Today I had the privilege of being one of the first to view the new Cardrona Valley Resort by the guys at Benbrae - and there are two things I have to say: “Wow!” and “How did I miss such an opportunity”.

Unfortunately the website does not do justice to how unique the property is. In essence it is small to medium sized (2 or 3 bedroom) villas well spaced in a sort of a self contained village. At the centre of the village is an awesome heated outdoor pool, massive spa pool, outdoor bar (complete with big screen plasma and surround sounds) and a whopping great outdoor fire. Toward the back of the property are some terraced style villas also, which contain well sized studio appartments on the ground floor and two bedroom apartments on the top.

The interesting thing about the development is the theme or style. Unlike so many developments in the Southern Lakes they have moved away from the straight out stacked stone and exposed rough sawn timber cliche alpine feel and gone for this really unique colonial, almost miners town or wild west feel. All the villas and two bedroom apartments have their own colonial style verandha and there is plenty of room for barbeques or simply too many glasses of rose falling off the balcony on a sunday afternoon looking out at the immense ruggedness of the Cardrona Valley.

I sound like their marketing department!! It has been ages since I have been to Cardrona - a regular haunt 10 years ago; and the first thing to strike me was the sealed road, then the amount of development in the valley and unfortunately, I thought the Cardrona hotel was a bit tired inside.

So, thanks to Dean and Tristan for showing me around, I can’t wait till the opening do! For the rest of us, phase 2 (a large lodge with restaurant, bar, cafe and mini-market) is already sold out, but phase 3 is just about to be released. Get in there fast - as Cardrona is the next big thing and these guys are definitely at the forefront of that.

P.S. This is a cool image - but I didn’t see any chicks in bikinis - or even chicks in ski gear - not independently of simultaneously!