See inside Fisher & Paykel’s incredible new Auckland Experience Centre — a haven of exceptional design

Fisher & Paykel’s new Auckland Experience Centre is setting a formidable precedent, giving fans of the brand a tactile, interactive and beautiful space in which to experience the full potential of its products. And although this is not the brand’s first Experience Centre, the Auckland showroom is undoubtedly its most impressive.

In the global markets where Fisher & Paykel trades, ‘Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand’ is a core part of its message. This building is a tactile embodiment of this ethos, and one that for New Zealanders, exudes a sense of pride in our story.

Great brands communicate clearly through experiences, through people, and through the environments they create. And in this environment, which is the result of a partnership between Fisher & Paykel’s experience design team, led by Jaron Ansley, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Alt Group and Knight Associates, when you go through the door, every physical element and human interaction resonates with the brand’s connection to place.

From the basalt threshold sculpture that ‘breathes’ in time with the tides of Ōkahu Bay to the monumental trunk of 4,000-year-old swamp kauri, and the incredibly elemental material palette that includes West Coast black sand and rammed earth sourced from Muriwai, it’s an unparalleled design approach – and the finish is remarkable.

Ansley says it has also been designed to feel more like a luxury home, with the intention being to showcase Fisher & Paykel products as they might appear in real life. It is an ambitious space that reinforces the brand’s commitment to luxury product creation. Not only does it highlight the best international and local design, where Boffi, Arclinea and Henrybuilt sit alongside local names like Simon James and Nodi, it also emphasises Fisher & Paykel’s position as an industry leader.

The result is spectacular — a remarkable expansion that highlights the truly global potential of Fisher & Paykel’s unique design, serving up interior inspiration in spades. And given that the Experience Centre really has to be experienced firsthand, we highly recommend you discover it for yourself.

Fisher & Paykel’s Executive VP of Design and Brand, Mark Elmore, tells me that the space is just as much for local architects and designers and those with a general interest in luxury appliance design, as it is for more conventional customers.

“Our customers often fall into two groups — design lovers and food lovers”, he shares. “We cater to both here. Visitors can experience a space that allows them to understand how products are beautifully designed for varied and bespoke environments.” And thus, within the Experience Centre, you will find three impeccable kitchens, each equipped in different ways to showcase the potential of Fisher & Paykel appliances (as well as a smaller, apartment-centric counterpart), and at the heart of it all, The Social Kitchen. Designed to play host to a raft of industry-focused dinners at which insiders and customers are able to experience Fisher & Paykel products first-hand, and currently helmed by two full-time chefs, The Social Kitchen brings Fisher & Paykel’s philosophy to life in beautiful surrounds.

Alongside the three hero kitchens, the aforementioned apartment kitchen, and the addition of an outdoor kitchen that showcases Fisher & Paykel’s North American appliances (namely gigantic grills), there is also a range of more interactive spaces within the Experience Centre. Take the Plan & Choose Studio, for instance, that prompts intimate and collaborative focus groups to come together and consider how different products might be employed, allowing for both designer and client to make truly considered choices.

These innovative spaces are accompanied by product galleries that compare the most recent additions of Fisher & Paykel products side-by-side, to allow one to make the fair and just comparisons necessary when investing in these vital pieces. Designed with Boffi’s minimalist approach, the galleries include a series of laundry and closet solutions alongside a butler’s kitchen — providing inspiration for the most purpose-built areas of one’s home. Here, some of the most exciting additions coming to the brand’s stable can be found, such as the Fabric Care Cabinet. Best seen as a home dry cleaning alternative (and harnessing eco-friendly technology), it sanitises, steams and cleans clothing, all in one swift operation. Strategically stacked next to sleek new washers and dryers, the Cabinet is certainly a chic solution to our laundry woes.

Ultimately, Fisher & Paykel’s new Experience Centre offers a rich source of inspiration for the modern home. Whether you are a designer, an architect or just someone looking to reimagine their space, we recommend booking yourself in for a guided tour (complemented by a cup of delicious Kawakawa tea) or a full Mastery of Temperature experience that highlights exceptional local ingredients and award-winning wines. From its thoughtful design concept to its holistic, interactive nature, Fisher & Paykel’s new Auckland space is proving why this brand remains perpetually at the forefront, serving as a reminder to think more ambitiously when it comes to our own homes.

Fisher & Paykel Auckland Experience Centre

199 Great North Road,
Grey Lynn, Auckland

www.fisherpaykel.com

Design

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How to use coloured concrete to make your home feel cool, calm and contemporary

Peter Fell’s coloured concrete is cutting-edge. Credited with developing a unique method of adding colours to concrete using iron oxides, Peter Fell is able to supply its concrete in a wide variety of shades — from bright and vibrant to pared back and pastel. Now, it is to this innovative brand that we turn again, seeking concrete in calm, earthy hues that give our interior spaces a more grounded feel. 

Motivated by the amount of time we have spent in our homes over the last few years, a collective desire to bring peace and tranquillity into our spaces has seen a rise in soothing tones like taupe, sand, nude and clay. And considering that Peter Fell offers over 80 colours to choose from, including Neutral, Sandstone, Terracotta, Brown and Stone ranges, tapping into this trend has never been easier. 

Here, we round up some examples of how subtly-coloured concrete can be used effectively to create utterly serene domestic spaces. Trust us, you’ll never look at this material the same way again.

Oslo House by Paulsen & Nilsen
House in La Canada by Ramón Esteve
Sardinera House by Ramón Esteve
Oslo House by Paulsen & Nilsen
Cottage in the Vineyard by Ramón Esteve

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Riva Aquarama

Escape into another world with our selection of the best coffee table books

If you’re looking for a way to escape the every day, we’ve got just the thing. Our selection of new coffee table books is perfect for losing yourself in another world. They will keep you entertained for hours and allow you to delight in exploration, all without leaving the comfort of your home. From beautiful imagery to intimate details and untold stories, here are six inspiring coffee table books to acquire now.

Riva Aquarama by Michael Verdon
Capturing all the glamour, luxury and drama of the Riva Aquarama — Carlo Riva’s iconic wooden speed boat that has become so synonymous with the ‘la dolce vita’ optimism of early-60s Italy — this exciting new tome is an exceptional tribute to the most stylish sea-faring vessel you’ll ever come across. Published to mark the 60th anniversary of the Riva Aquarama, the book offers everyone their very own piece of the Riva dream, and showcases why this boat has become so universally loved. 

The Architecture of Chanel by Peter Marino
Highlighting the intersection of Peter Marino’s architecture and Chanel’s renowned aesthetic, this fascinating and beautiful book delivers an in-depth look at buildings designed by Marino for Chanel in cities like Chicago, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Los Angeles, Nanjing, New York, Miami, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo.

Gold: The Impossible Collection by Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter
Natural splendour meets extraordinary human craftsmanship in this beautiful book that showcases 100 of the rarest and most precious treasures rendered in gold throughout human history. From ancient artifacts to modern creations, here, gold is the hero in all its dazzling, indestructible, mythical power.

1000 Design Classics by Phaidon
Highlighting the iconic pieces that have filled the interiors of some of the world’s most incredible spaces, this new release serves as part coffee-table-tome, part encyclopaedia of design. Featuring era-defining furnishings and the pioneers of the styles we covet today, this book is a must for anyone with an interest in design.

Elvis and The Birth of Rock and Roll by Alfred Wertheimer
Packed with photographs of era-defining crooner, Elvis, this book offers an intimate look at the singer just before he became a household name. Extraordinary in scope, the photographs were taken by Alfred Wertheimer, who, in 1956, was tasked with trailing a then-21-year-old Elvis at the naissance of his career and as a result, was offered intimate access to his life, capturing crucial portraits of a man on the brink of superstardom.

Alaïa Afore Alaïa by Carla Sozzani, Olivier Saillard
Offering a never-seen-before look at one of fashion’s most enigmatic personalities, this intriguing coffee table book documents the story of Azzedine Alaïa before the 1982 fashion show that put him on the map. Despite being lauded by many as a fashion genius, little has been written of Alaïa’s background and upbringing — from his native Tunisia to his time in Paris to finally bursting onto the scene in New York. Here, through interesting interviews, private photographs, archival materials and anecdotes from friends of the designer, this book delivers the untold story of a legend in unprecedented detail, and is sure to be of interest to any fan of fashion. 

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This Bel-Air residence is the epitome of timeless glamour and exceptional design

For most, the Los Angeles lifestyle is synonymous with entertainment, elevated living and expansive views and Zoltan Pali’s (of Studio Pali Fekete Architects) latest project, Siena Way, is the epitome of everything this lifestyle stands for and then some. Managing to be unassuming while still feeling glamorous, this address is redefining what it means to live in this city and offering moments of exceptional design in the process. 

Decidedly modest for a residence behind Bel-Air gates, the home from the outside is understated and modern with an abstract, almost-rectangular shape made from Indiana limestone and curved bronze metalwork. It really is an architectural feat, something the designer wanted to feel fluid, complex and difficult to define.

Delaunay Quilt armchairs by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti, Fil Noir dining chairs by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti, Lariat pendant ceiling lamp by Apparatus Studio all from ECC.

And while there has been a minimalist approach to the outside, one only needs to step over the threshold of this house to witness its splendour unfurl, where a grand entry foyer opens up to the magnificence of floor-to-ceiling windows, full-height doors, glass elevators and a striking staircase that anchors the home and connects its three levels. 

Set on just under an acre of land, with a floorspace of over 1,500 square metres and boasting eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, the scale of Siena Way is enormous, although thankfully, a thoughtful floor plan proves that cosy living and palatial builds are not mutually exclusive. But while comfort has indeed been considered key, this home is ultimately an entertainer’s paradise, offering all the amenities of glamorous hospitality and allowing the owner’s to make the most of an exquisite outlook. 

Livre Swivel armchair by Gallotti&Radice from ECC.
0414 chairs by Studio G&R for Gallotti&Radice, Haumea coffee table by Massimo Castagna for Gallotti&Radice from ECC.
0419 barstools by Studio G&R for Gallotti&Radice from ECC.

And what an outlook it is. Located directly overlooking the fourth green of the iconic Bel-Air Country Club, the view extends far beyond the property itself, out to the city scape and the ocean beyond, framed by generous windows. The use of glass at this scale usually means some kind of sacrifice of privacy, yet here, with the elevated aspect and surrounding nature, there is something about the outlook that offers a wonderful sense of isolation and gives the sense of being far removed from the city (despite being in its heart).

Angie armchair and ottoman by Gam Fratesi for Minotti, W-sidetable by Massimo Castagna for Henge all from ECC.
Tassel 3 sconce by Apparatus Studio from ECC.

Nature is invited in here, most clearly seen in one of the two courtyards where a large, mature olive tree lends a decidedly Mediterranean feel and offers a textural contrast to the stark white backdrop of the home. This symbiotic relationship with nature inspires the colour palette too, where warm neutrals have been set alongside pops of green and earthy browns.

The interior itself, curated by Mass Beverly, makes a trend-defying statement. Unlike other homes in this postcode, the use of marble is understated, instead replaced by board-form concrete, travertine and Ceppo di Gré stone, to complement French walnut floors. Furnishings range from elegant Minotti sofas and chairs, to intriguing Apparatus Studio pendants, with a view to cultivate spaces that balance comfort with contemporary design. It’s clear that the kind of ‘glamour’ usually found in homes of this ilk has been interpreted in a more sophisticated, understated way, which makes the home feel timeless, not trendy.

That said, the residence’s raft of amenities are a stark reminder of the lifestyle that most people living in this area expect to enjoy. Boasting its own wellness centre, spa and gym, a home theatre, wine room and even quarters dedicated to staff, Siena Way is a residence from which its owners really never have to leave. And in this day and age, that is the ultimate luxury.

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Bar Non Solo

Denizen’s definitive guide to 10 of the best burrata dishes in Auckland right now

There’s simply no denying that burrata is the moment. Despite being delicious on its own, the only thing differentiating one burrata from the next is precisely how creative the kitchen has been in serving it. Yet we stand by its status as an essential to share, and you’ll rarely find us enjoying a meal without it on our table. Done right, it’s nothing short of perfection, and we happen to think these places (all of which we have comprehensively taste-tested for you) hit the mark every time.

1. Soul Bar & Bistro
To look past Soul Bar & Bistro’s iconic offering would be a devastating mistake. Seasonally served with orange, fennel, chervil, and the thoughtful addition of sourdough, Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s burrata is the perfect appetiser for a sunny afternoon spent partaking in convivial affairs.

2. Ada
Ada’s current burrata iteration is as delicious as the famed menu suggests. Changing seasonally, right now, it is served with rich romesco and almonds, which provide just the right amount of crunch to contrast the cheese’s soft interior.

3. Beau
At Beau, simplicity is key — with a menu that allow the extensive wine list at this venue to shine. Here the fresh burrata is doused in aged balsamic and sprinkled with flaky sea salt. Come summer, we will be enjoying it spread on delicious sourdough while seated in Beau’s courtyard with a glass of chilled red in hand.

Left: Bar Celeste. Right: Elmo’s.

4. Bar Céleste
Ask diners why they come to Bar Céleste, and (aside from its comprehensive wine list and delicious menu), punters often say that they visit for the burrata alone. Here, it is served with crunchy almonds and olive oilbest accompanied by a slice of house-made sourdough and a bottle of the Albert Boxler Pinot Blanc, shared among friends.

5. Elmo’s
While Ponsonby Road’s Elmo’s is famed for many things (bottomless brunches and after-work drinks included), the burrata might just be the dish that has garnered it the most attention. Served with truffles when in season, right now you’ll find a most beloved version — 125grams of the creamiest burrata in town is served in a big bowl of house-made pesto, candied wood-fired tomatoes and toasted pinenuts. Delightfully dreamy, we think.

6. Bar Martin
Set in the suburbs of Auckland’s Inner-West, Bar Martin serves what we think might be some of the best burrata in the City. The cheese draws its distinct acidity from the careful use of capers, with the depth of flavour found in courtyard-grown herbs and a kick from fresh chilli. The result is a surprisingly delicious and absolutely moreish plate to share.

Left: The Blue Breeze Inn. Right: Milenta.

7. Bar Non Solo
Taking the famed recipe from sister restaurant Non Solo Pizza, we love Bar Non Solo’s burrata merely because it’s so convenient and classic. Ideally suited to a few after-work drinks or a mid-afternoon snack, it is served with spinach, braised leeks and truffle salsa for the ultimate springtime fare. 

8. The Blue Breeze Inn
Another inspired take is The Blue Breeze Inn’s Asian-influenced burrata. Here you’ll find it famously served with roasted peanuts, ginger, sweet soy, and coriander, alongside a healthy helping of Chinese fried bread to mop it all up. It’s the kind of delightful dish that, given the chance, you should keep all to yourself.

9. Milenta
Creative explorations of burrata should be applauded which, in Milenta’s case, is clearly a winning strategy. Currently served with an assortment of seasonal fruits, namely kiwifruit and grapes, it’s a subtle nod to dessert that adds a welcome sweetness to this plate. We have heard a rumour that the menu is set to change soon — so we suggest getting in while you still can.

10. Amano
It would be impossible to get through this guide without making mention of Amano. One of the City’s most adored Italian eateries (renowned for being delicious every single time), of course the burrata here is nothing short of excellent. The creamy cheese is served atop wood mushrooms, balsamic and onions — the perfect interpretation, if you ask us.

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Inwards Goods' creamed corn toastie.

This cool Fort Lane spot serves epic toasties by day and espresso martinis by night

It has often been said that simplicity is the recipe for success, and it’s a principle employed at the inner-city’s most recent opening, Inwards Goods — a new addition to Fort Lane that focuses on coffee, natural wines, and sumptuous toasties that are a cut above the rest.

Found in the large open entrance to Fort Lane’s Imperial House (which perhaps you might know if you’ve ever paid a visit Everybody’s, the bar above) Inwards Goods is an impressive space, taking over the entire foyer of Imperial House with an almost brutalist fitout. A vast void, initially designed by Fearon Hay Architects, has been re-imagined with ‘a mid-century airport feel’ in mind, with the owners seeking something simple, inviting and cool — the result is all those things and more.

Creamed corn toastie.

Imperial House Owner Sam Ansley explains that “the City needed an open, cool place to meet — purposely undefinable, somewhere to go that isn’t the bar or the club.” And so, come evening time, Inwards Goods delivers a new iteration of late-night experience, offering easy beers, natural wines, and espresso martinis on tap. During the day, the concept is similar, although those walking through the doors will likely opt for a coffee and a toastie — the perfect lunch on the fly.

While toasties seem to be popping up with more frequency on Auckland menus (perhaps for their ease and reliability), Inwards Goods differentiates its offering by focusing on “the little things,” Imperial House’s Creative Director Kamal Haggerty tells me. Take the creamed corn toastie, for which they char the corn and make it in-house, or the truffle honey toastie — a totally unnecessary but utterly welcome addition. Personally, we find the Korean Egg Sandwich the most delightful, with egg, cheese, kimchi, pickles and spicy mayo, giving us the substance we need for weekday (or late night) nourishment. And the menu refuses to discriminate, offering a gluten-free alternative that Haggerty swears is as good as the real thing.

Imperial House by Fearon Hay Architects.

Open from 8am until late (on Fridays and Saturdays, we’re talking 1am late), it is the kind of destination that Auckland’s inner city has been missing. With the vision of guest DJs and summertime kitchen takeovers in the new year, Inwards Goods is a space to keep on your radar, if you’re not obsessed with it already. 

Opening hours:
Monday — Friday, 8am until late.
Saturday, 4pm until late.
Closed Sundays.

Inwards Goods

7 Fort Lane,
Auckland CBD

www.inwardsgoods.co.nz

Gastronomy

These are the Auckland eateries staying open over the summer holidays, plus we’ve rounded up all of the holiday hospo hours you need to know
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Denizen’s definitive guide to the best fish and chips in Auckland — and the scenic spots to enjoy them

Meet the food delivery service bringing delicious curries to your doorstep

The legendary Dabbawalas of Mumbai have long provided a lunch delivery service to ravenous office workers in the populous Indian city, transporting reusable dabbas (stainless steel lunch boxes) filled to the brim with nourishing, home-cooked meals. With the Dabbawalas famed for their reliability and dedication to the job through the most treacherous conditions (from monsoons to riots), this remarkable food delivery system inspired Aucklander Jaimee Croot to conceive ‘Home Spice’, a subscription service with a local twist.

Dishing up authentic Indian cuisine inspired by the region’s vast and varied flavours, Home Spice’s meals are available for delivery to suburban Auckland doorsteps. Encased in dabbas, once emptied, the vessels can be exchanged for a fresh new set of delicious meals each week — a sustainable solution to the excess packaging often associated with home food boxes.

Working alongside an accomplished Indian-born chef, Croot explains that the decision to deliver South-East Asian meals was deliberate for several reasons, including that the food tastes better over time as the flavours marinate and intensify.

The age-old dabba system is ingenious in many ways. Each container consists of four stackable, oven-safe tins, the bottom filled with rice, the second curry, the third dal, and the fourth chutney. Essentially a full meal for two people (or two meals for one), recipients can conveniently heat the rice, curry and dal tins in the oven. There’s also an option to add on rotis (unleavened flat bread). A daily Indian staple, they go perfectly with dals, curries, and chutneys, stay fresh in a cool place for a couple of days, and taste incredible when warmed for just a couple of minutes in the oven.

For now, Home Spice curates a new menu every week based on what’s in season. All meals are vegetarian (and sometimes vegan) — Croot proves you don’t miss meat when nutritious veggies and protein-rich pulses are packed with vibrant and flavourful spices.

Offering dishes like paneer and yam in fenugreek sauce, white lentil dal, and cashew and coriander chutney, Home Spice resonates with the Indian ethos that cooking is a labour of love. Intricate meals are designed to be shared and everyone eats a bit of everything, coming together and bonding over heart-warming food.

Ultimately, whether you’re after a decision-free dinner, craving a new take on plant-based cuisine, or desire a wholesome meal, Home Spice has you covered. Orders close on a Friday evening the week before delivery, and the dabbas are delivered every Tuesday. A worthy service we hope long continues, like the valiant Dabbawalas of Mumbai.

Gastronomy

These are the Auckland eateries staying open over the summer holidays, plus we’ve rounded up all of the holiday hospo hours you need to know
Escaping the city for the holidays? We round up the best eateries up and down the country
Denizen’s definitive guide to the best fish and chips in Auckland — and the scenic spots to enjoy them
From left: Versace Fall 22, Loewe Fall 22, Saint Laurent Fall 22

With party season around the corner, step up your shoe game with these after-dark heels

While talking about party season now might feel early for some, for others, private rooms have been booked, outfits considered and plans already made. After all, summertime is fast approaching and with it, the inevitable onslaught of Christmas parties, end-of-year dos and elegant evening soirées. Now is the perfect time to think about pulling together your party ensembles, and what better place to start than footwear? Elegant, flattering and fit for any occasion, these chic evening shoes will give any after-dark attire a sophisticated edge.

From left: Givenchy G Woven Sandals from Faradays. Claude Sandals from Saint Laurent. Jimmy Choo Meira sandals from Jimmy Choo.

Alexandre Vauthier Fall 22 available from Faradays.
From left: Isabel Marant Anelia heels from Workshop. Aalexandre Vauthier Jacqueline Sandals from Faradays. Idylle sandals from Christian Dior.
Saint Laurent Pre-Fall 22.
From left: Afterhour sandal from Balenciaga. Appeal sandal from Louis Vuitton. Medusa chain sandals from Versace.

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Saint James Paris

Rest your head at the luxury hotels in the world’s most iconic cities

For your next overseas adventure, why not opt for a cosmopolitan escape to one of the world’s most iconic cities? Paris, London, New York and Los Angeles promise something for every cultural persuasion. Here we introduce the newest luxury hotels in which to relax and unwind after long days of exploration and discovery.

Embodying romance like nowhere else in the world, Paris is a city that will sweep you up into a lasting love affair. Expect to make precious memories at one of these luxurious new hotels. 

Saint James Paris
With just the right amount of fun and whimsy, but still romantic by nature, the only château hotel in Paris is a proud statement of splendour. Saint James Paris offers a take on chic country life in the beating heart of the City, with 50 spacious rooms set in a historic boarding house, and an expansive garden offering reprieve and fresh air. Complete with a Guerlain spa and a Greco-Roman-inspired pool, the hotel is poetic but refuses to take itself too seriously. Here, an Art Deco spirit is at home in the bold ode to Parisian architecture, while a spectacular dining contribution from a Michelin-starred chef leaves little to be desired.

Bulgari Hotel Paris
Bulgari’s Parisian flagship is the latest in the hotel collection from the luxury jewellery house, taking up residence in the City’s lauded Golden Triangle. Among the rooms and suites, the Bulgari Penthouse is the crown jewel, offering sweeping views over the City and the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights at night, as well as a rooftop garden, and its own private dining room and wellness centre. This level of luxury is  emulated throughout the hotel, with fine dining restaurants, and a lounge that feels akin to a members club, although little can top falling asleep to the absolutely dazzling master suite view.

Soho House Paris
Set in Paris’ former red-light district, a short stroll from the fanfare of Moulin Rouge, a welcome addition joins the global Soho House roster — Paris’ first permanent taste of the fanciful lifestyle it offers. Alongside all the hallmarks of the renowned brand, comes an impressive art collection with more than 150 paintings — an ode to the City’s history of fostering the creative arts. In this exquisite evolution of Soho House, the Parisian haven is as palatial and fantastical as we would expect from the much-loved group.

Cheval Blanc Paris
Cheval Blanc comprises a small collection of five-star hotels in far-flung French territories, yet it is the new Parisian destination that serves as a place for romance to bloom and history to endure. Among the 72 rooms and suites are some of the most beautiful balconies in the city, with outlooks that extend to all of the beloved landmarks. In fine French form, Cheval Blanc considers culinary arts in the highest regard, with five hospitality destinations (Plenitude holding three Michelin stars), alongside rejuvenating wellness experiences at the Dior Spa — an integral element of any stay.

Nestled in the heart of London’s elegant, urban landscape, these new hotels will keep you close to the City’s incredible culinary and cultural scenes, while offering the perfect end-of-day escapes.

NoMad London
Designed for travellers, vagabonds and those who prefer life spent out of a suitcase, NoMad’s newest outpost taps into the history and cultural depth of London to deliver the kind of warm, welcoming vibe and understated luxury we have come to expect from this international, boutique hotel chain. Set in the iconic Grade-II-listed building known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, this hotel was designed in collaboration with New York-based studio Roman and Williams, and (thanks to its Covent Garden location) is the perfect base from which to explore London’s vibrant restaurant and art scenes. 

One Hundred Shoreditch
Located in the centre of the perpetually-cool East-London suburb of Shoreditch, where clubs and culture collide, One Hundred Shoreditch is a new hotel where guests come to play. Found a stone’s throw from the famed Colombia Road Flower Market and inspired Whitechapel Gallery, a stay at this hotel offers the true London experience, full of vibrant restaurants, eclectic galleries, and bustling bars and pubs. Sporting 258 bedrooms and suites, six restaurants and a Peloton studio (complete with its own concierge service), this independent hotel offers an escape like no other. In its opening year, One Hundred Shoreditch is committing itself to environmental endeavours, working towards both B Corp certification and a sustainable guest experience, so when you do eventually sleep, you can do so soundly.

Little compares to the magnificence of New York. Home to both grandeur and grit, this iconic city is always an inspiring place to visit, and is all the more enticing for these exceptional new hotels

ModernHaus Soho
If life is said to imitate art, then there is no location more alive than this new hotel in the heart of Soho. ModernHaus is a destination of light-filled spaces and divine furnishings, set against Soho’s iconic cobble stones and cast-iron buildings. The 114-room hotel draws on the artistic heritage of its famous neighbourhood, with an extensive modern and contemporary art collection and Bauhaus-inspired architecture that marries clean lines with large windows that look out over New York’s iridescent skyline. And with a new restaurant, Veranda, by renowned chef George Mendes on site, as well as a rooftop bar and pool inspired by Picasso’s blue period, leaving will be nearly impossible.

Image: Nikolas Koenig.
Image: Nikolas Koenig.

Aman New York
Renown for offering luxurious wellness experiences in far-flung exotic locations, Aman’s first foray into the urban space comes in the form of its latest property in New York. With over 83 suites and 22 branded residences, Aman New York offers tranquillity in the heart of the Big Apple; its 5th Avenue address a mere two blocks from Central Park, with its design emblematic of the architecture of 20s New York. Boasting a three-story, flagship Aman Spa, offering the most divine rejuvenation experiences in the city, this hotel has been the group’s greatest investment in a single location to date — and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

A city that celebrates success and embodies a lust for life that is palpable and appealing, days spent in this sprawling metropolis are best when ended at hotels that offer luxury and comfort.

Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
Following in the footsteps of its beloved Santa Monica sister, Downtown L.A Proper builds on its own unique heritage in a way that celebrates all things definitively downtown. A far cry from the casually chic Venice Beach or glamorous Hollywood Hills, Downtown LA is a more industrial, gritty area that offers an entirely new experience of the City of Angels — something that renowned designer Kelly Wearstler wove through her highly-considered design. The makeover ties together the building’s past and present, from a state-of-the-art members club to a community recreation centre, and now a world-class hotel, offering culture, luxury and world-class dining, all in one place.

Pendry West Hollywood
Should you be seeking your own version of Selling Sunset, Pendry’s latest West Hollywood location opens out onto the iconic Sunset Strip. Embracing Californian modernism and the glamour of the Hollywood Hills, the 149 rooms and suites here offer the signature LA experience, including views of its stunning, sweeping cityscape. Pendry’s offerings are synonymous with the LA lifestyle, where entertainment and celebrity-studded parties meet divine wellness and laidback rejuvenation. In the dining arena, Wolfgang Puck returns to his roots with fresh dining and beverage venues designed especially for the address. And with a rooftop pool to top-off the experience, every element of this stay is LA in the most sophisticated way.

Short Stories Hotel
Behind an unassuming hedge in West Hollywood is Short Stories, a 66-room hotel set in a recently-refurbished, 1960s build, reminiscent of the area’s history. The hotel’s food and drink offering is a particular highlight, where a collection of interconnected dining spaces celebrate a cultural melting pot of flavours. From the courtyard lounge to the pool terrace, Stories Bar to the full-service restaurant, and a number of private dining spaces, Short Stories offers living, lounging, lunching and everything decadent that comes in between.

Escape

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Nespresso’s latest capsule collection will deliver the perfect brew every time

Coffee is undeniably one of life’s little pleasures, made better with the addition of perfectly frothed milk. When Nespresso debuted its Vertuo system last year, it garnered a nationwide following for a good reason — the machine boasts café-quality brews that rival those of Kiwi baristas. Delightfully, Vertuo’s capsule offering has just been extended to the Barista Creations for Milk range, promising perfect all-day-long coffee moments.

We know that New Zealanders love their coffee with milk (whether dairy or plant-based) for an exceptionally smooth, sometimes sweet touch. And Barista Creations for Milk are highly complementary to this way of living — each capsule’s flavour is masterfully blended and roasted to complement and enhance the addition of milk.

For those wondering which of the Barista Creations for Milk best suits their tastes, Bianco Piccolo is a rich, nutty coffee that brings out the milk’s creamy texture, best poured in a short cup (think lattes). Bianco Doppio has a sweet and caramel-like profile enhanced by milk, making it ideal for the iconic New Zealand double-shot flat white experience at home. Lastly, Bianco Forte is impressively intense, with rich, roasted and cereal-like notes that endure with just a dash of milk.

Ultimately, something just feels indulgent about a perfectly crafted coffee with milk. The Barista Creations for Milk finesse the experience, and not just because of the sleek, dome-shaped capsules made specifically for the Vertuo system. The intelligent machine reads each capsule’s barcode to extract the perfect brew, whether you desire a flat white, cappuccino, latte or iced coffee — the list goes on. All you need to do is place your chosen capsule into the machine and extract the coffee with the touch of a button. Next, froth the milk with your Nespresso milk device and add it to the coffee.

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee drinker or just getting started, we can tell you that Nespresso’s Vertuo Barista Creations for Milk . For those who prefer their coffee sans milk, rest assured that the Vertuo does it all, from long blacks to third-wave coffee, like Carafe Pour-Over style. To guide your at-home café-quality coffee further, Nespresso’s array of recipes will elevate the experience. 

Vertuo Barista Creations for Milk are available online and in-store at Nespresso Boutiques.

Gastronomy

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