Waiting for your flight may just have become more bareable

There is nothing easy about trying to grab a few hours’ sleep between connecting flights on those uncomfortable airport chairs, where plastic armrests and wafer thin foam pads hinder any chance of comfort. Combined with the drone of security and boarding announcement, excited children and stressed parents (not to mention the sounds and smells coming from the person next to you) it’s usually a long, trying and uncomfortable wait before you are able to board your flight for yet more insufficient rest.
While some airport terminals do have connecting hotels where you can gather a few hours of contented rest (probably the only time most of us would consider paying for a hotel by the hour), the rates are usually too steep for most to consider this an option.

An affordable solution is on the horizon however and may be coming to an airport (or even train or bus station) near you.

The Sleep Box is a budget friendly, compact hotel room featuring a modest 4sq meters of space, with single bed and a lockable door so weary travelers are able to grab a little rest in peace and security.

There are no en suite facilities and with just a plug needed to connect the rooms’ electricity, units are entirely mobile (think small garden shed with a bed inside) and can be installed in any space, without the need for extensive renovations or remodeling, making this new innovation not only practical but very affordable.

They are gradually being seen in hotels, hostels and even offices (for overworked employees) around Europe with plans to introduce these to the USA in 2012.

Prices range depending on location but are typically around $50 per night or $15 an hour for those in airport terminals.

Photo Credit: SleepBox

Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat

It may be time for cooler weather and falling leaves in United States destinations like Vermont, but spring is on the way in New Zealand. Why not plan a trip to explore Franz Josef Glacier and its neighbor, Fox Glacier, before the summer crowds arrive? For accommodations in a peaceful setting, yet only five minutes away from the action at the village of Franz Josef, book a stay with Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat.

My husband and I discovered the 12-room country inn on a road trip along the South Island of New Zealand’s west coast. Situated on 200 acres of farmland overlooking Lake Mapourika, Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat is just a short drive to New Zealand’s most accessible glaciers — Franz Josef and Fox Glacier — not to mention world class hiking and fishing.

While Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat is considered luxury lodging, according to New Zealand standards, most of the ultra-clean rooms are on the small side with bathrooms that have showers but no tubs. But oh those heated towel racks! I wish more U.S. hotels offered them. After a long day of exploring that included a hike at Lake Matheson, I longed for a good, hot soak. So, we upgraded to the John Schilling room because it came with – a jacuzzi tub.

Save time to explore Franz Josef Glacier

All of the rooms access a veranda with mountain or lake views, perfect for relaxing after a day on the glaciers. You might even hear cows mooing as this is a working farm, and pioneer homestead, that’s been in owner Marie Coburn’s family for over 100 years.

The room rate includes a hot breakfast, but a package may also be arranged for breakfast and dinner. Don’t miss it. The opportunity to socialize with an international roster of guests in the large lounge gave flavor to our trip. As I sipped on a glass of crisp, New Zealand sauvignon blanc, I learned about life in Switzerland, England, Holland and Canada.

Dinner at Mapourika Restaurant, located on the premises and also open to the public, included prawn salad, with entree choices of venison, lamb, beef or the fish of the day. After a dessert of strawberry creme brulé, we returned to the lounge to discuss our New Zealand adventures over coffee or brandy.

If you’re looking for more adventure in this corner of New Zealand, the inn maintains an activity list at their website. Or, the staff will help make suggestions as well as arrangements.

If you go:
Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat
State Highway 6
Franz Josef Glacier 7952 West Coast, South Island
Email: stay@glacier-retreat.co.nz

Photos courtesy Donna L. Hull

Review by Donna L. Hull, My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel

A 19th century estate turned into a luxurious lodge

In Christchurch, New Zealand, the historic Otahuna Lodge has recently reopened. Damage from the 7.1 earthquake that hit  this region last September caused the lodge  to shut down.  Thanks to a bevy of engineers, tradesmen and carpenters, the chimneys, roof, and walls have been restored.

Plenty of nooks for R&R

Built in 1895 by Sir Heaton Rhodes, Otahuna is one of those gorgeous historic hotels with a tale to tell. First a private residence, the estate also served as a teaching  seminary before it was turned into a luxury hotel.

When Sir Rhodes built his home, he had it designed to pair country estates of English nobility with New Zealand timber then named it ”Otahuna,” a Maori word that means “little hill among the hills.” The result is a richly appointed example of Queen Anne architecture considered the finest example of this style in Australasia.

Located 20 miles outside of Christchurch, Otahuna is where pairing New Zealand country manor living with luxury is a given.

Gardens for contemplation and wandering

Wandering in the Victorian-style gardens, playing croquet, swimming in the hotel’s pool, taking a cooking class and settling into a parlor chair to finish that highly recommended book you’ve meant to read for some time, are just a few of the activities that equal R&R. Horseback riding, tennis and bike riding are also available.

For those with a hankering  to venture further, Otahuna is a perfect setting to pair the countryside with city and small town sites. Christchurch is close by. So is Akaora, a small harbor town.

19th century sensibilities paired with modern day luxury

If you go, expect luxurious pampering and individual attention. There are only 7 suites in all (two of them are master suite size) and each have retained details of the original 19th century estate. Ornate fireplaces and stained glass windows are part of the features.

Otahuna Lodge
224 Rhodes Road, Tai Tapu 7672
Christchurch, New Zealand
PH: +64 3 329 6333 

Photos courtesy of Otahuna Lodge

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In the beautiful Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island, Russell was one of the first European settlements in the country. Nearby is the historic place where the Treaty of Waitangi between the Maori and the English was signed in 1840.

The Duke of Marlborough has been a part of the town’s history and has welcomed guests for more than 150 years. I imagine it must have looked much the same then. It’s a gracious, old-world hotel right on the waterfront, with an open fire place and a large verandah overlooking the bay. The restaurant is wonderful, looking out to the water and the pier.

Accommodations vary from small, simple, cosy rooms to spacious waterfront rooms and a self-contained bungalow with a private outdoor seaside section. Rates begin at NZD 165 and various special deals are available throughout the year.

For more lodgings in uber-gorgeous New Zealand, have a look at our reviews here.

The Duke of Marlborough
Russell
Bay of Islands – New Zealand
tel + 64 9 403 7829
info@theduke.co.nz

Review by Anne-Sophie Redisch of Sophie’s World
twitter: SophieR
Photo courtesy of Remon Rijper on flickr’s Creative Commons