High above the Shotover River, Coronet Ridge Resort has transformed Queenstown’s former Nugget Point Hotel into one of New Zealand’s most compelling new alpine retreats. Highland interiors, alfresco hot tubs, a rooftop spa and a restaurant aiming for a Michelin key make a strong case for never leaving the property

Why stay here

Leaning into Queenstown’s abundant natural beauty, the new 41-room Coronet Ridge Resort overlooks the rushing Shotover River where red jet boats thread their way through narrow canyons.

Meticulously reimagined following a NZ$30-million, 16-month renovation, the former Nugget Point Hotel, reopened late last year, is ushering in a new level of luxury to the exclusive Arthurs Point enclave and Coronet Peak ski area.

Hemmed by soaring peaks and overlooking a dramatic bend in the Shotover River, hiking trails, craft breweries, hot pools and the adrenalin pumping Shotover Jet lie on the doorstep.

Inside I find highland interiors, seasonally inspired dining, sweeping Wakatipu Basin views, and roaring fireplaces, while a spa, alfresco hot tubs, heated pool, sauna, squash court, gym and private cinema gives guests little reason to leave.

Those that can pull themselves away will find world class wineries, cosy pubs (the charming Gantley Tavern is a stroll away), central Queenstown, ski fields and picturesque Arrowtown within easy reach.

Design

Designed by architecture firm G2 Studio, the tri-level lodge would be equally at home in the Scottish Highlands as it is in the foothills of Coronet Peak. Plush sofas, wood fireplaces and an intimate library beckon guests to linger over single malt whiskies or renowned wines from Central Otago’s lauded vineyards.

Floor to ceiling windows and soaring pitched ceilings mirror mountain peaks, while interiors echo the landscape’s earthy hues. As a nod to the region’s mining history, an eye-catching gold arch connects the lobby and library.

Auckland-based Furnz Group brought the highland-inspired interiors to life, delivering quiet luxury and timeless elegance. The eye is naturally drawn to the commanding vistas, while the use of layered textures, natural materials and an alpine-inspired palette create an immediate sense of place.

“When you wake up at Coronet Ridge, there’s no mistaking you’re in Queenstown,” said Furnz Group director Euan Armstrong.

All 41 rooms and suites feature private balconies or patios framing dreamy mountain and river vistas. Inside guest rooms offer warm, natural hues, bespoke timber joinery and thoughtfully curated local artwork and photography. Alfresco baths are offered on the balcony of all, suites adding another level of luxury.

Rooms range in size from the 37-square-metre Alpine View and Shotover River View rooms (featuring three accessible rooms), through to Shotover Suites (62-70 square metres), a two-bedroom Coronet Suite and 80-square-metre Coronet Ridge Shotover Suite.

In the suite

Subtle natural hues beckon me to relax in my Shotover Suite while mesmerising alpine vistas draw me onto the glass enclosed balcony.

Pouring a glass of Otago Pinot Noir and partaking of room service truffle fries, I curl up in a blanket and watch as the sun dips behind Queenstown Hill (Te Tapu-nui). As the light fades, a blanket of stars appears in the clear, night sky.

Rooms are cocoon-like thanks to sound proofing (handy when the Shotover Jet is in operation). There are luxurious super-size king beds, soft lighting and Weave wool blankets and throws.

A cosy separate lounge area features a dining table, oversized couch and writing desk. The spacious ensuite bathroom, meanwhile, offers a glass walk-in shower, freestanding tub, toilet with heated seat and Maraca amenities.

All rooms feature plush robes, slippers, a coffee machine, and mini bar with complimentary local treats including Whitakers chocolate, Weka bars, Antipodes water and Crimson Badger ginger beer.

All 41 rooms and suites feature private balconies or patios framing dreamy mountain and river vistas.

Dining

Elevation Bar and Restaurant with its stunning vistas of the Wakatipu Basin, the Remarkables mountain range and Shotover River could easily rest on its scenic laurels alone.

Thankfully that’s not on the agenda for executive chef Dominic Dsouza, whose background spans Michelin-starred kitchens and classical French training. Dsouza, who is aiming for a Michelin key (no less), sources locally farmed trout, wagyu, and lamb for his artful, almost alchemic dishes.

Lamb (and eggs) are supplied by Nadia Lim’s Royalburn Station. The farm is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere to have an abattoir, meaning animals are born, live, and are butchered onsite with meat delivered straight to the restaurant.

A highlight is an exquisite Mt Cook salmon entrée of pickled beets, pure wasabi, smoked emulsion, tomato nectar, apple, and citrus that is almost too pretty to eat.

Diners can opt for an al fresco table on the terrace where the roar from the Shotover Jets rises from the river below. Inside, the fire-lit space, elevated dishes and astonishing vistas make it easy to lose track of time.

Spa and wellness

The spa is a serene bubble (it’s next in line for a makeover) where alfresco hot tubs, a heated pool and treatment tables look directly out over the glacial range. There’s also a spacious mosaic tiled shower, sauna, and steam rooms.

There, guests can slow down a notch or two with a therapeutic massage, facial or body treatment using high performance New Zealand botanicals. Alternatively, there’s the signature Ridge Journey – a three-hour treatment featuring full-body exfoliation, a hydrating body wrap, 75-minute massage and facial using luxe New Zealand-made skincare products from RAAIE and Corbin Rd – ensuring guests float back to their room.

If you want to upgrade

Soak up dramatic Southern Alps’ landscapes and the ultimate in quiet luxury in the Coronet Ridge Shotover Suite. This grand 82-square-metre suite offers an expansive outdoor balcony with bathtub overlooking the Shotover River, underfloor heating, fireplace, two-person shower, super king-size bed, and endless alpine vistas.

Hotel Notes

Coronet Ridge Resort
Booking Details
Suite: Shotover Suites
Size: 67 square metres
Price per night: From $NZ1500 (Shotover Suite) – about $1230.
Website: See coronetridge.co.nz

From Phuket’s hillside pool villas to Koh Samui’s beachfront estates, the best family resorts in Thailand deliver genuine luxury without asking families to compromise — private spaces when needed, programs that keep children engaged, and room for every generation

It has been decades since Australian travellers fell in love with Thailand en masse and we’re still utterly smitten by the wonderfully diverse destination.

For luxury travellers, Thailand presents a sweet spot that few destinations can match. The tropical escape delivers genuine luxury as well as practicality and choice, making it difficult to resist. And why would you want to?

This picture-perfect nation is a highlight reel: unspoiled islands and pristine beaches, majestic temples and ancient ruins, lush hiking trails and incredible food at every price point.

For families, the proposition is further strengthened by the abundance of luxe accommodation options that don’t require compromise, even across generations. From the coastal idylls of Phuket and Koh Samui to the cultural treasures of Chiang Mai and beachside ease in Hua Hin, here are Thailand’s best luxury stays conceived with families in mind.

On the serene western coast of Phuket, tucked among Edenic foliage and overlooking the glittering Andaman Sea, Amanpuri lures luxury travellers with unrivalled location, service and design.

Free-standing temple-like pavilions are secluded and spacious, with configurations of up to 10 bedrooms to ensure families of all sizes can find their fit.

For kids and teens, the Eco-Beach Discovery Centre is a beachside hub where new friends and memories are made. Exploratory gardens and a nature museum will keep the curious minds occupied, while thrill-seekers might prefer the skateboard halfpipe, bouldering wall or water sports equipment.

aman.com

Amanpuri’s seven-bedroom ocean villa, Phuket.

Como Point Yamu

Overlooking Phang Nga Bay and away from Phuket’s crowds, COMO Point Yamu invites families to slow down, spread out and enjoy Thailand’s spoils. COMO’s three- and four-bedroom villas are perfect for groups, providing the space needed to come together as well as retreat when alone time beckons.

Think: separate living areas, a fully equipped kitchen, generous dining spaces and a large terrace with private infinity pool. Young ones love Play by COMO, where programming engages and inspires; teens beeline for the Recreation Lounge, complete with pool table, darts and game consoles.

comohotels.com

Trisara

With ocean views from every villa, it’s a stunning outlook at Trisara, a longtime favourite of the well-heeled traveller in Phuket. Thick, verdant gardens envelop the property’s 39 suites and villas, which are dotted across the hillside between the open-air lobby and the Andaman Sea.

Space is generous, both between villas and inside them, offering families the gift of peace and privacy. Villas and suites have either one or two bedrooms, while the private residences – chef included – offer between two and 10. All boast an infinity pool, while a 45-metre lap pool extends across the beachfront.

trisara.com

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

On a quiet stretch of Layan Beach on Phuket’s north-west coast, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort combines barefoot luxury and family practicality.

Spacious pool villas suit smaller families, while the hillside Layan Residences — offering up to seven bedrooms, private infinity pools, live-in butler service and in-residence chefs — are made for multigenerational holidays.

Younger guests are well catered for through the kids’ club program, while older children and teens can swap screen time for Muay Thai, paddleboarding, sailing or surf lessons. Parents, meanwhile, can retreat to the award-winning spa or wellness centre, or linger over long lunches, confident the whole family  is happy.

anantara.com

ÀNI Thailand

While not strictly in Phuket, ÀNI Thailand is worth expanding the parameters for.

The all-inclusive private resort is located on Koh Yao Noi island, a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport followed by a 30-minute wind-in-you-hair, sun-on-your-skin speedboat journey.

Et voilà, you’ve arrived at one of Thailand’s most incredible escapes. Available only as a resort buyout, ÀNI Thailand comprises two ocean and two family villas, plus four pool suites, accommodating between six and 20 guests all up. Everything is included – even eight hours of babysitting per day – making on-the-ground planning a cinch.

aniprivateresorts.com

Four Seasons Koh Samui

Fans of The White Lotus know the spot. Season 3 of the wildly popular (and, at times, plain wild) series was set in Thailand and the Four Seasons Koh Samui was arguably the star of the show.

Even before its breakout on the small screen, this ultra-luxe property had long filled the role as one of Asia’s most coveted stays. Beautifully appointed villas accommodate families of up to five (with one rollaway in play) while expansive multi-bedroom residences are ideal for multi-generational holidays.

Residences are serviced by dedicated staff and the Kids For All Seasons program is complimentary.

fourseasons.com

Six Senses Samui

Generations come together through wellness, sustainability and pristine surrounds at Six Senses Samui. Perfect for families seeking meaningful travel, the property boasts 67 villas across eight beachfront hectares, most with a private pool and all with a dedicated Guest Experience Maker to ensure every need is met.

The expansive two-bedroom villas give families room to move and if a third bedroom is required, the 300-square-metre Ocean Front Pool Villa Suites can be converted to suit. The Junior Journeys program, meanwhile, is packed with locally inspired activities.

sixsenses.com

Kimpton Kitalay Samui

Five-star, but make it playful.

That’s the atmosphere so cleverly created at Kimpton Kitalay, located on the doorstep of Choeng Mon Beach. The resort’s 500-square-metre, split-level kids’ club is abuzz with both imaginative play and scheduled activities.

Comprising up to four bedrooms, the light-filled villas include private pools and a dedicated concierge service, while the dining program is designed with flavour and families in mind.

kimptonkitalaysamui.com

Shangri-La Chiang Mai

Just moments from Chiang Mai’s beautiful Old City, Shangri-La Chiang Mai combines resort-style relaxation with easy access to northern Thailand’s rich cultural hotspots.

Spacious family rooms and suites are the perfect retreat after days spent exploring temples, markets and mountain landscapes. Guests young and old will find their spot by the resort pool, which includes a dedicated splash zone and waterslides, while children are also in their element at the playground and kids’ club.

All the while, parents can better appreciate the award-winning spa and excellent dining.

shangri-la.com

V Villas Hua Hin

The most exclusive address in Hua Hin, V Villas is all about space, privacy and personalised service for families seeking an elevated beach escape. All villas include a private pool and 24-hour butler service.

For families, the two- and three-bedroom options are the pick, where each bedroom boasts a king-sized bed and en suite with rain shower and twin Jacuzzi. Connecting rooms are also available.

Slipping away for a spa treatment or round of golf is easy too, with babysitting services on hand.

mgallery.accor.com

InterContinental Hua Hin Resort

Balancing beachfront luxury with family-friendly touches, the InterContinental is one of Hua Hin’s premium stays. In the resort’s Beach Wing, family suites comprise a king bed and a bunk bed, plus separate living spaces, while the grand three-bedroom residence is a two-storey sanctuary with a private pool and room for six adults and up to three kids (under 12).

Kids are thoughtfully catered for with a fantastic kids’ club, miniature train rides, complimentary Vana Nava Water Jungle tickets and more. Palate-pleasing Thai cuisine and international flavours can be found across the resort’s eight restaurants and bars.

huahin.intercontinental.com

From ice-class expedition yachts to hotel-branded vessels and French sailing icons, these small ships show how luxury cruising is moving into a more spacious, design-led and highly personalised phase

When luxury small-ship cruising joined the market as an alternative to the bolshy mega-liner in the 1970s, it was a novel sell. An experiment, even. Moving away from onboard bells and whistles, a few brave operators instead presented downsized vessels and destination-led itineraries.

As they say, fortune favours the brave.

No longer a niche market, small-ship cruising has grown through various phases since then, with old-world luxury, the all-inclusive model, immersive excursions and expedition voyages all having a turn as the ‘next thing’ driving progress. 

Now, the next next thing is elevating the small-ship experience even further. New builds are dramatically increasing space-per-guest ratios, recognising that breathing room is a coveted luxury. Suite design is getting an overhaul, too, with many operators presenting residential-style spaces, walk-in wardrobes, full terraces and, in some cases, separate living and dining zones. Meanwhile, maritime-forward interiors are being phased out in favour of a high-end, contemporary aesthetic. 

Service, too, is being reshaped. Guest-to-crew ratios are drawing closer, with some of the best operators already playing one-on-one. The result is an intuitive level of care and attention. 

For a look at those ships leading their field in the ultra-luxury category, read on.

Scenic Eclipse II

Scenic will take you places.

Truly incredible, utterly remote places, if that’s what you’re after.

The Australian-founded operator ventured into expedition cruising with Scenic Eclipse in 2019, setting a new benchmark for combining true ice-class capability with superyacht-level luxury.

Launched in 2023, Scenic Eclipse II has further refined the offering. As well as an all-suite private butler service, exceptional dining options and a 550-square-metre spa, the all-inclusive ship features the state-of-the-art gear required for access to the most remote, most extreme locations.

Two helicopters, one submersible, four SEABOBs (underwater sea scooters) and a fleet of Zodiacs – oh my! The ship’s Antarctic voyages carry a maximum of 200 guests (an almost one-to-one passenger-to-crew ratio) as well as an expert team of marine biologists, historians, geologists and naturalists. 

scenic.cruises

Silver Endeavour

Silver by name, gold by nature. Silver Endeavour is another best-in-class vessel.

Custom-built for the extremes of the Arctic and Antarctic, the Endeavour carries one of the highest ice-class ratings in expedition cruising, allowing safe (yet stylish) access to some of the most remote regions on Earth.

Remarkable operational metrics (Endeavour is the market leader for crew-to-passenger, Zodiac-to-passenger and expert-to-passenger ratios) ensure a highly personalised and immersive experience while the all-suite vessel embodies elegance bow to stern. 

silversea.com

SeaDream

SeaDream Yacht Club has not one, but two identical ultra-luxe yachts, both of which embody the effortless sophistication of life at sea.

Each vessel – SeaDream I and SeaDream II – carries no more than 112 guests, creating an intimate, personalised experience that feels more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship, as is the brand promise.

Step off the retractable marina platform and straight into the pristine water, where you can enjoy the full complement of water toys – think sailboats, catamarans, kayaks, paddleboards, wakeboards, banana boats, floating islands, snorkelling gear. SeaDream voyages prioritise smaller harbours and slow days, with numerous ports across the Caribbean and Europe.

Visit favourites such as St Barths, Barbados, St Tropez or the Norwegian fjords, all while living your best yacht life.

seadream.com

Le Ponant

Le Ponant is a timeless symbol of French yachting luxury. A three-masted sailing yacht, her sleek lines and teak decks evoke tall-ship romance, while the modern suites and refined dining options uphold a quintessential French elegance.

Hosting just 67 guests, Le Ponant’s size allows access to secluded harbours and hidden coves unreachable by larger vessels, plus a level of privacy and personalised service that feels utterly exclusive. Side note: Ponant’s luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot would hold its own in our expedition category.

ponant.com

Evrima, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Evrima redefines small-ship luxury by translating the legendary Ritz-Carlton hotel experience to sea.

The brand’s debut in the luxury yacht market, the 149-suite Evrima first set sail in 2022 and has since been joined in the Ritz-Carlton fleet by Ilma and Luminara. All have their particular strengths, but it’s hard to go past the original for intimacy.

With just under 300 guests, all-suite accommodations and private terraces, the yacht never feels crowded.

Dining is a signature drawcard of the Evrima experience, thanks to Michelin-starred pedigree, while the ship’s marina and marina terrace glisten in readiness for watersports and leisurely port stays.

ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

Amangati, Aman

Slated to set sail in 2027, the 47-suite Amangati will be Aman’s incredibly sleek entry into ocean cruising. Across nine decks, the yacht-style vessel will replicate the luxury of Aman’s property portfolio, embracing interiors that are at once simple and refined.

In each suite, a private terrace, high ceilings and floor-to-ceilings windows celebrate the vista; the spa (complete with advanced aesthetics) is as opulent as anything you’ll find on terra firma; and the roll call of restaurants and bars includes the glamorous Beach Club, where passengers have direct ocean access from the yacht’s stern. 

Amangati’s inaugural season is packed with dreamy European voyages, including the French Riviera, the Greek Islands and the Dalmatian Coast.

amanatsea.com

Aboard the 30-guest Paspaley Pearl, Sally Macmillan discovers rock art, remote reefs and pearling heritage on a small-ship voyage shaped by deep local knowledge

Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2025, Australia’s largest, oldest pearling company has added another venture to its portfolio, launching Pearl Expeditions’ 30-guest, 50-metre motor yacht Paspaley Pearl in August 2025. This chic, petite vessel will sail consecutive seasons in the Kimberley, Papua New Guinea, Borneo and Indonesia, and I’m on board for her second voyage in the Kimberley.

The pioneering Paspaley family knows this remote region of Western Australia intimately. Having started in the thriving mother-of-pearl industry in the 1920s, they established their own pearling company in 1935. From the 1950s onwards they focused on cultivating the prized Australian South Sea pearls that grow naturally in the Kimberley’s clear, turquoise waters, partnering with skilled Japanese seeding technicians whose families still work with the company today.

Pearl Expeditions combines the heritage and deep knowledge of the Paspaleys with the unmatched expertise of Australia’s ‘First Lady of Cruise’, Sarina Bratton AM – ex-Cunard, Ponant and Orion – and her highly experienced expedition-cruise team.

General manager and head of sustainability Mick Fogg, who is on board for the first few voyages, explains that not only have the Paspaleys sailed and charted local waterways over the years, the size of Paspaley Pearl means she can access lesser-known sites that larger expedition vessels cannot.

The remote Kimberley | Credit: Nick Raines

Into hidden country

“There are 68 approved visitor sites in the Kimberley, governed by our Traditional Owners,” Fogg says. “Of those 68, the current large expedition fleets visit nine to 10 of them. That means 75 per cent of the Kimberley is being missed.

Our smaller group size also allows for slower, more meaningful exploration ashore without any crowds or time constraints.”

Our 11-day adventure kicks off with a fascinating narrated outing on the mighty Ord River from Kununurra before we board Paspaley Pearl in Wyndham for the voyage to Broome. 

Paspaley Pearl is everything early photographs promise and more: three decks of thoughtfully designed living, dining and accommodation spaces that exude understated, barefoot luxury. It doesn’t take long to get to know our fellow guests, the incredible, young hotel crew and the four-strong expedition team in this laidback, superyachty atmosphere.

Paspaley Pearl Bedroom | Credit: Pearl Expeditons

Life on board

Every evening, we gather on the Sun (top) deck for cocktails while drinking in spectacular, lingering sunsets. Expedition leader (and Pearl Expeditions’ logistics and operations manager) Jorge Villamarin takes us through briefings and recaps on the airy Horizon deck, then it’s dinner in the elegant Ocean-deck restaurant – everyone agrees the cuisine, modern-Australian with Asian influences, is sublime. The wine list includes a selection from the Paspaley-owned Bunnamagoo estate in Mudgee, and French champagne by Lallier is the house pour.

Over the course of the voyage, we traverse waters and rugged coastal landscapes that belong to Traditional Owners, the Balanggarra, Wunambal Gaambera and Dambimangari peoples. The gleaming custom-built fishing boat is deployed regularly – chef cooks up a big flowery cod that a guest hooks for lunch one day – and most mornings and afternoons we’re exploring creeks, reefs and rocky coves on nimble zodiacs.

Paspaley Pearl is everything early photographs promise and more: three decks of thoughtfully designed living, dining and accommodation spaces that exude understated, barefoot luxury.

Rock art and river stories

The breadth of experiences is astonishing. At Koolama Bay, we learn about the 1942 sinking of the merchant ship MV Koolama, and the miraculous escape of all but one of its crew; a few hours later we are on a zodiac cruise along the dramatic King George River, mesmerised by towering, rusty gold sandstone rock formations that are 1.8 billion years old.

In the islands of the Bonaparte Archipelago, we see rock art depicting Wandjina, powerful spirit creators, that date back millennia, images of fish, turtles and animals signalling food sources in the local area, and distinctive, elongated Gwion Gwion figures that are estimated to be 20,000 years old.

A surprise lunch in a cathedral-like cave on Bigge Island that Fogg ‘discovered’ years ago is one of many highlights. Another is visiting Paspaley Pearl’s busy floating operations platform, where the genial, knowledgeable captain Brett Smith outlines the complex processes of harvesting, cleaning and seeding pearls.

We spend some time observing the Japanese seeding technicians at work (sorry, no photographs allowed), then Brett opens a few sample oysters “in the hope they will reveal pearls”. They did not disappoint – it’s a magical moment when a lustrous gem is persuaded out of its home, along with the tiny crab that lives inside every oyster.

Wilderness wonders

Guides are experts at spotting and identifying the many different bird species we see nesting on high rock ledges, hopping along the shore or swooping overhead – and as Paspaley Pearl makes her way south, bird and wildlife sightings increase. We explore lush, mangrove-lined creeks along the Roe River that are home to massive saltwater crocodiles, then swim in freshwater pools and picnic on a shady escarpment – well away from the prehistoric apex creatures.

Montgomery Reef is a powerful natural phenomenon that is almost impossible to describe – seeing it rise from the ocean as the tide drops up to 10 metres is utterly hypnotic. Green turtles, black-tip sharks and myriad fish tumble through foaming cascades of fast-moving water, providing egrets, cormorants and sea eagles with a rich marine feast.

Pinctada maxima

Otherwise known as the Australian South Sea pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima is the largest and rarest of all pearl oysters. The pristine waters of the Northern Kimberley coast – a World Heritage marine park – are home to the world’s largest Pinctada maxima oyster beds. Divers collect the wild oysters by hand, which are then taken to pearl farms for an intricate seeding, growing and harvesting process that takes several years.

As well as producing exquisite pearls of exceptional size, shape, complexion, lustre and colour – the five virtues – Pinctada maxima shell is highly valued for its mother-of-pearl, which is used for jewellery, fine quality buttons and inlay. Pearl meat is a sought-after delicacy – nothing is wasted.

Paspaley Pearl anchors nearby for the day, allowing us to return to the reef as the tide rises again; we drift soundlessly across the surface in zodiacs towards sandy islands where perfectly camouflaged crocs bask on the beaches. Sunset drinks are set up on a sandbar where we toast yet another day filled with geological, marine and wilderness wonders.

Over the last few days of our voyage, an excellent guided tour of Paspaley’s pearl farm at Kuri Bay complements our earlier visit to the operations platform in the Osborn Islands.

We watch as tidal waters rush through two narrow gorges in Talbot Bay, creating the dramatic Horizontal Falls, and take a zodiac cruise through the Lacepedes Islands, home to thousands of brown boobies and frigate birds.

As we farewell our new friends and wish fair winds to the dedicated captain and crew, I think we all agree with the guest who says he cannot imagine a better way to cruise the Kimberley than on this small, but very beautiful vessel. Paspaley Pearl is a gamechanger.

Paspaley Pearl | Credit: Nick Raines