In the event you journey beyong the Gothic Revival partitions of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, you’ll discover Christchurch’s latest and most trendy boutique lodging – The Observatory Resort.
Sigh. My outdated journey author self has actually missed new lodge launches and the buzzy pleasure of the tourism trade! In case you have labored within the journey trade, that the previous few years have sucked huge time. Pre-pandemic, I used to be frequently invited to new lodge launches and different journey PR events; glamorous and thrilling, I felt like I had lastly made it once I would waltz via new areas sipping bubbles and networking.
I’m undecided I even know tips on how to community anymore, not to mention put on excessive heels.
I’ve been ready so lengthy for one thing colourful, bougie, and filled with character to open in Christchurch.
Christchurch is a posh metropolis with a posh previous. It’s very a lot nonetheless recovering from the devastating earthquakes in 2011; then there was the mosque taking pictures just a few years in the past. Harm continues to be seen on the outdated partitions of the town, and the residents that stayed put on the trauma on their sleeves.
It’s a spot that feels prefer it’s nonetheless discovering its footing after being dealt some unhealthy playing cards.
However because the years go by, an increasing number of thrilling ventures are showing all through the town, just like the model spanking new Observatory Resort. Or, after all, my houseplant and design store, NODE, over in Lyttelton.
As quickly as I noticed the photographs of the Observatory Resort, I knew this was my spot. I’m such a sucker for good branding and story, each of which this place completely nails.
As the previous residence of the unique College of Canterbury, the buildings now make up the Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre in Christchurch. The journey of the buildings is fascinating. These days, hidden away within the Observatory Tower, in addition to the outdated astronomy and physics departments of the outdated college, you’ll discover the brand new Observatory Resort, which opened in Might 2022.
The long-lasting Observatory Tower was constructed within the 1890’s to accommodate the equatorial telescope of Canterbury Faculty. However sadly, the Observatory Tower collapsed within the 2011 earthquake. Your complete historic space was closed – a few of it’s nonetheless closed – because it’s repaired and strengthened. The telescope is at the moment being repaired and can hopefully return to the tower as soon as once more.
The Observatory Resort is respiration new life into such a historic and delightful a part of the town.
As somebody who thought that her life’s trajectory can be in teachers, staying in what was as soon as a historic college is definitely fairly particular.
Although you’d by no means catch me within the physics or astronomy departments, my educational background at all times has been so vital to me. With double levels in Spanish language and literature and medieval historical past, I at all times thought my path can be graduate faculty then finally changing into a professor. It’s what I deliberate for. I even successful grants to review on the Bodleian and on the Nationwide Library in Spain for my dissertation.
However life has different plans, and my path took me in a unique path. What I really like about my life now’s that I’ve the liberty to proceed to be taught and analysis by myself phrases, one thing fairly particular.
My coronary heart fluttered with nostalgia for my very own alma mater, Mount Holyoke, and my time learning at Oxford, Salamanca, and Madrid. Hopefully, I can return to analysis once more sooner or later.
The thoughtfulness and care behind the Observatory Resort are clearly. The small print are beautiful, and the extent of consolation is unmatched. There may be a lot character all through the lodge, reflecting its historical past, which I am keen on.
The ten premium rooms on website have been named after colour pigments, a pleasant nod to the artwork house. I stayed within the Verona Room, which has essentially the most epic skylight over the mattress – full with electrical drapes. I additionally made the group give me a tour of the property and peeked inside many of the rooms, which I can vouch for being divine.
No two rooms are the identical, every individually designed and that includes furnishings made in Canterbury. There may be native artwork dotted all through your complete property, most of which I imagine is on the market. Colourful and brilliant, the rooms function textiles and patterns by British designer William Morris 150 years in the past, one other nod to the artwork world.
Now I’m simply questioning what the following superb house in Christchurch might be – any concepts?
What do you suppose? Is the Observatory Resort in Christchurch the sort of place you’d love to remain? Have you ever been? Share!
Many due to the Observatory Resort for internet hosting me in Christchurch. Like at all times, I’m protecting it actual. All opinions are my very own like you might count on much less from me.