Naumi Studio Wellington

Naumi Hotels made a splash by opening one of its whimsical, high-design properties in New Zealand's capital city — it was such a hit, in fact, that the Singapore-based brand opened a second hotel right next door. Naumi Studio Wellington is the original and the larger of the two, housed in a stately landmark building on hip Cuba Street.

The elegant Edwardian-era facade offers a first impression that's somewhat misleading, partly because it’s painted white, a shade scarcely seen inside the hotel. The interiors are colorful and dreamy: the dramatically lit lobby is dominated by a playful mural and a larger-than-life, Alice in Wonderland-like flower sculpture by Angus Muir, the stylish street-level restaurant is lined from floor to ceiling in sultry red, and high tea and cocktails are served in a fanciful emerald-green parlor inspired by the look and feel of a Parisian conservatory.

More is more upstairs, too, where local artists and designers are behind the vibrant decor, from eye-catching floral wallpaper and boldly patterned carpet to modern art installations and jewel-toned furnishings. Standard rooms are cozy and compact, with striking hand-painted headboards and handy modern comforts, while larger suites offer living areas with plush sectional sofas and cocktail bars with vintage glassware. Just outside, the neighborhood’s lively cafés, bars, shops, and galleries await, and Naumi Studio feels like an authentic part of the city’s creative scene.