Solitaire Lodge - Rotorua
This is now my favourite place in Rotorua. The original avant-garde design of the lodge has come back into fashion, and, combined with some truly excellent owner-hosting and the beautiful location, I believe Solitaire is well on the road up again.
Much more intimate than the super-lodges, but with a solid quality feel from the moment you walk through the door, this is a relaxed place. Set right on beautiful Lake Tarawera with its naturally geothermal springs and bushwalks, your helicopter will pick you up from the lawn on the way to active volcano White Island. Not many people know, but this was the original luxury lodge - setting the standard before Huka Lodge.