THE LUXURIOUS ART OF LIVING
Wellington’s first luxury hotel in over 20 years blends French elegance with local history and a botanical theme
Luxury boutique hotel Sofitel Wellington has reopened its doors after 10 months. The city’s most exciting hotel in over 20 years, it’s a visuallly enchanting world, where a warm greeting – in French, naturally – is just the start of your tailor-made hotel experience.
In love with location
Sofitel Wellington’s subtle opulence blends French sophistication with local surrounds. Serenely situated with views to the Wellington Botanic Gardens and the Karori hills – some rooms also have city views – it’s easy to forget how close the peaceful 129-room hotel is to the buzz of the central city. From Cuba Street’s vintage boutiques and cocktail bars to goldensand beach Oriental Bay, the city’s best attractions are all nearby. Also on the doorstep are waterfront running routes, hiking trails and sculpture park walks. But if windy Wellington is living up to its name, SoFit, the hotel’s gym, is open 24-hours.
The luxurious art of living
Sofitel’s commitment to the French concept
art de vivre – the art of living – manifests in the exuberance of the hotel’s luxuriously- appointed guest rooms and suites, which feature a striking palette of antique gold and bronze and a plethora of rich textures. The crowning glory in each is the sumptuous, custom-made Sofitel MyBedTM, complemented by a pillow menu, crisp linen, luxurious bathrobes and thick, fluffy towels.
Inspired by both the grandeur of the nearby Botanic Gardens and Paris’ iconic Jardin du Luxembourg, impressive, glossy floral snapshots by local photographer Vicky Fulton capture hues that extend onto the interior’s muted emerald and jewel-coloured fabrics. There are hints of glimmering copper throughout the interior, a nod to the roofs of beehives in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
The elegance of bygone eras is matched with modern convenience for a smooth and seamless stay, with high-speed, complimentary Wi-Fi available to guests in every corner of the hotel, Smart
TVs and Bluetooth-enabled sound systems in each room.
Dining that delights
With its striking floral décor, copper kitchen and courtyard, Jardin Grill is a destination in its own right. Headed by chef Roy Giam (ex-Charley Noble), the menu celebrates New Zealand gastronomy via a wood-fired grill. The meltingly tender beef and rotisserie pork belly are not to be missed, followed by signature dessert Spring Garden, a deconstruction with pistachio, rose, lychee and vanilla – flavours that will change deliciously with the seasons. You’ll need to book your place at Sunday Brunch (from November 12) to sample the selection of local kaimoana, gourmet antipasto and a choice of one main and dessert (cooked to order), $49 per person plus special bubbly offers.
Curated G&Ts
A chic haven nestled above the hustle and bustle of the inner city, The Green Room is a design-focused lounge and bar with snug fireplace and expansive windows. A botanically inspired gin and tonic collection, designed in collaboration with East Imperial, adds a sensory dimension to the hotel’s botanical theme. A refreshing peargarnished, yuzu-infused twist quirkily nods to the building’s former occupants, the
New Zealand Apple and Pear Board.