Offering superlative course-side accommodations at New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the Lodge at Kinloch opened its doors in October on the shores of Lake Taupo on the North Island. Internationally known architect-designer Andrew Patterson of Patterson Associates created a modern version of the lodge’s namesake Kinloch castle in Scotland, while Virginia Fisher created interior spaces featuring vast log fireplaces, furnished terraces and decadent marble bathrooms. With deep comfort high on the priority list, Fisher also incorporated plush elements such as goat fur, burnt wood flooring, velvet, brass and copper into the lodge’s spaces.

Accommodation choices range from suites to villas. The lodge’s fine-dining restaurant integrates the principal of Estate to Plate organics, utilizing produce grown onsite. World-class New Zealand wines round out the menu. Elsewhere on the property an infinity pool, fitness center and tennis courts provide plenty of non-golf activities, while nearby diversions include waterskiing on the lake, winter skiing in Tongariro Park, hiking the Tongariro Crossing, trout fishing and touring local geysers and the gurgling muds at Rotorua. The lodge spa specializes in sports therapy and a range of organic treatments. Full meeting and event facilities are also available.