Avani Metropolis hotel - Auckland, New Zealand

With its first foray into residential properties, AVANI Hotels & Resorts has set up shop in Auckland’s former Magistrates Court, lavishing a top-to-toe refurbishment within the 1908 heritage-listed building and its 39-floor residential tower, which was completed in 1999.

The design firm Interior Concepts capitalises on the property’s coveted location right in the city centre by turning the furnishings in each of the 65 one or two-bedroom apartments - a clean, urban aesthetic in the brand’s signature plum colour - towards impressive views of Albert Park, the city skyline or the harbour.

There is no restaurant on site, but surrounded by the city’s best gourmet hotspots, including the lively La Cigale French Market or the Fish Market on Jellicoe Wharf, you don’t have to venture far for something good to imbibe. 

Just make sure you come back to indulge at the spa, which includes a 22-metre heated swimming pool, hot tub and sauna.