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January, 2019 Queenstowns newest boutique accommodation, Kmana Lakehouse,opened recently, after a multi-million-dollar brand development by owners Coherent Hotel Ltd. The company is part of the Colwall Property Investment Ltd. group that owns other top-ranked hotels in New Zealand with extensive experience in adding value and redesigning properties including the redevelopment of InterContinental Hotel in Wellington. Kmana Lakehouse is set to be the flagship for future new Kmana properties, that will each reflect the distinct environment of its New Zealand location. The brand is positioned as an independent boutique hotel designed to create customer-centric experiences in a luxury décor. The setting could not be more ideal for the new brand, as it sits on former Aspen Hotels site, a privileged location in Fernhill at the heart of Aspen Grove area. The interiors of the 73 ensuite rooms, located high above Lake Wakatipu, have been developed with the ultimate guest comfort in mind, featuring contemporary design, highest quality beds, plush furnishings and luxury amenities. The living space, at centre of the property received great attention, being transformed into an intimate social space featuring lounge areas with uniquely designed fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a wrap-around deck, the lake and mountains beyond. At the heart of this space sits Nest Kitchen and Bar featuring a circular Art Deco-style bar clad in brass, accentuated by marble finishes and metal accents. Seductive lighting, highly tactile furnishings, a customised spiral staircase, real trees are all great design elements coming together to bridge the European mountain lodge look with contemporary Kiwi-inspired natural décor. The interior design, brand positioning and restaurant are all inspired by the Kmana bird and its natural habitat. The Australasian Crested Grebe or Kmana [in its Maori name] is a diving bird native to New Zealands southern lakes region including Queenstown. A rare and elegant presence on the Otago lakes, it is regarded as a treasure by locals. General manager Richard Crouch, who was previously Aspen Hotels GM, says the location has finally reached its potential. The location here with panoramic views across Lake Wakatipu is spectacular, and our product is allowing guests to engage with that in a real way. These views are what attracted Alison Laity and her team at Colwall Property Investment in the first instance, inspiring them to create the Kmana Lakehouse. Richard says that as well as the lake views, Kmana Lakehouse reflects Queenstowns spirit of adventure, at the same time offering the perfect comfortable retreat in an elegant setting. The room décor is modern with a high level of attention to detail including modern connectivity, excellent bedding comfort and small indulgent touches such as the Real World New Zealand-made, natural body care. Richard says the hero of this project is the new Nest Kitchen and Bar, with its second-to-none views. This will surely become Queenstowns next hot spot, perfect for a beautiful modern Mediterranean alfresco meal, an après-ski cocktail, or a get together with friends, he says. Mario Sandulescu, who joined the team in 2017, is the new hotel manager at Kmana Lakehouse. He brings more than 10 years of experience with brands like The Ritz-Carlton Hotels and InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, in luxury properties from Europe and Singapore to Caribbean and United States. Mario joined us one year ago to develop the property repositioning path. Working with the team onsite and Colwall directors he was instrumental in creating the Kmana Lakehouse brand, says Richard. Joining the team more recently is new head chef Juan Pablo Aravena, previously from Millhouse at Millbrook. For me, as a manager, it is re-invigorating to surround myself with such incredible talent, says Richard.
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+64 27 444 1104
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