1434 days ago

The 'beyond five-star' Queenstown hotel where the toilet can give you a massage

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

When Kevin Carlin first came to Queenstown he was advised to park his BMW in a shed and drive a ute around town.

“I was told to not be too flash, as people in New Zealand call it.”

More than 30 years after moving from the United States to the country he chose for its lifestyle and security, he has opened one of the flashiest hotels ever built in Queenstown.

The “more than five-star” 14-suite Carlin Boutique Hotel stretches seven stories above the central town.

Each of the interconnected suites has its own outdoor fire and spa pool, and a kitchen where private chefs can whip up a meal.

“We don’t expect our guests are ever going to buy eggs and cook,” Carlin said.

The toilets have remote controls that do everything from lift the seat to provide a massage.

The walls are marble and oak, the waste baskets and tissue holders are leather and embossed with the newly-developed Carlin crest.

If you are unfortunate enough to have one of the few bedrooms without a view over Queenstown, you will instead have a 65-inch television linked to a rooftop camera that provides a live feed of the outlook.

Guests who walk into central Queenstown but want a lift uphill home can choose to be picked up in a Bentley, Porsche or Maserati – or grab an e-bike from the available fleet.

A night in a one-bedroom suite starts at $1750 plus GST, while the three-storey penthouse goes for about $25,000 a night for seven bedrooms, seven-and-a-half bathrooms, four spas, four backyards and four lounge rooms over about 510 square metres.

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2 hours ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 31.4% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    31.4% Complete
  • 67.1% No, I enjoy it
    67.1% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
70 votes
12 hours ago

Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?

The Doctors

Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.

For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.

Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
Find out more

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How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
  • 35.6% I prefer booking online whenever possible
    35.6% Complete
  • 23.6% Online booking is helpful but not essential
    23.6% Complete
  • 36.5% I prefer calling the clinic
    36.5% Complete
  • 4.3% I didn’t know online booking was available
    4.3% Complete
233 votes
9 days ago

Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?

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Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
  • 76.4% Inside!
    76.4% Complete
  • 23.6% On top!
    23.6% Complete
1231 votes