The ultimate staycation at Sofitel
There’s an age-old saying that ‘you can’t beat Wellington on a good day,’ but as Remix Founder Tim Phin found out, it’s genuinely quite delightful any day of the year.
As the country’s arts mecca, Wellington is a city permanently on our radar; it’s home to some of the coolest galleries and exhibitions, most avant-garde fashion, and best emerging brands. But my latest trip to the capital comprised something different instead—the ultimate staycation at Sofitel.
If you know the history of this hotel brand, it has long been synonymous with French luxury. Every detail of the stay (which was seriously rejuvenating, by the way), was considered and executed with care. From smaller details like valet parking—ideal for when you need a zippy car to get out of the city—and divine amenities by Balmain, through to the ones that really matter like in room luxuries, and some of the best dining in the city, I’m already planning my next trip back.
I ate seriously well here. Jardin Grille helms this beautiful hotel; which is simply a really good restaurant that specialises in fine French fixe. I’d recommend visiting with friends or family so you could order one of everything, but if you have to rein it in, the oysters, pork belly and fresh cuts from the grille must make the cut. The kitchen also offers a fantastic Trust The Chef Degustation Menu courtesy of Chef Shweta, who is a great reminder that hotel dining is still both delicious and chic.
Another highlight of the stay was Club Sofitel, where joie de vivre is delivered in spades. It’s the kind of space that’s as perfect for a pre-dinner refresher as it is somewhere to set up a laptop and work for the day; although I was there to try and do a lot less of that. Instead I ventured out into the capital, discovering some of the country’s coolest galleries, exhibitions and theatre (which you can read more about within the pages of this issue).
And when I did retreat to my room in the evenings—which really was a sumptuous little haven for my stay—it was spacious, luxurious, and every bit as comfortable as a hotel suite should be. With incredible views across this great wee city, I’d agree that Wellington is indeed pretty hard to beat.
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