Media Articles and Testimonials

Mountain Scene 2009-12-10 - 5 Minutes With Ben Harper

Double Grammy-winning American muso Ben Harper spent four days R&R in Queenstown after triumphant stadium shows in Auckland and Christchurch with rockers Pearl Jam.
Harper arrived with his movie actress wife Laura Dern and their two kids and was hosted by Queenstown concierge company Touch of Spice. Before flying back to the United States this morning, he gave writer Russell Blackstock a spirited five minutes at the airport… 
MS: Is this your first visit to Queenstown? 
Harper: It is. But I intend it to be the first of many. I split the time between trying to be a tourist and trying to blend in. It’s awesome here. 

Read more »
Source: Mountain Scene

US Weekly 2009-11-09- The Bachelor’s Jason – This Time I’m Sure

Jason Mesnick has a confession: “I hate roses.” So when he decided to propose to Molly Malaney on October 21 at the secluded Kohara Lodge in Queenstown, new Zealand – yes the very site of the pair’s exotic overnight date during his stint as the Bachelor – he simply presented her with an arrangement of wild flowers. One other major alteration? “No TV cameras anywhere!”.

Read more »

Source: US Weekly

Otago Daily Times 2009-10-29 - Honey of a business fastest-growing in NZ

The Dunedin-based New Zealand Honey Company last night savoured the sweet success when it was named the country’s fastest-growing company in the Deliotte Fast 50 awards.
The second-fastest-growing company in the country – Med Recruit – is based in Queenstown and the eighth placed TracMap is based in Mosgiel.
Three of the country’s fastest growing companies are based in Otago with Touch of Spice (Queenstown) ranking 15th and Cook Brothers Construction (Dunedin) at 45.
“It’s been an outstanding year for Otago businesses. All are great stories,” Deloitte Dunedin Partner Mike Horne told the Otago Daily Times.  Read more »

Source: Otago Daily Times

New Zealand Olympic Committee - Vancouver 2010 Gala Dinner 2009-09-26

Thanks again for everything that Touch of Spice did for our event. All NZOC board and staff that were at the event were very impressed and I have had several comments that it was the best that we have done so far. The team at Winter Games NZ, in particular Eion Edgar, have also expressed that they were very impressed with the quality of service. For the duration of our working together, Touch of Spice have provided me with all the information requested in a timely manner, and provided some great ideas over and above the brief.

Read more »

Condé Nast Traveler - 2009-01-06

Wendy Perrin’s Worldwide Guide to Affordable Villa Vacations

Worldwide Villa Rental Guide - Wendy’s Rolodex – your indispensable guide to 49 rigorously vetted villa rental agents.
Below is a roster of the villa rental agents whom we consider best qualified to match Conde Nast Traveler readers with properties... Only 49 agents made the cut. What separates the honourees from the also-rans? 

Read more »

Source: Condé Nast Traveler

Simply You Winter 2009

Parties of the Season – Moody Blues

The only thing that 12 months of meticulous planning, a creative partnership of bride Kylie Harper and event planner Jacqui Spice and gorgeous accessories from around the world cannot control is the weather.

Read more »

Source: Simply You

Fanfare - The Elite Traveller - 2009-01-01

Recharge in Style

Green Acres - Eco-travellers to the southern New Zealand's Otago district will delight in Kohara Lodge a stunning retreat whose design and construction take environmental consideration into account.

Read more »

Source: Presented by Quintessentially in Prestige (Hong Kong) Magazine

Strategies - Villa Rentals - 2008-07-30

All Star Villa Agencies

Here’s a region by region guide to some of the world’s most reliable rental resources, as well as their standout properties.
Read More »

Source: Australian Travel + Leisure


Women in Business - 2008-07-09

Entrepreneur and innovative business woman Jacqui Spice established Touch of Spice, New Zealand’s leading luxury lifestyle company, in Queenstown in 2005. 
Read More »

Source: The Mirror


Tourism Innovation - 2008-05-30

Sourcing ponies for a holiday client’s children; preparing an elopement for a client fed up with the stress of wedding organisation; arranging hand gliding at dawn and a champagne breakfast for clients on New Years Day.

These are just some ‘thinking outside the box’ achievements... Read More »
Source: Tourism Business Magazine

Insider Room Reporter
42
Forty Two Queenstown

Queenstown is no longer just for the daredevil traveller and this hip holiday apartment is a sign of things to come.

Read More »

Source: Australian Travel + Leisure

Put a Touch of Spice in your life - 2007-11-01

Jacqui Spice has a background in catering to clients with high demands. After working on super yachts around the world she has now transported her skills to Queenstown, New Zealand with the successful establishment of her concierge business Touch of Spice.

Being brought up in Hamilton,... Read More »
Source: Glenda Turnball, Her Business Magazine


Award winning Sopranos star Sigler spoiled by luxury pampering company - 2007-09-19

Award winning Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler has been spoiled in Queenstown by leading luxury pamper company Touch of spice.

Sigler, who stars as Meadow Soprano in the hit TV series, was in Queenstown all last week.

'We get a lot of VIPs who want every detail of their trip... Read More »
Source: Word of Mouth Media

Spice of Life - 2007-04-01

Queenstown based lifestyle Management Company Touch of Spice provides luxury accommodation, personal concierge services and event planning to discerning residents, investors and visitors to the Central Lakes Region.

Managing a selection of stunning and exclusive homes Touch of Spice offers... Read More »
Source: Skylar Magazine


Marry Me On A Mountain - 2007-02-01

The Remarkables, New Zealand

The Southern Alps of New Zealand are a truly Oscar-winning setting and The Remarkables mountain range is the most spectacular of them all. If it’s good enough for film maker Peter Jackson…
Picture white-covered mountains as far as you can see on... Read More »
Source: Bride to Be


Adding a Touch of Spice to Your luxury Queenstown Experience - 2007-02-01

Queenstown is one of those places that, as soon as you arrive, you just want to get out amongst the snow fields or vineyards, without having to bother about dinner, unpacking and all the mundane necessities of travel.  Enter Touch of Spice, a company that can really boast they do it all,... Read More »
Source: www.skylar.com.au

Spice Girls - 2006-09-01

A decade of working with VIPs and celebrities in the luxury super yacht industry from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean inspired Jacqui Spice to launch an exclusive personal concierge and lifestyle.
Aptly named Touch of Spice, the business had been operation on year and has already found a... Read More »
Source: Browns Sotheby's Property Style

Southern Charm - 2006-09-01

Nicola King and Miles Harrison were married on March 9, 2006, at Stoneridge Estate, Queenstown.

An office romance
I’m English and Miles is from New Zealand.  We met at work and although he propositioned me almost within the first week of us knowing each... Read More »
Source: New Zealand Weddings

View Jacqui Spice speaking on the development of luxury tourism in New Zealand   (copyright Tourism New Zealand)

View Top 10 Reasons to visit New Zealand, Prime Minister John Key on Lateshow with David Letterman (copyright CBS)

"Outstanding friendly service on arrival. 100% perfect – will come again soon. You made our holiday lots of fun!"

C Cooper March 2010

"We were over the moon with everything, we were more than happy with all the furnishings and inclusions etc.  We were also pleased with the chef.  So thank you for all your hard work and caring personality"

J & G Myron Feb 2010

"Everything about our dealings with Touch of Spice and our stay at Belfast 3 was beyond satisfactory.  We have shown many friends our photos of the stunning views from the house and I can assure you that if any visit Queenstown, they will be interested in booking the Belfast 3.  We could only hope to come back to New Zealand within the next 12 months!"

J Angers Jan 2010

“The email response was top notch. We are sorry we did not use you more.”

P Harkin Dec 2009

“Very attentive and very responsive to all our enquiries. Excellent all round. I will gladly recommend to any of our friends travelling to New Zealand to go through Touch of Spice!”

R Ross Dec 2009

"Outstanding service and execution – well done guys"

B Dimasi Sept 2009

"Jacqui Spice and her team run the best private concierge business I've come across anywhere in the world. They can assist with anything you'd like to do in Queenstown and indeed the whole region and I'd encourage you to make use of them to ensure you get the most from your time in the Southern Lakes."

R Wills

"...everything went like clockwork thanks to you. It really does make travelling a whole lot easier when I know I can rely on the little things, (like airport transfers, ski hire, lift passes etc…) being handled by someone with all the right contacts. Thanks again for looking after us and will be in touch again next time we come back to NZ!."

S Heylen August 2009

"As our holiday in Queenstown has now sadly finished, we wanted to write to you to say how impressed we were with the service that you and your colleagues at Touch of Spice provided to us before and during our stay in 42 Man St.  The accommodation was excellent, Simon Wilkinson (your recommendation as a ski instructor) was terrific and your responsiveness to our range of requests was first class.  

Thank you for facilitating a wonderful holiday.  We certainly intend to make this an annual pilgrimage so will be in touch about booking the same accommodation."

PF July 09

“I don’t actually know where to begin! ‘The service’ all the way through... ...Top notch!  Really impressed with the informative and personal delivery of everything. ‘The property’ is fantastic.  WOW!... I have been recommending the property and the website to others. We will definitely be coming back ourselves... Thanks again for a fantastic stay.”

A Shannon July 2009

"A huge thank you for the use of Mill Creek, the house was amazing and managed to successfully wow us, our client and our guests so it was a job well done!"

J McColl, Mango Communications March 2009

"Jason and I wanted to give you a special thanks for making our day so special.  We appreciate all of your efforts, you really went above and beyond.  We couldn’t have done it without you and the other fabulous members of your team.  Thanks for a truly magical weekend and event."

Mr & Mrs Murray February 2009

"Thank you so much for everything you have done to make our wedding day so special!  We appreciate the phenomenal amount of hard work you put into this whole event.  So many people commented in how magical the wedding day was and how it was the best wedding they had ever been to. I think it would be fair to say that you were a major part in making this happen and for that we are truly grateful!"

Mr & Mrs Raymer February 2009

"We would not dream of booking with anyone other than Jacqui and you girls!"

R Kaplan January 2009

"Our holiday was perfect.  We can't thank you enough for everything you did to make it so beautiful (the Christmas tree!) and effortless (the pre-shopping, bookings for Milford Sound and for other activities) - it was truly the most memorable and special Christmas we have ever had."

K and J Lewis December 2008

"We certainly enjoyed our stay at Belfast 3, the apartment was lovely, everyone at Touch of Spice was very helpful and of course Queenstown was spectacular. Once again thank you to your team for making our holiday stress free, enjoyable and comfortable."

A Feletto September 2008

"The stay was great! We loved the house so much we want to go back there and I wanted to live there. The spa was terrific and the facilities perfect. It was 'rockstar'."

M Wei September 2008

"My family and I had an excellent stay at Amaroo.  It made a tremendous difference to our visit to Queenstown.  We certainly felt at home and the house was so comfortable that we could have remained indoors for the entire trip. Your services also made our trip that much easier to manage."

K Sue September 2008

"The accommodation was everything we had hoped for…, it was first rate and better than many places we have stayed overseas.  Overall we had a terrific time and your team made it for us. Thanks for a terrific holiday."

J Millar September 2008

"A quick note to say thanks for looking after all the arrangements for our skiing holiday in Queenstown - your service has been impossible to fault."

A Franklin August 2008

"On behalf of the family, thank you for helping make our recent holiday to Queenstown the best family holiday ever."

S Magin August 2008