Naumi Hotels has announced the opening of three new boutique hotels in New Zealand: The Central and The Dairy Private Hotel in Queenstown and Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington.
Joining Naumi Auckland, Naumi Hotels’ first New Zealand property, 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.
The Central by Naumi Hotels, Queenstown
A surreal sanctuary in Queenstown’s city centre, Naumi Hotels has transformed The Central’s original building into a 15-key whimsical wonderland. 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.
The Central features 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.
The lounge serves complimentary award-winning New Zealand wines, alongside complimentary snacks and soft drinks throughout the day. Adjacent to the lounge is a garden area, ideal for an alfresco breakfast.
The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi, Queenstown
Set against The Remarkables mountain range, The Dairy originated as Queenstown’s original ‘dairy’ corner shop in the 1920s. Seeking to find a balance 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. 
The bedrooms establish an ‘alpine chic’ feel and are linked to the common areas by a bespoke geometric carpet. The Oasis rooms have wonderful views out to The Remarkables mountains while the Junior Suite dazzles with clashing interiors, offering a new spin on a romantic retreat complete with a private balcony.
The interiors feature 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 – displayed on the bedroom ceilings – is the first of its kind in New Zealand.
Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington
An iconic Edwardian-era heritage building in the heart of Wellington has been reimagined to form Naumi Studio Hotel. After an extensive renovation, the 116-key property has been transformed into a visual feast for the senses, with eclectic spaces inspired by seafaring and the literary world.
The reception area features a large-scale floral backdrop created by Art Dep’t NZ, completely covered in gold leaf and adorned with bespoke 3D flower lights by Angus Muir Lighting Design. Underfoot are bespoke rugs with a striking floral design created by artist Karl Maughan.
In the heart of the hotel, the grand bar leads onto the lounge area and the pastel green dreamscape of the Parlour. The full-service Lola Rouge restaurant will open early next year, offering Pan Asian-inspired cuisine.
Bedrooms, ranging from studios to an exquisitely furnished Executive Suite, optimise space, honour the heritage of the building and infuse a modern design twist. The walls are furnished with bespoke bedhead textiles and Art Dep’t NZ 3D “Squiggle” artworks. The Executive Suite is influenced by the “English Print House” style, packed with botanical references and eclectic modern furniture.
“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,” reveals Gaurang Jhunjhnuwala, CEO of Naumi Australia and New Zealand. “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.”
He adds: “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.”
Naumi Hotels is a Singapore-based private hospitality label synonymous with personal luxury and prime locality. It remains a family owned business since first opening the doors to Naumi Singapore in 2007. It operates a total of seven properties across Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
