The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels

Queenstown, New Zealand’s small size, its mountainous lakeside setting, and its focus on outdoor adventure inspire many hoteliers to pursue a rustic Alpine-lodge aesthetic. But that’s not Naumi’s style. This design-forward boutique-hotel brand is known for its vibrant, maximalist glamour, and that’s as true here as it is in Wellington or Singapore. The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels incorporates a century-old structure that was once home to Queenstown’s first general store — or “dairy,” in New Zealand English. And while its interiors do contain a fair amount of European-inspired Alpine-chic style — antique skis as decoration, and bold plaid carpeting — so too do they contain Naumi’s signature riot of colorful patterns and textures.

The result is an idealized version of 1920s glamour, and ultimately a very modern high-end boutique hotel. With just 13 rooms and suites it’s suitably intimate, and appropriately scaled for historic central Queenstown. Its modest size means a proper restaurant is beyond its ambitions, but there’s a complimentary daily happy hour in the lounge, while a den provides a quieter space for relaxation; there’s also an espresso station and sweets bar for keeping your energy up, and it’s worth remembering to book a slot in the outdoor Jacuzzi, with its views over Queenstown’s rooftops.