Lake Stella Mountain Retreat — Hotel in South Island

Booked a night at lake Stella retreat in hopes of a relaxing anniversary, however, we had the complete opposite experience. On the day of our arrival, we spent HOURS trying to contact the hosts on all supplied contacts for access details. Once we reached the access gate, still trying to contact the hosts, we got a call back saying our booking (that was booked 3 weeks in advance), had been lost. We were put in another cabin because of this. The fire in this cabin, that would not light, was so smokey that the fire alarm kept being set off. Given the colour of the cabin walls it seems this may be a common occurrence. All of our stuff, and us, stunk like a bonfire. Given it was midwinter, sitting there with the door open in our puffer jackets was definitely not the relaxing anniversary we had anticipated. We decided to leave without staying. We emailed the hosts about our experience and...

$149 per night shared bathroom 3 minutes walk across ice. Toilet is shared between 5 people. Shower is shared as well. Kitchen is also shared between the 5 huts up there. On booking.com this accommodation is $199 per night. Also you need a 4 wheel drive to climb the steep road that’s shingles. Luxurious spa takes 3-6 hrs to warm up guests have to feed wood in a hole for 3-6 hrs . Guests also have to make there own...

Amazing place, a great glamping hut experience, really good communication via email from the hosts... Stayed in Lyford hut if I could choose again I would go for the Penthouse Hut as more private and not much further to the loo. My big tip... The hot tubs take a lot of attention to keep the fire going, check at least every 15 minutes and...