Queenstown NZ... Truly Magical !

Queenstown is one of the wonders of the world. It's landscapes are amazing and nothing like I have ever seen. The town is very tourist friendly, probably a little too much as it is extremely expensive there. The Luge up on the mountains and the funicular are great activities to participate in. The surrounding lakes, mountains and rivers are pristine and everywhere you look there is something more beautiful than the last time you opened your eyes. Queenstown is a definite must do when visiting NZ. We stayed at the M Gallery Hotel and it was absolutely gorgeous, it is a walk into the main town though.

M Gallery Hotel Suite, best hotel suite bedroom in the world... it is complete black out as the bedroom is between the 2 living areas and the bathroom and has no windows... loving complete black out !

View of the mountains and fells of Queenstown and the Lake from our Hotel Suite

Nom! Mouth watering sensations at Westin Auckland

Westin Auckland...Quay to success!

Rob and I stayed in many hotels and B&B's during the month we visited in February 2010. The Westin Auckland Hotel is uber trendy. very modern, very industrial design right on the Viaduct harbour in the heart of Auckland and was by far our stand out number 1 hotel in NZ.

This hotel is close to awesome must do's such as the Minus 5 Ice Bar http://www.minus5experience.com/
definitely something to check out. The restaurant at The Westin is sensational and the service in this hotel is second to none. The rooms are ultra comfortable with favourites such as Heavenly Beds and Rain Showers and of course one gets turn down service which is fantastic. Definitely 5 star and they know how to do it well.    

Heavenly Bed in our Deluxe Harbour View Room

 

Sitting Area in room

Fabulous deep bath

These ponds are built in between the hotel precinct

My boof head with Westin in the background

cheeky Mr jumping in my compulsory room photographs before he is allowed to jump on the bed and make a mess of the room ha ha... my fave bear

Westin Melbourne, Chic and Luxurious !

Sensational Stay...
As you aproach this gorgeous hotel situated on beautiful Collins Street; it's modern contempory look and funky boutique feel is warm and very inviting. It is perched on top of City Square and abuzz with sidewalk cafe's and all that Melbourne CBD has to offer.

The hotel is within walking distance to Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, some of Melbournes best restaurants and bars and shopping experiences. We stayed in a Deluxe Room on the Starwood Preffered Guest Floor overlooking Collins Street, floor to ceiling bay view windows and french doors overlooking Collins street. The rooms are fresh, modern, very clean and of course you will enjoy the  Heavenly^® Rain Shower and signature Westin  Heavenly^®  King Size Bed. The rooms are spacious and comfortable.

Must do's in Melbourne ! 

Hairspray The Musical- totally sensational

Visit to ABBA World - if you are an ABBA fan it's too late as it closes Sunday 31 Oct.

Horse and Carriage ride through the city in the evening
cost - $100 for 1/2 hour, well worth it,  very romantic!

Breakfast @ The European Restaurant- great food and good service

Vue deomonde Restaurant - once a french restaurant now a fine Australian Fare Restaurant




The Chefs Pass with our fabulous waiter Kevin

 

Listed below is the menu that we thoroughly enjoyed with Tony and Nathan from NZ on the night of Rob and My Engagement Proposal. Truly stunning weekend. Saturday 30 October 2010

Vue demonde Restaurant -  Menu GourmandAMUSE BOUCHE

White truffle marshmallow

&

Blue fin tuna

&

Shultz yoghurt

&

Vegetable terrine

BABEURRE, POMMES, FENOUIL, FLEURS

Buttermilk, apple, fennel, flowers

Betterave et raifort

Beetroot & horseradish

oeufs de SAUMON, pomme de terre, moutarde

Salmon roe, potato, mustard

anguille fumÉe, pomme, chocolat blanc

Smoked eel, apple, white chocolate

OEUF DE CANARD, AGNEAU RIS DE VEAU, ASPERGES, TRUFFE

Fried duck egg, lamb sweetbreads, asparagus, truffle

JARDIN DE LÉGUMES

Heide vegetable garden

SORBET AU YAOURT

Yoghurt sorbet, elderflower granite, pommelo

ÉCREVISSE RÔTIE

Roasted marron, crab, radish

KANGOUROU

Kangaroo, rosella, coffee, chocolate, lightly smoked at the table

BŒUF DE BLACKMORE ET BETTRAVE

Blackmore wagyu beef cheek, beetroot

FROMAGE

Kytren Rondelle, pumpkin, rye bread

Milawa Tomme, pumpkin, rye bread

Milawa blue, pumpkin, rye bread

ENTREMET SUCRÉ

Frozen lolly, popping candy, homemade lemonade

Malte de banane

Banana malt

fraises et crÈme soufflÉ

Strawberries & cream soufflé

NOTRE SÉLECTION DE CAFÉS, THÉS, INFUSIONS ET PETITS-FOURS

A selection of coffee, teas, infusions & petits-fours

WINES

2009 Whisson Lake, Pinot Noir “White Label” Piccadilly, South Australia

Vintage Vilmart ‘Grand Reserve’ Champagne, France

  Martini's @ Martini Bar @ Westin Lobby