Naumi Hotel - Auckland, New Zealand

Singapore-based Naumi Hotels might have opened its first Australasian outpost just minutes from Auckland’s international and domestic terminals, but this is far from being a standard airport hotel.

Art plays a central role, with an impressive gallery of works by local and international artists in the lobby and in each guest room. Interior designers Material Creative and architects Ellery Muir & Associates chose to pay homage to New Zealand’s native bird, the Tui, whose iridescent feathers glimmer with gold, purple and turquoise: a 24-carat gold leaf textured wall by the NY Art Department (NZ) sits behind the reception desk and mimics the plumage of the bird’s nape; Australian artist Belynda Henry captures Auckland’s landscape with multi-sensory pieces for the lobby which were then reimagined as rugs for the guest rooms; while New Zealand-based designer Judi Bagust has added her signature whimsical brush stroke painting throughout. 

Above the bar, a neon sign reads ‘ruffle your tail feathers’ and dramatic white chandeliers stand out against the bold mid-century design of the public spaces.