuntary gasp. The view just sucked the air out of my lungs. And that gas fire? Pure, unadulterated cozy. I spent one entire afternoon curled up on the sofa, reading a book, with the fire crackling, the lake shimmering in the distance. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. I'm still dreaming about it.
So, Here's the Deal – My Unofficial Offer:
Book Queenstown's HOTTEST Villa: Lake Views, Gas Fire, BBQ & AC! ๐ฅ and get:
- A guaranteed Instagram-worthy view that will make your friends jealous. (Seriously, the photos are going to be epic.)
- A chance to perfect your BBQ skills (and maybe avoid a pigeon-related disaster).
- Unparalleled relaxation in a luxurious setting.
- A stay that's safe, clean, and designed for your comfort.
- And, most importantly, a memory that will last a lifetime.
Don't wait! This villa is HOT, and it books up fast. Click the link below and secure your slice of Queenstown paradise. You won't regret it!
Willander Resort Bohol: Paradise Found (Your Dream Vacation Awaits!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. Villa Matau in Queenstown, New Zealand, here we COME. And frankly, I'm already a little overwhelmed.
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Panic)
- Morning (Like, REALLY Early): Ugh. 4:00 AM wake-up call from the internal alarm clock that's been screaming "QUEENSTOWN!" for weeks. Packing, re-packing, checking the passport…three times. Why do I always feel like I'm forgetting something? Probably my sanity.
- Mid-Morning: Flight. Trapped in a metal tube with recycled air and the collective anxiety of everyone else on the plane. Ate the airplane food… it was fine, you know… like cardboard with a side of mystery.
- Afternoon: ARRIVAL! Queenstown airport is stunning, even with the usual airport chaos. Grabbed the rental car – a beast of a vehicle, perfect for tackling those winding New Zealand roads. Driving on the left… still a little terrifying. Almost took out a mailbox. Oops.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Finding Villa Matau. Let me tell you, the directions were "vague at best." Finally found the place, and…WOW. The lake view? Breath-taking. The gas fire? Already planning my evening snuggles. The AC? Thank GOD. Apparently, Queenstown can get a bit toasty.
- Evening: Unpacking. The eternal struggle. Found a rogue sock. No idea whose. Settling in. BBQ time! The BBQ is the Queen, and the view is the King. The meat, however, was a bit…charred. Okay, REALLY charred. But hey, it's all about the experience, right? Plus, the wine makes everything better. Staring out the window at the lake, fire crackling, and feeling…well, pretty damn good.
Day 2: Lake Wakatipu, and the Unintentional Hike of Doom
- Morning: Woke up to the most glorious sunrise. Seriously, the colours were INSANE. Coffee on the deck, feeling like a millionaire. Then, the urge to "do something."
- Mid-Morning: Decided on a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. The TSS Earnslaw, the old steamship, is a MUST. So majestic! And the views? Ridiculous. I mean, I've seen lakes before, but this one… this one just hits different.
- Lunch: Ate a pie at the Walter Peak High Country Farm (highly recommended!). Thought about the sheep.
- Afternoon: This is where things get…interesting. Saw a sign for a "short, scenic hike" near the lake. "How hard can it be?" I thought, full of youthful optimism. Turns out…VERY hard. Up. Up. UP. My legs were screaming, my lungs were burning. We were not prepared! But the view from the top? EPIC. Even though I nearly passed out.
- Evening: Back at the villa, nursing my aching muscles. Ordered pizza. Feeling a strange combination of triumph and utter exhaustion. Watched the sunset over the lake. Swore I'd invest in better hiking boots. And maybe a personal sherpa.
Day 3: Adventure Time (and a Near-Death Experience… Kinda)
- Morning: Okay, today's the day. Bungy jumping. I've been both terrified and excited about this for months. Had a massive breakfast to calm my nerves.
- Mid-Morning: Drove to the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. The place is buzzing with nervous energy. The anticipation is killing me. Watching others jump…they look both exhilarated and terrified. It's almost my turn. My heart is hammering.
- The Bungy Jump: Okay, here we go. They strap you in. The wind is whipping. My stomach is in my throat. The instructor counts down…3…2…1…JUMP! For a split second, it's pure freefall. Then, the elastic snaps taut and you bounce. The adrenaline rush is unlike anything I've ever felt. I was screaming, but I don't remember what I was screaming. Pure, unadulterated JOY.
- Afternoon: Recovering from the jump. My legs are shaky, but the feeling of accomplishment is incredible. Spent the rest of the day exploring the historic gold mining area of Arrowtown.
- Evening: Celebratory dinner at a fancy restaurant in Queenstown. Feeling a little bit like a daredevil and a little bit like a princess. The food was divine. The wine? Even better.
Day 4: Wine, Relaxation, and a Bittersweet Farewell
- Morning: Wine tour! Because, New Zealand. Visited several vineyards in the Gibbston Valley. The scenery is stunning, the wine is delicious, and the whole experience is just…blissful.
- Lunch: Enjoyed a gourmet lunch at a vineyard, overlooking the rolling hills. This is the life.
- Afternoon: Back at the villa. Sat on the deck, reading a book, sipping some of the local wine. Pure relaxation. Really soaking in the last moments.
- Evening: Packing. The dreaded task. Trying to squeeze everything back into my suitcase. Realizing I have way too much stuff. One last look at the view. A quiet moment of reflection. Feeling a pang of sadness that this incredible adventure is coming to an end. But also, an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the experience. One last glass of wine. One last look at the gas fire. Feeling content, slightly tipsy, and already planning my return.
Day 5: The Departure (and the Post-Travel Blues)
- Morning: Woke up early. One last coffee on the deck. Said goodbye to the villa, with a heavy heart.
- Mid-Morning: Drove back to the airport. Navigating the airport again.
- Afternoon: On the plane, looking out the window. The post-travel blues are starting to set in. Thinking about all the amazing things I experienced, and all the wonderful memories I made. Already dreaming of the next adventure.
- Evening: Back home. The world feels different, somehow. The laundry is piling up. The reality of everyday life sets in. But the memories of Queenstown, the lake, the adventures, the gas fire, will stay with me forever. And that, my friends, is priceless.
Things I Learned (and Probably Forgot Already):
- Hiking boots are essential.
- Always pack an extra pair of socks.
- New Zealand wine is dangerous (in the best possible way).
- Embrace the unexpected.
- Don't be afraid to jump.
- The gas fire is a lifesaver.
- Queenstown is pure magic.
- And I need to go back. Seriously.
Queenstown Villa FAQs - Because Let's Be Real, You're Curious! ๐ฅ
Okay, spill. Is the Lake View ACTUALLY as good as the photos? (My Instagram feed demands answers!)
Alright, here's the deal. The photos? They're good. REALLY good. But the REALITY? Holy moly. It's almost… unfair. Seriously. You walk in, and BAM! The lake just smacks you in the face. It's the kind of view that makes you want to chuck your phone in the drawer and just… stare. My first morning? I nearly choked on my coffee (which, by the way, the villa *does* have a decent coffee machine, bless them).
I’m not even kidding, the first time I saw it, I burst into tears. Happy, overwhelmed tears. My partner, bless his heart, thought I was having a breakdown. Nope. Just pure, unadulterated, Queenstown beauty overload. You’ll find yourself just… *thinking* better, with that view. It's that kind of place.
Gas Fire - Cozy Factor: Activated? (Because let's face it, I'm a winter person.)
Oh. My. God. The gas fire. Where do I even begin? It's less a fire and more a warm, crackling, heart-melting hug. Picture this: It's freezing outside. Queenstown cold. Bone-chilling. You've been skiing all day (or maybe just pretending to ski, like me). You walk in, and BLAMMO! Instant warmth. Instant bliss.
I spent a solid hour just staring at it on one particularly chilly evening, completely mesmerized. It's hypnotic. It's the kind of fire that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a blanket, a glass of red wine, and pretend the world doesn't exist (which, honestly, is a pretty good plan). And yes, it is *definitely* activated. I even accidentally turned it on once when I was half asleep and nearly set my pajamas on fire. Whoops. Totally worth it.
BBQ - Can I actually cook a decent meal, or am I doomed to burnt sausages? (My cooking skills are... questionable.)
Okay, so the BBQ. It's… good. Real good. I'm not a BBQ pro, let's be honest. I can usually manage to char something beyond recognition. But this BBQ? It's forgiving. It's like it *wants* you to succeed. The first night, I grilled some lamb chops. They were… edible. Okay, they were actually pretty damn good. I even managed to get some decent grill marks, which, for me, is a culinary triumph.
Just, be prepared for the wind. Queenstown wind is a force of nature. I nearly lost my hat (and my sanity) a couple of times. And remember to clean the grill afterwards. Nobody wants to be that person who leaves a mess for the next guests. Trust me on that one. My partner, bless his heart, hates cleaning up after me.
Air Conditioning - Does it actually work? (Because I'm dreaming of those hot summer days...)
YES! The AC WORKS. And it's a lifesaver. Queenstown summers can be surprisingly… warm. And when the sun's beating down, and you've been hiking all day, that AC is a godsend. I mean, it's not quite arctic-blast level, but it cools the place down nicely. It's perfect for escaping the midday sun and recovering from all the adrenaline-fuelled activities.
Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd do without it. I get hot. I get *hangry*. And cranky. So, the AC is essential. It's a small detail, but a crucial one. It's like they actually thought about the comfort of their guests. Clever people.
Is the kitchen actually equipped? (Because I am NOT eating out every night.)
The kitchen? Okay, this is where things get interesting. It’s… good. Really good. It's got the basics, which is a win. I'm talking oven, stove, microwave, the essential pots and pans, and even a dishwasher (thank the heavens!). But. And there's always a but, isn't there? It’s not a chef's kitchen, alright? Don’t expect a full set of professional-grade knives or a sous vide machine.
It’s perfectly functional. I managed to cook a pretty decent pasta dish one night. And a slightly less decent attempt at a roast chicken the next. The point is, you can definitely make a meal. Just don't go expecting to become a Michelin-star chef overnight. And for the love of all that is holy, check for a can opener *before* you start prepping your dinner. I learned that the hard way.
What's the parking situation like? (I'm not trying to spend half my holiday circling for a spot.)
Parking… alright. It's not like, a massive car park. But there's space. Usually. There's off-street parking, which is a huge bonus in Queenstown. Finding parking in Queenstown can be a nightmare, especially during peak season. So, the fact that this villa has its own parking is a massive win.
I will say, if you're arriving late at night, or during a particularly busy period, you might have to do a quick maneuver. It's not the easiest parking spot, but it's *there*. And that's what matters. Just don't bring a monster truck. Unless you want to spend a solid hour trying to squeeze into the space. (Trust me, I saw someone try it...).
Are there any downsides? (Because nothing's perfect, right?)
Okay, let's get real. Nothing's perfect. And this villa? It's pretty darn close, but… here are a few minor quibbles. The Wi-Fi, sometimes, can be a little temperamental. Not terrible, but don't expect to stream HD movies all night. And the walk to town? It's not *far*, but it's uphill on the way back. Your calves will feel it.
And the biggest downside? Having to leave. Seriously. I actually considered just… staying. Forever. But alas, reality (and my bank account) intervened. But honestly, these are minor things. The pros FAR outweigh the cons. Trust me, you’ll be too busy staring at the view and basking in the gas fire’s glow to even care.
Would you recommend it? (Be honest!)
