Ben Chardome sold his business and sub-lease for an undisclosed sum after more than 11 years as proprietor within the 97-year-old Coronation Bathhouse.
He said there had been a surge of interest from potential new owners before the sale became unconditional in mid-September and once the Queenstown Lakes District Council property sub-committee approved the assignment of the sub-lease.
"It's an end of an era, but I knew it was coming. The business has been on the market for 18 months and there's no emotional attachment any more.
"My passion has decreased to such a level I need to do something else. Hospitality is so physically and mentally draining, so if the passion departs, it's time to do something else."
The Belgian native said he had two options lined up.
He could either move back to the Bali resort he has managed financially over the past two and a-half years, or stay in New Zealand and get involved in food and beverage management.
The council, which owns the Bathhouse, extended the lease to Meteor Properties by another 10 years to 2023.
Red Rock Bar & Cafe owner-operators Karen Brown and Dave Ness have teamed with Alana Gould to take over the sub-lease and will re-open the refurbished Bathhouse about October 20.
"The Bathhouse has built a reputation and Karen and Alana tell me they'll keep the name," Mr Chardome said.
"The place itself, because of its unique character, means you're always guaranteed a unique dining experience."
Mr Chardome credited former Bathhouse executive chef Joff Bertram for the culinary success of the business.
"When I took over in 1998, it was merely an upgraded tea room. Once Joff took over in 2002, he brought such a wealth of expertise in the kitchen and a passion for gastronomy.
"He matched food and wine and created amazing dishes by marrying flavours."
Mr Bertram left the Bathhouse in 2007 and now works as executive chef for Pier 19, Captains Restaurant and The Good Food Company.
Mr Chardome said his dozen employees were kept informed about the sale, which coincided with the end of the winter season.
Half of them had travelled overseas and half had found new hospitality work in Queenstown.
