Millbrook Resort

Millbrook Resort is spread out across around 500 acres and a 27-hole golf course with a lovely creek running through it. There are lots of beautiful plants and trees that give the whole place a different seasonal look throughout the year: cherry blossoms in the springtime, autumnal hues in the fall, and a backdrop of snowy mountains in the winter. The lobby has a lodge-like feel, with a big wood-burning stove at its center, wooden exposed beams, and chocolate-brown leather sofas paired with plaid throws and cushions. Most guests are either well-heeled tourists, including families and groups (thanks to some of the larger units on the property) as well as golf vacationers and business travelers who are visiting the resort for conferences or retreats. Note that the parking area is removed from most of the rooms, so travelers tend to rely on staff-driven golf carts to get to and from their rooms. However, guests staying in the Fairway Houses can drive directly to their units. 

Millbrook is located on a quiet rural road outside of Arrowtown in an area dominated by forest and farmland, with The Remarkables mountain range in the backdrop. Nearby Coronet Peak, a popular ski field, is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. It's about a 20-minute journey into Queenstown via road, and the hotel offers free shuttle service to and from both Queenstown and Arrowtown. Queenstown Airport also takes around 20 minutes to reach by car and transfer services are available for a fee. Christchurch is about a six-hour drive or one-hour plane ride away. 

Millbrook Resort offers five types of rooms, ranging from 50-square-meter (538-square-foot) Deluxe Studios up to individually designed and decorated two- to four-bedroom cottages and privately owned Fairway Homes. Decor and color schemes vary across units, but overall guests can expect neutral beige carpeting paired with off-white or cream walls, soft upholstered chairs and sofas, and wooden tables and desks. Bathrooms follow a similar classic but luxurious decor scheme with marble countertops and separate walk-in showers and tubs; many also have windows that let in lots of natural light. Deluxe Studios are located in a quiet section removed from the main resort area and have king or twin beds plus balconies or patios, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable, minibars, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. The Two-Bedroom units add lounge areas or kitchens plus gas fireplaces and washer/dryers. Occasional complaints about maintenance have been made in some of the units. 

Millbrook offers a huge number of features. Millbrook has four restaurants and room service is available from morning through dinnertime. The Clubhouse overlooks the golf course and has a patio for alfresco dining on pleasant days, but it's only open for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, guests have the option of seasonal Japanese fare, including teppanyaki, at Kobe Cuisine or casual all-day dining at the Hole in One cafe. For a special dinner, Millhouse Restaurant offers European-style seasonal fare featuring locally sourced ingredients paired with local and international wines. Note that breakfast isn't included in the room rate.

A big draw for many guests is the 27-hole golf course spread out across the resort's grassy grounds. There's an enormous fitness center with a wide range of cardio and weight-training equipment along with personal trainers and regular yoga, Pilates, and other fitness classes. Note that the fitness facilities are not open 24 hours and children under 16 are not allowed. Other wellness facilities include a 25-meter-long indoor lap pool, three outdoor whirlpool hot tubs, men's and women's saunas, two grass tennis courts, and one Plexipave hard court for free guest use. There are also mountain bike rentals, trails for cycling and jogging, and petanque terrains for guests interested in playing the quintessentially French sport. The lovely spa offers facials, massages, and beauty treatments, plus treatments for men. 

Business facilities include free hotel-wide Wi-Fi as well as a number of conference and event spaces for up to 210 guests. The Millhouse Restaurant and Kobe Cuisine can also be rented out for private events. Two-Bedroom Suites and cottages are available for smaller meetings. Catering and private chef service is also available, as is wedding planning service. There's a helipad and the hotel can arrange helicopter transfers and flights for guests. Ample free on-site parking is provided, and the resort also offers shuttle and private airport transfers for a fee and free shuttle service to both Queenstown and Arrowtown.