What is it? New Zealand is big on 'hosted accommodation': intimate four- or five-bedroom lodges run
by 'hosts' who act as your butler, cleaner, chef and tourist board. Lime Tree Lodge in alpine Wanaka on
New Zealand's South Island would be luxurious enough without hosts Rebecca Butts and Sally Cawardine. Add them and Lime Tree goes from being swanky lodge to home from home - or rather the home you wish you had.
Who are they? Cawardine comes from an arty background, having worked in marketing for the Auckland Museum. Her style and attention to detail can be seen throughout Lime Tree in the monogrammed cotton sheets and artwork from the country's best.
Butts worked on the gardens of Auckland's elite in her landscaping business and her talents are well utilised in the spectacular gardens of the lodge. She is also the foodie, obsessed with natural herbs and spices, and the queen of the mammoth kitchen.
What about the ambience? There are four spacious rooms and two suites. Book into the Linden Suite for warmed tiles in the en suite bathroom, a super-king-sized bed, plasma television screen and open-plan lounge area opening onto the garden, swimming pool and hot tub. Turn-down time brings fresh sprigs of lavender or lime chocolates. The communal lounge is worthy of Vogue, with giant sofas and a schist stone open fireplace; canapes and wine are served every afternoon at five.