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TRAVEL GUIDE

WINTER WONDERLANDS
LUXURY ESCAPES

HOUSE OF BIMBI CO-FOUNDER | COURTNEY NORRIS

MAY 6TH, 2025
WORDS BY: COURTNEY NORRIS
IMAGES: HOUSE OF BIMBI & OTHER

There’s something quietly enchanting about winter—the way the world slows under a blanket of snow, the way light glows a little warmer against the cold. It’s a time for intimate escapes, for fireside memories, and for discovering places where luxury isn’t just about opulence, but about presence, peace, and magic.

In this edition of our journal, we invite you to explore winter through a new lens. From remote mountain retreats to safaris and gourmet moments shared in hushed, candlelit settings—these are the destinations where winter becomes something to savour.

Come wander with us through a season of elegance, wonder, and warmth.

Thornybush, South Africa

Royal MalewaneRoyal Malewane

Photo Source: Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane

Nestled within South Africa's renowned Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Royal Malewane offers an unparalleled safari experience that seamlessly blends opulence with the raw beauty of the African wilderness. For those seeking the utmost in privacy and exclusivity, the lodge's private villa accommodations stand out as the epitome of luxury.

Each private villa is a sanctuary of elegance, thoughtfully designed to reflect the rich tapestry of African heritage while incorporating modern comforts. Expansive living spaces, adorned with curated art and plush furnishings, open up to private decks featuring infinity pools that overlook the untamed bushveld. These secluded retreats offer guests the unique opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat, all from the comfort of their own villa.

Beyond the exquisite interiors, guests are treated to personalised services that elevate the safari experience. Dedicated staff, including private chefs and expert guides, ensure that every aspect of the stay is tailored to individual preferences. Whether it's a bespoke dining experience under the stars or a customised game drive, the emphasis is on creating unforgettable moments.

Staying in a private villa at Royal Malewane is more than just accommodation; it's an immersive journey into the heart of Africa, offering unparalleled luxury amidst the wild.

Royal Malewane

Photo Source: Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane

Photo Source: Royal Malewane

Winter in the South African bush—between June and August—is a time of quiet magic, and nowhere is it more breathtaking than at Royal Malewane. Crisp mornings begin with mist rising over the savannah, the scent of acacia wood smoke in the air, and a steaming mug of coffee in hand as you prepare to head out on a game drive.

The cooler, drier months bring some of the best wildlife viewing of the year. With thinning vegetation and fewer water sources, animals are easier to spot, often gathering around watering holes just meters from your vehicle. The lodge’s expert guides and master trackers—some of the most qualified in Africa—offer unforgettable encounters with lions, elephants, leopards, and more, often in complete stillness without the crowds of peak season.

Back at the lodge, winter reveals a slower, more indulgent rhythm. Think private bush dinners under starlit skies, cosy fireside meals prepared by your personal chef, and spa treatments in the warmth of the award-winning bush spa. Evenings are for storytelling with a glass of red wine in hand, the distant roar of lions reminding you just how close to nature you are.

Royal Malewane in winter is a rare kind of luxury—quiet, wild, and deeply personal.

Royal MalewaneRoyal Malewane

Photo Source: Royal Malewane

Patagonia, Chile

Awasi Patagonia

Photo Source: Awasi

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Photo Source: Viator

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Photo Source: Eolo Patagonia

Awasi Patagonia

Tucked away on a private reserve just outside Torres del Paine National Park, Awasi Patagonia offers a rare kind of luxury—one defined by seclusion, personalised service, and front-row views of Patagonia’s raw beauty.

With just 14 private villas, each designed to feel like your own modern cabin in the woods, guests enjoy complete privacy and uninterrupted views of mountains, forests, and wildlife.

Every stay includes a dedicated private guide and 4WD vehicle, allowing you to explore glaciers, hike hidden trails, or simply chase guanacos across the steppe at your own pace.

After a day of adventure, return to a cozy fire, a glass of Chilean wine, and locally inspired fine dining. Awasi isn’t just a lodge—it’s an invitation to experience Patagonia on your own terms.

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Photo Source: Viator

 

Glacier Trekking

Few experiences rival the awe of walking on a glacier, and doing it privately elevates it to something unforgettable.

Whether you choose the towering Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina or the surreal Grey Glacier in Chile’s Torres del Paine, a private trekking experience offers exclusive access to one of nature’s most spectacular landscapes.

Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll don crampons and venture across a frozen world of shimmering blue crevasses, ice caves, and jagged spires. Without crowds, the silence is striking—broken only by the distant crack of calving ice.

It’s an immersive journey into Patagonia’s icy heart, tailored entirely to your pace, curiosity, and sense of adventure.

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Photo Source: Eolo Patagonia

 

EOLO Lodge Dining

At EOLO Lodge, dining is more than a meal—it’s a sensory journey through the flavors of southern Argentina.

Set amid the vast Patagonian steppe, EOLO’s kitchen celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage with a modern, elegant twist. Menus change daily and showcase locally sourced ingredients like slow-roasted lamb, Andean trout, and wild herbs, all artfully prepared and beautifully presented.Each dish is thoughtfully paired with Argentina’s best wines, and meals are enjoyed in a serene dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the endless landscape.

Whether it’s a quiet breakfast at sunrise or a multi-course dinner after a glacier trek, every bite at EOLO captures the soul of Patagonia—untamed, refined, and unforgettable.

Queenstown, New Zealand

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Photo Source: Rosewood Hotels

Matakauri Lodge

Just seven minutes from Queenstown yet worlds away in atmosphere, Matakauri Lodge is a haven of refined tranquility perched above Lake Wakatipu, with uninterrupted views of the Remarkables, Cecil, and Walter Peak mountain ranges. With only 12 exclusive suites and villas—each featuring private terraces, open fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling glass—the lodge is designed to let the dramatic alpine landscape take center stage while offering warm, understated luxury throughout.

The culinary experience at Matakauri is a standout. Helmed by Executive Chef Jonathan Rogers, the lodge’s daily changing menu champions seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—from Central Otago lamb and venison to freshly caught seafood and artisan produce. Guests can dine in the stylish main lodge, out on the terrace under the stars, or privately in their suite, each meal beautifully complemented by a curated selection of fine New Zealand wines.

Beyond the plate, Matakauri offers a full spa sanctuary, complete with treatment rooms overlooking the lake, a heated infinity pool, hot tub, and gym. The concierge team curates bespoke experiences—from heli-skiing and Milford Sound flights to private wine tastings and scenic hikes—ensuring every stay is deeply personal and immersive. Whether you’re seeking peaceful romance, outdoor adventure, or simply space to breathe, Matakauri Lodge delivers with effortless style and soul-stirring views at every turn.

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Photo Source: Black NZ

Wine Tour

​For an unforgettable exploration of Central Otago's renowned wine region, BLACK NZ offers bespoke luxury wine tours departing from Queenstown. These private experiences, available as half-day or full-day excursions, transport guests in premium vehicles—such as luxury SUVs, Mercedes Sprinters, or even helicopters—to some of the area's most esteemed vineyards, including exclusive locations not open to the general public. Each tour is led by a wine-certified local guide, ensuring insightful commentary and personalized service throughout the journey.​

Guests can anticipate visits to three to five exceptional wineries, with all tastings included. Highlights may encompass private cellar door experiences at boutique producers like Cox’s Vineyard, a bistro-style lunch at Kinross, and immersive tastings at Peregrine’s architecturally acclaimed estate. For those seeking an elevated experience, options such as gourmet food pairings, meetings with winemakers, or even crafting your own wine are available. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious enthusiast, BLACK NZ's luxury wine tours offer an intimate and sophisticated way to savor the best of Central Otago's viticulture.

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Photo Source: Black NZ

Glacier Heli Hike

​For an extraordinary alpine adventure, BLACK NZ offers an exclusive glacier heli-hike to the remote Grant Glacier, nestled deep within the Forbes Mountain Range beyond Glenorchy and Mount Earnslaw. Accessible only by helicopter, this pristine ice terrain provides a rare opportunity to explore untouched glacial landscapes.​

The journey begins with a private helicopter flight from Queenstown, offering breathtaking aerial views of Lake Wakatipu, braided rivers, and the Southern Alps. Upon landing on the glacier, guests are equipped with professional-grade gear and guided by a senior ice climbing specialist. Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration of ice formations and crevasses or a more adventurous ice climbing experience, the excursion is tailored to your preferences and fitness level.​

This 3–5 hour experience includes private helicopter transfers, expert guidance, and a gourmet picnic lunch served amidst the serene icy expanse. With exclusive access to a glacier that may have less than 70 years remaining, this bespoke adventure offers a truly unique and unforgettable encounter with New Zealand's glacial wilderness.

Amisfield

Photo Source: Amisfield

 

Amisfield

Tucked along the shores of Lake Hayes, just a short drive from Queenstown, Amisfield Restaurant is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated dining destinations. Surrounded by vineyards and framed by the rugged peaks of Central Otago, the setting is as captivating as the cuisine. But what truly sets Amisfield apart is the way it brings the land to the table, crafting an immersive, multi-sensory journey that explores the region’s wild beauty through food.

At the heart of this experience is Executive Chef Vaughan Mabee, a culinary visionary whose deep connection to New Zealand’s environment informs every aspect of the menu. Rather than following traditional fine dining expectations, Mabee and his team forge and forage their way through the seasons—sourcing native herbs, wild game, freshwater delicacies, and foraged elements to build dishes that are surprising, playful, and deeply rooted in place.

The restaurant offers a single seasonally evolving tasting menu, which can span several hours depending on the dining experience selected. Each course is introduced with thoughtful storytelling, allowing guests to understand the provenance and intention behind every bite. You might taste wild Fiordland venison infused with alpine herbs, or freshly foraged kelp paired with smoked eel—ingredients that echo the untamed, elemental landscape surrounding the estate.

Wine is a cornerstone of the experience, and Amisfield’s own organic vineyard plays a starring role. The in-house team expertly pairs each course with wines not only from their own cellar but also from standout producers across New Zealand, chosen to complement and elevate the complex flavors of the food.

The architecture of Amisfield is warm and minimalist, constructed from local stone and timber that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the vineyards and mountains, bringing a sense of calm and clarity to the dining room. Whether you're seated inside or enjoying a sun-drenched terrace lunch, the atmosphere is quietly luxurious—never showy, always intimate.

With numerous accolades, including Three Hats and a place among the World’s 50 Best Discovery Restaurants, Amisfield is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience. It’s a place where food tells a story, where each course is a moment of discovery, and where luxury is expressed not in excess, but in thoughtful detail.


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Photo Source: Amisfield

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