Exciting new era for Dawson Falls

WHILE in Spain a small advertisement highlighting the unique attractions of a Swiss-style mountain lodge caught the eye of Felix and Masha Burkard.
Having spent the past 18 months working on a cruise ship the couple saw the potential for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Felix arrived in New Zealand at the beginning of March, with Masha a few weeks behind.
The couple instantly fell in love with the mountain retreat and begun work. Without changing any of the original woodwork or Swiss-style features the couple has been able to lift the Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge and bring it into the 21st century.
With everything the lodge offers, a brilliant restaurant and bar, plus comfortable and secluded accommodation the couple felt a name change was due Dawson Falls Romantic Hotel.
Felix will be in charge of the kitchen having working as a chef around the work and Masha will run the hotel.
The couple are excited to meet the locals and encourage everyone to take that 20-minute drive up the mount for some delicious food and be reminded of its rich history.
With the romantic hotel looking good the couple have changed the menu bringing their German and Ukraine influences, but don't worry you can still get a good old Sunday Roast.
Every weekend an amazing three-course menu will be available, which will include two different 'kiwi style' roasts.
There are also special three course menus for lunch and dinner for group bookings.
Once a month the hotel will be filled with live music, starting from 3pm and locals can enjoy a barbecue dinner as well.
However the hotel is open every day for lunch (from 11am) and dinner (from 6pm) the couple offer a mouth-watering selection to choose from.
Dishes include German Bratwurst with mashed potatoes and red cabbage, Butter pasta with grilled king prawns and vegetables on a lemon white wine foam, Awakino porterhouse with vegetables of the season and potatoes and my favourite as I was treated to this for lunch succulent duck breast with mashed potatoes and red cabbage.
Starters begin from $9.50-$14.50, mains $17.50-$33.50, with desserts all $7.50. These include a delectable warmed chocolate mud cake or lime pie both topped with vanilla whipped cream.
The romantic hotel is available for intimate dining, family dinners, weddings, anniversaries, business meetings, conferences or any other event.
The hotel can cater for up to 50 people and with 12 luxury suites can accommodate most of the guest with a beautiful bed.
Each room has its own stunning wood caved detailed wardrobe and bed headboard adding a style to the rooms like no other.
Each room comes with its own bathroom and tea/coffee facilities. Breakfast can also be ordered at any time, but usually served between 8.30am-9.30am.
With no television and limited cell phone coverage the little spot of paradise is the perfect place to escape for a few days, overnight or a week.
The award-winning hotel was established in 1896 and is situated 902 metres above the stress line on the mountain slopes of majestic Mount Taranaki/Egmont.
Surrounding the hotel is the beautiful Egmont National Park, which has unforgettable scenery and many bush walks.
Abundant wildlife, spectacular native bush, pure clean air, crystal clear water, bird songs, panoramic views looking over south Taranaki and the coastline are yours to enjoy.
With a hotel seeped in such deep history visit today for a relaxed meal, comfortable surroundings and share the amazing scenery, which is right on your back door.