Naumi Hotels is pleased to announce the opening of three new boutique hotels in New Zealand. The Central by Naumi Hotels and The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi, both in Queenstown, and Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington, now join Naumi Hotels’ first New Zealand property, Naumi Auckland which opened in 2018.
The Central and The Dairy look set to raise the bar when it comes to design-led, boutique accommodation both locally in Queenstown and in New Zealand as a whole, whilst Naumi Studio Hotel represents the creative reimagining of an iconic historic listed property in Wellington, full to the brim with the work of local artists and designers.
Gaurang Jhunjhnuwala, CEO, Naumi Australia and New Zealand comments “We say to expect the unexpected with all of our hotel designs and this most definitely applies to our three new openings in Queenstown and Wellington. We’ve taken three very different buildings and crafted a completely new hospitality offering for both iconic cities. Each property has its own story and its distinct vibe, with Naumi’s signature playful approach woven throughout. We are currently treating New Zealanders to escapist staycation breaks and look forward to New Zealand’s borders being safely open to international travel once again so we can welcome our guests from around the world.”
The Central by Naumi Hotels, Queenstown – opened 20th November, 2020
A surreal sanctuary in Queenstown’s city centre, The Central is the second Naumi hotel to open in New Zealand’s adventure-capital. Here a creative, cool vibe meets a sense of childlike curiosity, with a bold design inspired by magic, nature and vivid colour.
Naumi Hotels has transformed the building, the site of a previous hotel, into a 15 key whimsical wonderland, unlike any other property in Queenstown. Naumi’s creative approach showcases innovative and unexpected design details, playing with exaggerated scales and disproportionate sensory details in the public areas to create a memorable experience for guests. A lounge with roaring fire and comfy seating forms the heart of the hotel. It’s here complimentary award-winning New Zealand wines are served every evening between 5-6pm, and complimentary snacks and soft drinks throughout the day. Adjacent to the lounge is a garden area, perfect for an alfresco breakfast.
Expect to find the same creative use of light, shape and colour in the three-bedroom types, “Habitat”, “Oasis” and the “Junior Suite”. All feature specially commissioned headboards by local artist Deborah Moss, in a cacophony of colour and light. Habitat rooms have an earthy hue and private courtyard, whilst Oasis rooms are amongst the largest in Queenstown, sitting amongst the treetops, with most enjoying a private balcony. The Junior Suite features a bold, viridescent colour palette and spacious accommodation.
With a location on Sydney Street, right in the heart of all the Queenstown action, the hotel’s friendly team have heaps of insider knowledge to share.
The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi, Queenstown – opened 20th October, 2020
At The Dairy, Naumi has indulged its love of the unexpected. The historic building began as Queenstown’s original ‘dairy’ (corner store) in the 1920s and has a prime position, set against the backdrop of picturesque views of The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.
Somewhere between a lodge and a hotel, the design brief was to take European rural influences and combine them with a daring, fresh and local approach, creating a lived-in yet rustic glamour to the public areas and the 14 bedrooms. This can be seen to great effect in the cosy library room, where guests can take tea (or whiskey) and relax in between adventures. Outside, a fire pit and outdoor jacuzzi can be booked for private use.
The design features exquisite wallpapers from the luxury British interiors brand House of Hackney who take inspiration from the British print houses and combine it with a modern twist. This collaboration is the first of its kind in New Zealand – adding to the uniqueness of this property. A masterstroke was putting these stunning wallpapers on the bedroom ceilings to dramatic effect.
The bedrooms continue the alpine chic feel and are linked to the common areas by an exquisite geometric bespoke carpet. The Oasis rooms have wonderful views out to The Remarkables mountains while the spacious Junior Suite dazzles with clashing interiors, offering a new spin on a romantic retreat, complete with a private balcony.
Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington – opened 23rd November 2020
An iconic heritage building in the heart of Wellington has been reimagined to form Naumi Studio Hotel. The landmark Edwardian-era building on Cuba Street was originally one of many People’s Palace hotels that were built by the Salvation Army in the late 19th and early 20th century. After an extensive renovation, this 116 room property has been transformed into a visual feast for the senses, enthralling guests with eclectic spaces inspired by seafaring and the literary world.
From the entrance on Dunlop Street, guests are transported into a sensory wonderland. The grand bar sits proudly in the heart of the hotel. Flowing from the bar is the lounge area, filled with books and oddities, and the pastel green dreamscape of the Parlour, perfect for people-watching. The full-service Lola Rouge restaurant will open early next year, offering Pan Asian-inspired cuisine.
The hotel dazzles with the talents of New Zealand artists and designers. The large scale floral backdrop in reception is created by Art Dep’t NZ. Completely covered in gold leaf, it features bespoke 3D flower lights by Angus Muir Lighting Design. Underfoot are bespoke rugs with a striking floral design created by artist Karl Maughan.
Choose from six bedroom types, ranging from cosy studios to an exquisitely furnished Executive Suite. Rooms cleverly optimise space, honour the heritage of the building and infuse a modern design twist. Bespoke bedhead textiles and Art Dep’t NZ 3D “Squiggle” artworks adorn the walls. The Executive Suite is influenced by the “English Print House” style, packed with botanical references and eclectic modern furniture.
Cuba Street and the lively surrounding neighbourhood are home to the quirky, the alternative and the fun, with a high/low combination of art galleries, record stores, cheap eats and fine dining on the doorstep – the perfect setting for this most vibrant hotel.