The Central Private Hotel By Naumi Hotels

Several of New Zealand’s finest boutique hotels are the work of the Singapore-based Naumi Hotels concern, and among them is Queenstown’s stylish Central Private Hotel. Here the Wanaka-based creative agency Undercurrent was charged with adapting Naumi’s ultra-vibrant maximalism to the South Island setting, and the result is a thoroughly local spin on the brand’s characteristic fantasy.

There’s something almost Parisian about the saturated secondary colors that set the tone, and the visual interest is wall-to-wall, thanks to the eclectic collection of furnishings and artworks. The rooms and suites are nothing if not photogenic, but their appeal runs deeper than that, as their thoughtful comforts venture into luxury-boutique territory.

That’s true of the common spaces as well, which include a sauna and a lovely little courtyard garden. The Central Bar showcases New Zealand wines, while the Lounge hosts its own cocktail hour in addition to self-serve espresso and sweets. And while there’s no in-house restaurant, the Naumi hotels pride themselves on their connections with their neighborhoods, and the Central Private is no different — the staff is amply supplied with recommendations for restaurants and much, much more.