Location
Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

The only hotel located directly on the shore of Lake Wanaka, the Edgewater Resort offers an unparalleled vista over the lake and peaks of Mt. Aspiring National Park beyond. A sprawling lawn leads to the beach, fringed by tall poplar trees. All rooms have private patios or balconies to capitalize on the views, and the terrace offers the same reward. Large, updated rooms are furnished in varied themes, some with cozy natural fabrics in a neutral palette accented with pillows and throws in classic plaid, others in crisp white and bright colors featuring Maori designs. Tailored bedding and furniture with clean lines lend contemporary flair. Rooms have one king or a king and one twin bed. Amenities include a plasma satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, desk, phone, safe, fridge, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Relax in any of the three hot tubs, choose a spa treatment (time permitting), kick back in front of the big rock fireplace in the main lounge, and enjoy a seasonal, freshly sourced menu at the Wineglass Cafe.

The Edgewater is committed to sustainability, continually trying to raise the bar on environmentally conscious practices. The property is now a Toitu carbonreduce-certified organization, embarking on a continuing journey to reduce emissions. It is also committed to reducing paper waste, using more local vendors and sourcing for food and drink, planting native trees on the grounds, and pursuing an innovative recycling venture with plastic bottles: having already replaced miniature single-use toiletry bottles with large bottles, the hotel recycles those, once they are used up, to create "concrete chairs," an accessory used to keep reinforcing mesh in concrete accurately spaced.