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Huka Lodge has just been awarded the one of the highest accolades in the region by readers of the prestigious American publication Travel + Leisure. This iconic property was voted Top Lodge/Resort in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in Travel + Leisure’s 15th annual ‘World’s Best Awards Readers’ Survey’.

Huka Lodge Owner, Alex van Heeren, had this to say when he heard the news. “This award is gratifying as it is a reflection of what our guests themselves have experienced. It belongs to the entire staff because their constant striving for excellence is recognised.” Alex van Heeren, accompanied by Lodge Manager, Mark Wouters, will be in New York personally to receive the award on behalf of Huka Lodge, on 21 July 2010, at the ‘World’s Best Awards’ party.

No stranger to top international awards, Huka Lodge has been delivering exceptional hospitality to the world’s most discerning travellers – since the 1920’s. The Lodge’s famed hospitality is defined by fine cuisine, seamless service, sophistication, style and attention to detail – all layered within a location of great natural beauty. Huka Lodge nestles within 17 acres of manicured grounds on the banks of the Waikato River, Taupo, New Zealand, with just 25 rooms, including the two exclusive cottages.

Since Alex van Heeren purchased Huka Lodge in 1984, his renowned energy and passion have shaped its reputation for understated elegance and an unrivalled hospitality experience. This was recognised in London recently, when Huka Lodge received the Tatler Award for Enduring Excellence for 2010. This award acknowledged the standards of excellence consistently maintained by Huka Lodge over the past 25 years.

Huka Lodge is sister property to Grande Provence, South Africa, and Dolphin Island, Fiji. All three properties form The Huka Retreats – truly worlds apart; intimate, sensual, elegant and yet unique in every possible way. Sharing qualities as defining as the vision that created them, The Huka Retreats deliver a seamless expression of impeccable style.

Huka Lodge, Taupo, was the magnificent venue for a gala dinner held in the presence of His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward.

The event was hosted by Alex van Heeren for members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award World Fellowship, concluding a worldwide fundraising campaign held over two years: 21 events in 21 countries to celebrate two 21st anniversaries – the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and the World Fellowship. The fundraising results of this “21-2-21” series of events far exceeded expectations.

The occasion at Huka Lodge also coincided with the completion of Alex van Heeren’s 12 year tenure as Honorary Chairman of the World Fellowship and as an International Trustee; this role has now been taken over by Dr Trevor Carmichael QC from Barbados.

The superb menu featured the finest New Zealand produce and showcased Huka Lodge’s legendary hospitality for the guests, who had travelled from all over the world to attend. Wines from Huka Lodge’s sister property, Grande Provence Estate in South Africa, were also featured.