Highlights

A secluded address yet just minutes from town

Majestic views of Queentown's mountains and lake

Private chef on tap for in-villa dining, plus well-supported self-catering

Luxe modern decor with a sophisticated, seductive feel

Spacious open-plan living and dining areas, bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms

Outdoor balconies for enjoying evening drinks

Spa baths with master bedrooms (and outdoor spas at some villas)

Easy access to Queenstown's ski fields and outdoor pursuits

Full, five-star concierge services

Smith tip

Spoil yourself with at least one meal from Commonage Villas' private chef service. They'll whip up anything from a delicious breakfast to a gourmet three-course dinner or canape party in the privacy of your own villa, without you lifting a finger. You can also get your pantry pre-stocked for your arrival. Just give staff a list of your preferred foods in advance.

More photos

Commonage Villas

Queenstown, New Zealand[view map]

Style: Luxe Alpine villas
Setting: Dramatic Queenstown hills

Commonage Villas offers luxury self-catering – with a private chef on tap – and crisp contemporary style in New Zealand's premier South Island ski destination, Queenstown. With sweeping views of the surrounding lake and mountains from its lofty perch on Queenstown Hill, yet just a 10-minute stroll from the vibrant bars and restaurants in town, the 14 exclusive self-contained villas bring modern glamour to the Alpine experience. Couples can enjoy downtime in a secluded one-bedroom villa or there are spacious two- or three-bedroom residences if you're travelling with family or friends. All bedrooms come with an ensuite bathroom with separate shower and bath (master bedrooms feature a spa bath), and villas sport large open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas as well as outdoor balconies and verandahs for sipping drinks at sunset. Decor is a chic yet cosy mix of dark wood, local grey schist stone, neutral tones and oodles of picture windows, with bright red accents to lift the look. Fully concierged, it's ideal for stylish ski breaks, entertaining group getaways or just relaxing à deux.

Need to know

Rates

One double-bedroom villas start at NZ$960 a night including tax at 12.5 per cent, two-bedroom villas at NZ$1,070 and three-bedroom villas at NZ$1,180.

Sleeps

2–6 (in fourteen one-, two- or three-bedroom villas).

Ideal for

Couples in the mood for romance, families or friends who fancy a glam break in gorgeous natural surrounds, ski buffs, stylish special occasions.

Minimum hire

Three consecutive nights (five during Christmas and New Year).

Booking process

To secure a reservation, Commonage Villas will need your credit card details (including number and expiry date). If you cancel within 30 days of a visit, a 25 per cent charge of your total stay applies. Within seven days, or for no-shows, the full tariff will be incurred. Room rates include limousine airport transfers if required, flowers on arrival, wireless internet, five-star concierge and guest services, free local calls, and servicing of your villa every third day. Staff are on site from 8.30am to 9pm daily to help you settle in, assist with any queries or make bookings for you at local restaurants or activities in town. Smith deposit taken when you book.

Property style

Clean-lined, contemporary Alpine villas in a mix of modern and more classical styles which open up to the outdoors.

Grounds

Set in the hills above Queenstown, with lofty views of the lake and surrounding mountains from private terraces.

Also

There are ski and snowboard racks at the villas if you plan to hit the slopes, as well as a private lockable garage for your car or other gear. Some villas are accessible by lift.

In the know

Eating and drinking

All villas come with a fully equipped kitchen and basic condiments. You can also get your pantry stocked before your arrival, with prices available on request for breakfast items, snacks and antipasto, or order breakfast packs. Alternatively, treat yourself to a night (or week) off cooking, with delectable dining served up in the privacy of your own villa by private chef. A chef-prepared breakfast costs from NZ$50 a person (NZ$35 for children), and includes Continental and cooked treats such as Arrowtown pork and parsley sausages, dinner costs from NZ$125 (or NZ$45 for kids aged 10 or under), bothl including 12.5 per cent tax (prices rise by NZ$5 from October 2009). Choose between a three-course 'Trust the Chef' menu with a New Zealand flavour (think Wild Fiordland venison fillet or South Island blue cod), a family selection of mezze platters and sharable finger foods (both NZ$135 a person) or an evening canape menu to enjoy pre-dinner or if you're throwing your own party (NZ$55 a person). Contact reception on +64 3 442 8000 to book your private chef, the earlier the better as the service is subject to availability, and mention any special dietary requirements. If booking for the same day, the 'Trust the Chef' option is usually the only option. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance to avoid a full penalty charge.

Housekeeping

Your villa will be cleaned every third day as part of your room rates. If you'd prefer daily servicing it will cost NZ$80 for a one-bedroom villa, NZ$120 for a two-bedroom villa and NZ$160 for a three-bedroom villa (rates go up by NZ$20 from 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010). Villas come with a fully equipped laundry with washing powder and an ironing board, or there's a dry cleaning service if you'd rather pay to get clothes cleaned.

Entertainment

There's free WiFi throughout the villas, as well as LCD TVs in living areas and bedrooms, SKY TV and a CD/DVD player. In-room massages or mini spa treatments can also be arranged for a pampering treat. But with Queenstown's world-renowned outdoor activities on tap beyond your villa, from skiing to bungy jumping, skidiving and hiking, you won't want to spend the whole time on the couch.

Provided

Flowers and villa warmed up on arrival. Brit-brand Gilchrist & Soames bathroom products (in generous sizes), fluffy bathrobes, a heated towel rail and a hairdryer. Gas fires, underfloor heating and double-glazing keep the lodges cosy year-round.

Packing tips

Queenstown offers a mix of glam bars and restaurants in town and outdoor pursuits, so bring a capsule wardrobe that stretches from Prada to Patagonia. Take warm gear for winter, and even in summer it can get nippy.

For a detailed description of all the rooms and grounds, click here

Also worth knowing

Children: Children are welcome and Commonage Villas can provide baby cots, high chairs or car seats as an optional extra service, as well as arrange a babysitter for you. The private chef service can also provide children's meals at reduced rates (see above). More…

Smith card offer

Complimentary ski passes for up to three days (valid winter June to September 2009), private chef for one breakfast

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member