Originally Posted by
Ericka
We've been putting off a trip to Australia because we have yet to find any place that can stand up to the other resorts we've been to. The ones with good ambience seem to have poor service and the ones with good service - their design and decor do not appeal to us.
Looking forward to seeing some of the responses here in case we are missing anything...
You are missing a lot, but more so in NZ than in Australia. For whatever reason there are much more luxurious lodges in NZ (note, these are not resorts, but more like fishing lodges, but some have traditional English butler service and accomodation for staff traveling with the guest -- that is the market they are after). Huka Lodge (Taupo) is stunning, for example (also some of the best trout fishing in the world is nearby), and has better food than Aman.
If you want a resort, the only one I can think of is Paihia resort in Bay of Islands. That does have a spa and a 72 foot boat. But a big step down from Huka Lodge (however also 1/4 the price).