Situated in Auckland's bustling Britomart district and a stone's throw from chic boutiques and luxury fashion houses, the SO/ Auckland has established itself as a high-end designer hotel with style as its core - making its new partnership with premium retailer Superette no surprise.
The hotel and premier fashion and lifestyle outlet have teamed up to create a bespoke, limited-edition suite that reflects Superette's expertly curated range of desirable pieces, making it one very fashionable getaway. Think stylish homeware, fresh flowers, wellness products, and a $50 voucher for your next Superette shopping spree.
As a collaboration, it makes sense. Set amid Auckland's shopping district with its artistic interiors, rainfall showers and gold furnishings, the SO/ fancies itself as a haute couture hotel for the luxury traveller. Its lush, artfully curated suites and bedrooms are the work of New Zealand fashion house WORLD and Dutch interior designer Moooi, and a partnership with Superette will appeal to the stylish, urbanite clientele it markets itself towards.
Touted as a "fashion meets hospitality" experience for fashionistas and design enthusiasts, the SO/ x Superette Suite first launched in October but has been extended for another month, with bookings available until the end of November.
"Fashion and style are in SO/'s DNA and this partnership serves to elevate what we do best: merging luxury hospitality with cutting-edge fashion," said Tarek Beheiry, general manager at SO/ Auckland.
"Superette's method of providing a curated approach to fashion reflects how SO/ seeks to stand out and challenge the norms of hospitality while celebrating style. We are proud to bring this partnership to life."
Co-founder of Superette Rickie Dee agreed it is a match made in high-end heaven, noting that both brands have an appreciation for innovation and style.
"Superette has always been dedicated to curating a unique and diverse selection of fashion that resonates with individuals who appreciate innovation and style," she said.
"Teaming up with SO/ Auckland allows us to expand our creative horizons and offer our customers a new experience that goes beyond traditional shopping, and we're so excited to embark on this journey of redefining luxury."
So, what can you expect during a night in the SO/ x Superette Suite?
The exclusive suite is housed on the SO/'s 14th floor, providing sweeping views of the sparkling Waitematā Harbour with a regal Rangitoto Island in the background. You can take in the views from a small balcony that overlooks Britomart, from the Ferry Terminal to The Cloud and Takutai Square.
It's also worth noting that each floor of the hotel is only accessible to guests staying on that particular level, intended to appeal to celebrity clients who value their privacy. While floors housing public venues like bars and restaurants are accessible to all via the elevator, levels dedicated solely to guestrooms - such as 14 - can only be reached by those with a keycard coded with their room number.
The suite itself is incredibly spacious, spanning an open-plan living-cum-dining area that leads into the elegant bedroom and a bathroom that offers two showers, a free-standing bathtub, double sinks and a toilet with a sliding door.
The space is already fitted with SO/'s signature brand of furnishings - from black marbled countertops to brushed gold accents, plush fabrics, and a king-size bed - but also features a selection of Superette's designer homewares and lifestyle products. You can drink in the views while you sip champagne from a Fazeek Wave Coupe Glass, or relax on the sofa and take your pick from the range of luxury coffee-table books on offer, from the self-care read Be Well to the Tom Ford catalogue and GUCCI: The Making Of.
In the bathroom, you'll find The Beauty Chef Hydration Inner Beauty Boost for a quick pick-me-up, as well as the latest Dyson Corrale Straightener for effortless styling before dinner or drinks at the Hi-So rooftop bar on level 16. If you fancy a night of quiet reading and soaking in the tub, you can enjoy a moisturising and invigorating bath with the Salt by Hendrix Cocoa-Soak, and maybe a cookie (or two) from the snack bar. Plus, there's luxury $55 Bondi Wash hand soap on the counter for the sweetest-smelling mitts in Tāmaki Makaurau.
A stay in the suite also includes complimentary access to the SO/ Club Signature, which serves drinks and canapes between 5pm and 7pm, as well as standard guest access to the hotel's 20m heated lap pool, jacuzzi and Finnish sauna.
The SO/'s on-site restaurant, Harbour Society, is situated on the 15th floor with uninterrupted views of the harbour and downtown Auckland. The ever-evolving menu champions sustainably sourced produce and seasonal ingredients, with sharing encouraged to get the most out of your meal. For entrees, we enjoyed the Freedom Farm Pork Belly with macadamia, leek and charcoal, and the Ash Roasted Carrot with romesco, beetroot and macadamia. For mains, we opted for the Market Fish with courgette, cauliflower, almond and crayfish butter, and the Beef Two Way with short rib, eye fillet, sour cabbage and agria.
In the morning, you can opt for breakfast out-and-about or treat yourself to room service in the deliciously soft king bed: the omelette is fantastic, especially with a fresh cup of Nespresso coffee, which you can enjoy without even leaving your room.
Of course, the aforementioned Superette voucher is the perfect finishing touch to a stay in the suite: upon check-out, you're a mere stroll from the retailer's Commercial Bay destination, where you can spend the day shopping up a storm with a wee discount in hand.
The partnership between SO/ Auckland and Superette is aimed at offering a more bespoke hotel stay that emphasises the importance of the little things in life: like coconut-and-rose bath salts and $55 hand wash. The carefully considered details and pristine furnishings make for a stylish getaway in a sanctuary-like space for the city's fashionistas, or chic travellers looking for a luxury night away.
The SO/ x Superette Suite is available to book throughout November. Bookings are via enquiry only.
Lana Andelane enjoyed a complimentary one-night stay in the SO/ x Superette Suite and dinner at Harbour Society courtesy of SO/ Auckland.
