WHY SO SEXY?

How about staying active?

You can work up a sweat in the SO/ Fit fitness centre before cooling off in the indoor heated pool. However, we suggest a spot of pampering at the indulgent SO/ Spa, home to innovative treatments like the Himalayan detox therapy.

And when hunger strikes?

Make a beeline for Harbour Society, one of the city’s hottest tables, located on the 15th floor. Here, executive chef Marty Kindleysides prepares world-class cuisine laced with plenty of locally-sourced ingredients – think venison from Whitford; wild-grown ginseng from Rotorua; and duck from Pukekohe’s Estherbrook Farm.

You’ll also want to rub shoulders with the city’s beautiful upstairs at HI-SO, the hotel’s lavish rooftop bar, which boasts stunning views to Rangitoto, the city’s most iconic volcano, and an extensive selection of contemporary cocktails. so-auckland.com – NICK

WALTON

Firstly, what is SO/ Auckland?

SO/Auckland is the seventh addition to Accor’s rebellious SO lifestyle hotel collection and the first to open in the Pacific. Located in the thick of the action, in a Custom Street building that once held the country’s Reserve Bank, this dynamic 130-room urban retreat is steps from leading bars and restaurants as well as the gorgeous Waitemata Harbour.

So, we’re talking design savvy?

Very much so. To create a bold aesthetic statement in the heart of the city’s downtown, New Zealand fashion icon World was tapped as signature design partner; you’ll see its playful interpretation of the city’s volcanic history in the stylings of the guest rooms and penthouses. Throw in furniture and lighting installations by Dutch design house Moooi, and a mega chandelier by Marcel Wanders in the lobby’s Mixo Bar and you have a hotel that’s as Instagrammable as any in the country.

What about the rooms?

That bold design language from World is best seen in the room stylings, which range from ‘Solid’ (think black and gold), and ‘Liquid’ (fiery walls and warm-tones), to ‘Vapour’, with plenty of stone and touches of pink. Penthouses boast either a Caldera theme with emerald blues and avant-garde art, or an Exposure theme, with lavish furnishings in both warm and cool hues. Rooms range from the cosy SO Urban through to the luxurious SO VIP, with its separate living, dining and kitchen areas and spectacular harbour views. Look out for stand-alone bathtubs, Nespresso machines, and complimentary minibars packed with local flavours.

Some rooms also offer access to Club Signature, an exclusive lounge by designer Benny Castles that serves afternoon tea and evening cocktails – be sure to head upstairs to the lounge’s private terrace.