SEPTEMBER TRAVEL

Located in the heart of Christchurch within the historic Arts Centre in Christchurch resides The Observatory Hotel. The hotel is part of the Sarin Hotel Group and is also a Silver Qualmark hotel. You could miss it if you didn’t know it was there but for those that know, they know. And now, you know. It is located where the Observatory Tower once stood as home to UC's astronomy and physics departments. It now boasts 33 uniquely design rooms that have been individually curated with vivid colours and modern elegance. Each room also has handpicked locally crafted furniture.

Art is at the heart of the design with the iconic Drawing Room Lounge as the hotel’s foundation that is adorned with a selection of books, plush chairs + sofas with complimentary tea + coffee on offer. It is a tranquil space that invites guests to relax and reset during their stay.

We did a staycation and not a detail was missed. The Veridian was our room and the décor was nothing short of divine. From the welcoming bubbles and gourmet cupcakes to the vibrant interior design and oversized windows. The large bathroom was perfectly appointed with all of the modern features you could want on vacation including a powerful shower with plenty of amenities including luxe soaps and lotions to stay fresh.

We strolled the Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and if you follow us on our socials, you will have seen the video of some of the gorgeous art on display around the historic Gothic Revival walls. The courtyard was buzzing with locals and international travelers alike. We even witnessed a wedding in action!

The Observatory at night gives an ethereal glow that takes you back to times of the past with the archways and stonework exuding elegance and solidarity. Our evening was elevated even further with the comfort of the bed in the Veridian. We realized when our heads hit the pillows why the Veridian was one of The Observatory Hotel’s most popular rooms.

The morning brought about a beautiful breakfast in the Conservatory on the top floor. There was a selection of croissants, danishes, fresh fruit, yoghurt, breads, jams cheeses, cured meats and cereals to choose from. There was also fresh juice, coffees and teas. The balcony adjoining the Conservatory looks out onto the Arts Centre courtyard and at the top level, you are ensconced by the beautiful gothic rooftops of the surrounding buildings. You feel as though you have been transported to another place and location in time. Actually this defines the entire experience at The Observatory Hotel.

Many thanks to Sales + MarketingManager Sophie Gilmore for her world-class hospitality during our stay.

https://observatoryhotel.co.nz/

We are taking you off of the beaten path and into the West Texas dessert town of Marfa via the transfixing imagery by American photographer Kirish Dirkson. Air NZ takes you direct to Houston out of Auckland and if you're up for a road trip you could be in the arts hub and millennial mecca for a visit. Recently, a few Cantabrians did a bike trip which took two days and offered epic views of Big Bend National Park.

The city once famously hosted the World Gliding Competition and soaring along the Davis Mountains is an international soaring mecca. Thank you Marfa Gliders.

Art enthusiasts will surely know about Prada Marfa, the permanent installation not far from the main city. Marfa's proximity to Mexico is also a bonus for travellers.

It's time to give some local love again. In the centre of Christchurch lives luxury in the city. Hotel Montreal and its onsite bar + restaurant The Montreal is owned and updated by locals The Patterson Group who acquired the property and added it to its accommodation portfolio last year. You will probably be greeted by Hotel Manager Katrina "Kat" Sorita who has been integral to the running of the hotel even before the acquisition and is known for her ever-present smile. She is the definition of hospitality and  always accommodating the needs of the Hotel Montreal guests. 

The boutique accommodation offers a five-star experience where you can vacation privately with the comforts of home in high style and be in close proximity to all that the city has to offer. With e-bikes to hire, private car service through Touchdown Rentals, and all of the comforts of home including interior pieces by select artisans,  including Exquisite Wool Traders throws and blankets seen below. 

Executive Chef Anna Victoria and her team prepare cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for guests and locals alike at The Montreal. Her menu feature some very fine fare including flatbreads and arincini that incorporate local ingredients throughout the dishes including a few of our favourites like a full roast by Lumina Lamb and a delectable dessert by Table Bloom. The best part? They are all served on NZ made dinnerware The Alchemists Table.

You never know who you will see as this has become a private oasis for those wanting an intimate setting with world-class service.  With weekly specials and happy hour on Thursdays and Fridays, The Montreal is an  ideal location to wind-down the week. 

It's also the ultimate location for sophisticated world-travelers or if you're up for an upscale staycation, Cantabrian Magazine recommends you book your next vacation at Hotel Montreal.

THE LINK LIST

HOTEL MONTREAL

THE MONTREAL HOTEL + RESTAURANT 

EXQUISITE WOOL TRADERS 

LUMINA LAMB

TABLE BLOOM

THE ALCHEMISTS TABLE

To find a gem like this within our city is rare. When you travel, no matter the duration, how you live while you are away from home is so important. It is places like these that we all dream of staying in. When we arrived to photograph this location, it took our breathe away. "How can this be in Christchurch?".  Clearly it can, Canterbury. Apartment 16 West is luxury living with all of the comforts of home high in the sky. Nestled into The Fable Hotel is this remarkable home that now serves as an Air BnB for those guests lucky enough to have taste and time to spend relaxing in high style. We took our gear in via private access elevator up to nearly the top. We arrived at the 3 bedroom  +  3 bath apartment featuring open planned living- dining- kitchen with extended hallways and architecturally designed city viewing.  

We also knew that this was a brilliant spot to host an event. We attended a private party hosted by Elite Events a while back and were taken back by the cityscape. The vibe is set by the in house sound system and appointed kitchen where we saw Chef Liam Summers prepare a full table spread.

Being able to escape here for that special occasion is like living in a dream home away from home. It certainly was for us while we set lighting and reflectors to absorb every space in an effort to put into editorial usage. It was difficult to find a way to fully express the utter cool factor of this space. It's like they say, one must see it for themselves. 

A private accommodation with this proximity is again, a rare find. It gets better. Enjoy VIP access and private parking when you stay at Apartment 16. The views alone with have you taking shots to share on your socials and the interior design is artistic, sophisticated and unique. 

PHOTOS IBK PHOTOGRAPHY