Unwind at these 9 Auckland Hotels and Retreats

Britomart has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few years, and the Hotel Britomart is the latest in a series of new additions to the precinct that have led to it being a truly world class luxury destination. The hotel is the result of a decade of work from Cheshire Architects, in collaboration with local artisans to create a stunning space without compromise. The rooms are stunning, and there’s a library and lounge area to relax, as well as private dining rooms for intimate evenings. As a bonus, it’s right on top of some of Auckland’s best restaurants; Mr Morris, Daily Bread and Café Hanoi, and you can get room service from kingi.

The Convent is a boutique hotel built in, you guessed it, a former convent, nestled just outside the city in Grey Lynn. It’s a rustic, beautiful space that provides an exquisite experience without a luxury price tag. The snack bar is free, you can borrow a tablet from the Hotel whenever you’d like, and the optional breakfast is served at Ada restaurant, which is right downstairs and serves amazing Italian food in the evenings that makes you feel a world away. Perfect to make a whole day of it, but make sure you book your dinner in advance, Ada fills up very quickly.

With only 10 rooms, Hotel Fitzroy is like a home away from home in Ponsonby, just back from the main strip. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the library in the evening, and in-room breakfast service in the mornings. Auckland’s best shopping strip, Ponsonby Road, is a short walk away, and it’s a quick journey into the center of the city from there.

Aucklanders know the QT Auckland Hotel for its Sean Connolly-helmed Mediterranean restaurant, Esther, and the stunning views from its rooftop bar. If you stay at the hotel itself, you get all of that on your doorstep, as well as the bustling waterfront, and the centre of the city a short walk away. The rooms are bright and bold, with a bit of whimsy injected by way of designer collaborator Nic Graham.

You might not immediately think of Auckland as a place to escape to nature, but Warblers Retreat is just the place to do so. Situated amongst the bush in Paremoremo, Warblers is the perfect place to escape for a pamper break. Enjoy spa baths by the waterfalls, Reiki in the Sanctuary, or a nature walk on their local tracks. De-stress from the pressure of city life, only 25km away from Auckland’s CBD.

A luxury bed and breakfast style accommodation option on leafy Franklin Road, Franklin 38 is a beautiful manor, with on-site hosts. The suites have stunning views of the city and harbour, and top notch amenities like Smart TVs and bluetooth speakers to really feel like home. Take an easy walk up to Ponsonby or down towards Victoria Park and the waterfront. Best of all, in December, Franklin 38 lights up along with the rest of the street with beautiful Christmas lights.

The Park Hyatt is the epitome of luxury waterfront living. A huge building on Wynyard Quarter with stunning, modern rooms that overlook the harbour. Amenities at the Park Hyatt include onsite restaurant Onemata, a pool and spa, as well as a gym, so you can feed your body and mind. Enjoy world-class service, food and an overall experience that will have you feeling a million bucks.

The Waitākere Resort and Spa is the perfect island getaway, only a short ride out of the city. The Resort has been family owned for 80 years, and it’s a huge, luxurious building hidden amongst the native bush. The Resort is home to the Wairua Day Spa, where you can enjoy being pampered with a rainforest backdrop. Enjoy the dry sauna, outdoor pool and gym as well as the TLC for your skin or body.

Castaways is the place to escape the city and enjoy coastal life. Situated on the West Coast overlooking Karioitahi Beach, Castaways is a relaxing place to stay, and you can get the full service there. Castaways has a beautiful restaurant and bar which is open 365 days a year, and the real attraction there is the Bersantai Day Spa, a Balinese-inspired spa that will have you feeling tip top. Enjoy an outdoor stone bath before your treatment, and if you really want to go all in, you can get a package deal including a meal, drink and treatment. It’s perfect for a weekend away or a longer term refreshment.