We checked in to one of New Zealand's most scenic retreat - here's the verdict

Where: 377 Frankton Road, Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand

How much: Rooms are from $345 per night

Built in 2007, the Rees Hotel Queenstown - named after the explorer William Rees, considered the town's founder - hits the sweet spot for visitors who want the best of everything, from location to luxurious accommodation, fine food and wine, and next-level service.

The proof is in the many awards the property has won, both internationally and domestically, over many years and across multiple areas.

The Rees sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with views across the mirror-smooth water to the saw-toothed Remarkables mountains. The property is well located between the airport and the town, with regular free shuttles into the CBD.

Stroll into town on the lakeside track, use one of the hotel's bikes or arrange a water taxi from the hotel's jetty, which is also a great spot for some cold-water plunging if that is your thing. If not, it is a top spot for sunsets, skipping stones or shots for the 'gram.

The interiors are sophisticated, lush and thoughtfully furnished in a balanced merger between ski-mountain cool and city luxury. Italian-designed bathrooms, stone fireplaces, plush carpets, New Zealand art, classy lamps, fine teas, Forest & Bird amenities and handcrafted soaps from the Soap House are just a few of my favourite things at the Rees.

Take your pick of 60 hotel rooms, 90 one- to three-bedroom apartments and five top-of-the-range Residences, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Over many stays - in the apartments and most recently in the Residences that were introduced in 2019 - I always feel at home, with lovely touches including heated floors in the bathroom, full kitchens should you want to cook, washing machine and dryer, and spacious balconies to sit and watch the changing hues of the Remarkables over the water. The Residences also offer a spa on the ground floor, perfect for a late-in-the-day soak complemented by lake views.

Oh the food! The multi-award-winning True South Dining Room is a shining star on Queenstown's foodie scene with chef Trent Watson focusing on a fine-dining menu showcasing suppliers from the Otago region. His take on an after-dinner mint - named After Eight - consists of Kawakawa cheesecake, chocolate mint gel and textures of chocolate, and it is divine.

A stay at the Rees also ensures myriad fine wines with drops from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Central Otago. Take a seat in the Bordeau Wine Lounge off the lobby and enjoy your favourite bevvy with drop-dead gorgeous views over Lake Wakatipu through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

There are so many things to do in Queenstown, no matter what your interests are. On top of that, the Rees has a selection of bespoke packages including heli-wine tasting, heli-golf and tours to Milford Sound. Take the free shuttle into town for some lakeside shenanigans, book a tour and go bungee jumping, jet boating, bike riding, kayaking or horse riding. Or if you have a car, head out to Arrowtown to browse the shops, or head south to ethereal Glenorchy. No matter what you do, pre-book a massage in your room through ... I did and it was spectacularly good.

One of the best things about the Rees is to come back after a day out, and either sit in the Bordeau Wine Lounge or on your balcony, a glass of your favourite tipple in hand, and just drink in the views.

Explore more: therees.co.nz

The writer was a guest of the Rees.