Naumi Hotel Wellington

The Naumi hotel group is based in Singapore, but that doesn’t stop the colorful creations of hotelier Gaurang Jhunjhnuwala from fitting perfectly into the New Zealand hospitality scene. Naumi Wellington, in fact, leans on the local design firm Material Creative to create an experience that’s not just memorable but, ideally, transformative — its richly detailed spaces are as bold as they come, and the riot of floral prints at reception is immediate proof you’re in for something much more opinionated than standard-issue greige boutique-hotel minimalism.

Its rooms and suites are a touch more sedate, but only a touch — there’s seemingly no end to the variations of colors, textures, and prints. And as visually dazzling as they are, they reward the attention of the other senses as well; double-glazed windows keep them quiet, and the furnishings, bedding, and linens are nothing short of luxurious.

The setting, on Cuba Street in the Wellington city center, is nearly as vibrant as the hotel itself, offering access to a wealth of nightlife and dining options. Then again there’s plenty on offer within the hotel’s walls — from a quiet drink in the Parlour or the Atrium to high tea and inventive pan-Asian fare at Lola Rouge, followed by late-night drinks in the adjoining Grand Bar.