This is a luxury journey to end all luxury trips: soaking in five of the best getaways in New Zealand – three of them judged among the best hideaway spots in the world.

The assignment: To taste Lordens Penthouse, Queenscliff, Matakauri, Blanket Bay and Eichardt’s in and around Queenstown.

Economic times may be tough but people still save for special holidays to recharge their corporate batteries; for sexy romantic getaways or both. Our first assignment is to taste two of the best apartment hideaway havens in Queenstown: each around the $nz1000 a night.

Our host Lynne from Touch of Spice met as at Lordens – perched at the top of Fernhill overlooking the alpine township, the lake, the mountains and all that goes with the adrenalin-pumping adventure capital of the world.

An elevator took us to the third floor of our Lordens Penthouse, part of the Touch of Spice Private Villa Collection. The views are embedded into my mind forever. It’s hard to notice the massive designer kitchen or the Suzie Paynter touches to the interiors when the blue skies, the glistening lake, the brilliant snow and the TSS Earnslaw lock your gaze. The decks are spectacularly large and secluded. This was place in a class of its own.

We lay in the spa in a chilly still sipping our Framinghams classic riesling still spellbound by the superb views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. At nights we dined at the award-winning Wai and then stylish Lucianos on Steamer Wharf: excellent fare and brilliant service. Lordens has three rooms all with ensuites; all with glorious picture postcard views. This was a romantic holiday but could also be a great retreat for families or groups of corporates staying here for conferences. It was difficult leaving the Lordens and Touch of Spice were brilliant host organisers for us.

We blattered through town in our little Jucy rental and up the steep slopes to the top of Queenstown Hill to our final destination – Queenscliff, arranged by a company called Relax It’s Done. Queenscliff stares straight into the centre of town and beyond down the mighty Lake Wakatipu. We lazed in the spa pool before dusk watching the shadows sneak up the Remarkables.

Every second four wheel drive in Queenstown promotes something – wine, food, accommodation and the endless numbers of tourist operators. Writing on one vehicle parked near our apartment said it all: G Force Paragliding. That’s Queenstown. Everything happens here. Even the big international Winter Games in August will be huge for the region’s economy.

We explored Queenscliff, which like Lordens is spread over several levels. The atrium into Queenscliff is unique with a glass floor looking down to the games room below. The black and red comfy chairs, the pc work station area, the large plasma tv with My-Sky – it was all here. The master bedroom had a walk in robe bigger than any double bedroom. Queenscliff sleeps eight people, is 10 minutes walk to town and the steepest walk returning home. But their vast inviting spa pool has one of the best outdoor views in the world. Carmel from ‘Relax It’s Done’ arranged anything we wanted, including arranging my squash games.

We next threw ourselves at the mercy of the warm and knowledgeable staff at Matakauri Lodge – one of the top 101 hotels of the world according to Tatler magazine. General manager Grant Alley and his people were first rate – our room had a stunning view – we were in heaven. We even received a little Kiwi fluffy soft toy as a go-away present. Matakauri has it all: a sanctuary for relaxing holidaymakers, native birds such as tui, native frogs and a charming lakeside setting. The next morning we trundle around the lake to famous Blanket Bay, twice rated by Harper’s as one of the two most romantic hideaways in the world.

Blanket Bay is a place every couple who can save $1500 once in their life should go and spend a night at. It is the grandest lodge ever. I loved the heavy textured wood: massive grey weathered supports and fine furniture pieces with burnished rich patina. Philip Jenkins is a brilliant general manager with a superb dry wit. The local staff were excellent. Unlike some lodges, Philip insisted there was no dress code.

Their games room was a blokesy den with a free bar. Before tea, I did a 30 minute jog through the bush and then around the shore edge of the lake back to the hotel: if felt like running in paradise. My seared grouper meal and Corbans Cottage Block chardonnay made me feel even better.

Next day I drive back to Queenstown, where I spend the night at Eichardt’s – judged the best small hotel in the world three or four years ago. My suite, room No.2, is possible the best appointed I have ever stayed in. Bubbly Victoria and all the Eichardt’s staff could not be more caring and helpful. The massive possum fur rug on my bed was an utterly romantic touch. Their service is second to none. Sipping a Spy Valley sauvignon blanc on my private balcony on the cusp of the beautiful lake at Eichardt’s is a must for the bucket list. We make a note to return to Queenstown next year.