Aren't we so lucky to live and work in this beautiful country? Queenstown and the Southern Lakes region has been included in Lonely Planet's top ten regions for 2012.
The traveller`s bible Lonely Planet has included Queenstown and the Southern Lakes region in it`s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012.
To quote Lonely Planet, the list has been "Chosen by a panel of Lonely Planet experts, they`ve been written up by Lonely Planet authors to give you that most contagious of ailments: the travel bug."
And as they say about Queenstown and the surrounding region - "There isn`t a bad time to turn up in the world`s top adventure playground."
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/europe/travel-tips-and-articles/76854
When Lonely Planet talks the rest of the world listens!
CATEGORY : News, Luxury Travel
Check out Jacqui's interview on TV NZ's AMP Business programme this morning when she was interviewed as part of their Growing Business section.
Jacqui`s full interview can be viewed on TV One`s website -
http://tvnz.co.nz/business-news/amp-growing-touch-spice-video-4490060
Credit - TVNZ AMP Business.
Or you can view it on our Facebook page
CATEGORY : News, Luxury Travel, Luxury Accommodation
If you want to follow in your heros' footsteps, why not stay at the apartment on Auckland's Viaduct where some of the winning All Blacks team celebrated their famous victory after the Final Sunday evening!
This stunning 4 bedroom apartment is available for rental - with a fabulous central city location on Auckland`s Viaduct, and magnificent harbour views from the expansive private balconies, you too can live in lap of luxury and experience a little bit of life as a World Champion rugby player!
Some of the winning All Blacks side enjoyed magnums of Moet champagne and partied with a number of celebrities as they celebrated their famous victory over France to bring the World Cup home after 24 long years.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby-world-cup-2011/news/article.cfm?c_id=522&objectid=10761479
Contact our Travel & Leisure team for further information on this world champion property as well as availability and rates.
CATEGORY : News, Luxury Accommodation, Luxury Travel
Congratulations Queenstown! Queenstown was recently voted the third top destination in the Top 10 South Pacific Destinations for Food and Wine as voted in Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice 2011.
"Queenstown is a favorite destination for thrill-seekers, and has cuisine to match. Bring your appetite, because you`ll feast on all manner of wild game, as well as locally raised lamb and beef. Wash it down with one of New Zealand`s fine wines or a local craft brew."
source - Trip Advisor
Contact our Travel & Leisure experts to find out how we can create the perfect cuisine experience which will allow you to experience the very best hidden gems of food and wine in the region.
And the coolest little capital in the world, Wellington, also appears in the list at number 6 -
"You won`t find a pretentious foodie scene in Wellington, just an abundance of casual restaurants serving amazing seasonal food. What`s more, the countryside around Wellington is home to some of New Zealand`s most celebrated vineyards. A day trip to Martinborough is a must."
source - Trip Advisor
Trip Advisor Traveler`s Choice Awards 2011 Best Food and Wine Destinations
View the full list at http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Food-cTop10-g8
CATEGORY : News, Luxury Travel
Take the Plunge with Canyon Swing, Queenstown
POSTED BY Nora on
When you next visit Queenstown, why not take the plunge with Canyone Swing as two of our Travel & Leisure team did this morning!
Zoe and Judi had a blast with the team at the Swing today - check out the video of their drop on our Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Touch-of-Spice/177398556331
If you want to experience the Swing when you visit the Adventure Capital of the World, talk to our Travel & Leisure team today!
CATEGORY : Luxury Travel, News
Southerly has it's own Facebook page!
POSTED BY Nora on
Southerly is a one of the most stunning properties in the Touch of Spice Private Villa Collection, and the house now enjoys it's own Facebook page!
This fabulous house is located just a few minutes drive from central Queenstown and yet is extremely private and secluded. Enjoying magnificent lake and mountain views, 4 bedrooms and 2 lounge areas complete with original Kiwi art, it truely is a wonderful private holiday retreat.
Check out Southerly`s Facebook page here -
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southerly/104996136270872#!/pages/Southerly/104996136270872
If you like it, please `like` it!
For more information on Southerly, to check availability or rates, please visit http://www.touchofspice.co.nz/luxury-accommodation/accommodation/rural-queenstown/southerly-queenstown.aspx 
CATEGORY : Luxury Accommodation, Luxury Travel
Sharpen Up Your Cooking Skills!
POSTED BY Nora on
We are delighted to feature in this article about adding a cooking class to your New Zealand holiday which is now on Tourism New Zealand's website.
Adding a cooking class to your New Zealand holiday is a tasty way to create amazing memories. You`ll get hands-on experience with Pacific Rim cuisine.
Every part of New Zealand has its food and wine specialties. Different types of fish and shellfish, specific fruit and vegetables that thrive in the local climate, cheeses from artisan producers and climate-matched grape varieties. And the very best way to get acquainted with these local specialties, and some of the local people as well, is to find a cooking class and tie on your apron.
A Touch of Spice
Some cooking experiences are tied to your accommodation choices. For example, if you stay in one of a Touch of Spice private villas, you have the option of a personal chef who can provide cooking lessons, as well as gourmet meals that suit your tastes. Dave Miller, one of the Touch of Spice in-house chefs, often finds that meal preparation times turn into cooking lessons. He`s also known to entertain the resident children with cookie-making sessions.
View the full article on the Tourism New Zealand website.
CATEGORY : Luxury Accommodation, Luxury Travel, News
Fiordland Lodge is New Zealand's only ORVIS Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge and also offers guided hunting, trekking, Scenic, Nature, and Birdwatching excursions.
Experience some back to nature time at the beautiful Fiordland Lodge at Te Anau. Experience the challenges of fly fishing, the delights of birdwatching or marvel at the outstanding natural beauty surrounding you on guideing treks and walks. New Zealand at it`s very best!
Touch of Spice Travel & Leisure division would be delighted to include a stay at Fiordland Lodge as part of your trip to New Zealand.
CATEGORY : Luxury Accommodation, Luxury Travel, News
We are delighted to showcase this stunning property on Waiheke Island - the perfect holiday retreat!
This house, on the working vineyard at Oneroa Bay, boasts spectacular views, privacy and comfort, all just a short ferry ride from the bustling city centre of Auckland. Sleeping up to 16 guests, the house is the perfect option for 2 or 3 families travelling together. Contact our Travel & Leisure team today who will be delighted to advise on availabilty and rates.
CATEGORY : Luxury Accommodation, Luxury Travel, News, Weddings
Next Business Woman of the Year Awards
POSTED BY Nora on
Jacqui Spice was nominated as a finalist in the Next Magazine Woman of the Year Awards, held in Auckland last week.
From Jacqui "Being a finalist in the NEXT Woman of the Year Awards was a bit of a surprise for me and very humbling especially when I saw the rest of the finalists in the various categories. But on the night I was very overwhelmed at just how amazing the woman in that room were and in particular the overall winner Lesley Elliott who`s loss in life is irreplacable and who`s passion for her cause is so incredibly enpowering. Congratulations Lesley and all the other winners."
CATEGORY : News