Hospitality / Hotel Refurbishment | Project Management & Design Coordination

Coronet Ridge Resort represents the $30 million, full-scale redevelopment of the iconic Nugget Point Hotel, transforming the property into a five-star luxury alpine retreat. Perched above the Shotover River, the project re-establishes the resort as a premier destination, defined by its spectacular mountain landscape and a new standard of alpine luxury.

D+DM provided project management and design coordination, leading the complex transformation and ensuring the project’s vision for a modern, sophisticated sanctuary was delivered with design integrity.

Context

Acquired by New Bay Group, the 1980s-era hotel required a complete overhaul to restore it to its former five-star glory. The project was not a minor refurbishment but a comprehensive rebuild, involving a full strip-out of the 42 guest rooms, corridors, and public areas back to the original blockwork. This included a complete modernization of all building services (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) and the deconstruction of the restaurant down to its foundation.

Approach

Given the scale of the transformation, the project required meticulous coordination. D+DM’s approach centred on managing the complex, fast-tracked programme and the interface between the architectural vision and construction realities. The team managed the complete architectural and interior design scope, ensuring the new design—featuring natural textures, timber joinery, and soft, warm tones—was executed flawlessly to create a sophisticated sense of place. This involved reacting quickly to on-site challenges within the historic structure to deliver all contracted works on schedule.

Result

The project successfully relaunched the asset as Coronet Ridge Resort, a 41-room boutique hotel poised to attract a new generation of high-end international and domestic travellers. The re-imagined resort features premium amenities, including a Roman-style day spa, private cinema, squash courts, and a new signature restaurant, ‘Elevation’. The transformation is a significant investment in Queenstown's luxury tourism sector, creating a premier sanctuary for relaxation and adventure.

Project Data

Location: Arthurs Point, Queenstown, New Zealand

Client: New Bay Group

Type: Hospitality / Hotel Refurbishment

Scale: 41 Rooms

Completion: 2025

Services: Project Management, Design Coordination

Collaborators

Architect: G2 Studio

Interior Design: G2 Studio

Hotel Management: Capstone Hotel Management

Builder: Naylor Love, Scope Group

Reflection

Coronet Ridge Resort demonstrates D+DM’s ability to manage complex, fast-paced hotel refurbishments and complete structural transformations. The project exemplifies the firm’s strength in bridging a new design vision with an existing structure, managing all facets of design and construction to deliver a high-value, luxury asset and restore an icon to its former glory.