Touch of Spice is turning 20 - a milestone that calls for reflection, celebration, and of course, a little indulgence.

20 Years, 20 Bucket-List Experiences
Posted in September 2025
Over the past two decades, we’ve had the privilege of curating journeys that push the boundaries of luxury travel in the South Pacific.
To mark our birthday, we’ve pulled together 20 of the most extraordinary stays and experiences - once-in-a-lifetime moments that sit at the top of bucket-lists.
From glacier landings in Fiordland to private island buyouts in Fiji, these are the adventures that inspire us, excite our clients, and remind us why the South Pacific is one of the world’s greatest playgrounds for luxury travel.
1. Te Arai Links Golf & Stay
Check into the ultra-luxe Te Arai Links Lodge, then play seaside fairways ranked among the world’s best. Ocean views, exclusivity, and coastal walks make it a golfer’s dream escape.
2. Stay at Huka Lodge, Taupō
One of New Zealand’s most iconic luxury lodges, Huka Lodge sits riverside on the Waikato and is renowned for refined hospitality, riverside serenity, and Michelin-level dining. It has hosted royalty, rock stars, and luxury purists alike.
3. Chartered Yacht Through the Bay of Islands
The best way to explore the Bay of Islands’ 144 subtropical isles is by private yacht. Snorkel hidden bays like Urupukapuka or Motuarohia, feast on chef-prepared dinners beneath the stars, and glide past the dramatic “Hole in the Rock.”
4. Private Wine Tour, Waiheke Island
Arrive by helicopter from Auckland for a behind-the-scenes day at boutique vineyards like Mudbrick or Casita Miro. Expect private tasting rooms, vineyard walks, and a long lunch with the winemakers themselves.
5. Helicopter Over Milford Sound & Glacier Landing
Soar above Fiordland’s dramatic peaks before touching down on a pristine glacier for a champagne picnic with views you’ll never forget.
6. Stay at The Lindis, Ahuriri Valley
Crowned World’s Best Hotel at the World Architecture Festival, this futuristic eco-lodge is hidden in a remote and quiet valley. Days slip by with horse trekking, fly-fishing, stargazing, and multi-course dining at Black Diamond.
7. Minaret Station, Wānaka
Accessible only by helicopter, this remote alpine lodge is the definition of seclusion. You’ll spend your days heli-fishing, hiking glaciers, and tucking into chef-prepared feasts shared fireside after days in the wilderness.
8. Private Māori Cultural Immersion, Rotorua
A bespoke cultural experience including kapa haka, a traditional hāngi feast, and storytelling shared by Māori elders - all in an intimate, private setting.
9. Qualia Resort & Great Barrier Reef Yacht Tour, Hamilton Island
Stay at multi-award-winning Qualia, the Whitsundays’ adults-only luxury resort, and spend your days exploring remote reef spots by private yacht - snorkelling, reef dining, and drifting between tropical isles.
10. Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania
An award-winning eco-lodge set in Freycinet National Park, Saffire is famed for panoramic views, immaculate suites, and oyster shucking in the bay. It has won multiple accolades, including Best Boutique Hotel in the World and Best Luxury Accommodation at the Australian Tourism Awards.
11. Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Helicopter Tour
Travel in style along Australia’s most famous coastal road, by luxury SUV or helicopter, and touch down near the 12 Apostles for a private gourmet beach picnic and guided walk.
12. Quay or Bennelong + VIP Opera House Experience, Sydney
Indulge in a chef’s tasting menu at Quay or Bennelong, then head backstage at the Sydney Opera House for a private tour before VIP seats at a performance.
13. Stay at Longitude 131°, Uluru
Sleep in lavish tented pavilions with uninterrupted views of Uluru. By day, explore the red desert with indigenous guides; by night, dine beneath a canopy of stars.
14. Swim with Whale Sharks, Ningaloo Reef
Board a luxury catamaran and swim alongside the ocean’s gentlest giants, guided by marine biologists for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
15. Private Island Buyout, Fiji
Claim an island paradise as your own - from Laucala to Kokomo. Bungalows, private chefs, sunset cocktails, and endless ocean adventures, all entirely yours to enjoy.
16. Fijian Cultural Spa, Six Senses Fiji
Unwind in an overwater spa villa where traditional Fijian healing leans into contemporary luxury. Massage rituals, water therapies, and island serenity await.
17. Heli-Surfing Adventure, Fiji
Board a private chopper to reach remote reef breaks, then surf perfect waves far from the crowds - with a luxury setup waiting shoreside to recharge.
18. Fiji Waterfall Picnic
In Taveuni or Savusavu, land by helicopter beside a hidden jungle waterfall. Swim in natural pools and enjoy a champagne-paired gourmet picnic in the rainforest.
19. Private Cinema Under the Stars, Likuliku Lagoon Resort
A film at sunset, champagne, canapés, and your own overwater deck. Movie night doesn’t get more romantic than this.
20. Mamanuca & Yasawa Yacht Charter
Chart a course aboard a luxury catamaran through Fiji’s Mamanuca and Yasawa archipelagos, with private crew, a stellar chef, plenty of diving stops, and island hopping at leisure.