Get the low-down from the original style-seekers' latest good-time hunting expeditions, find destination inspiration and insider tips from around the world. Welcome to the official Smith blog: we hope you enjoy your stay
New Zealand may be best known for big nature and bungee jumping, but it’s one of our top tips for sexy shopping breaks, too. Take a trip to buzzy Auckland, the country’s biggest city on the North Island, then hightail it to hip drag Ponsonby Road, where an edgy mix of designer fashion, vintage threads, [...]
From the first mesmerising haka – the Maori war dance that heralds the start of any game by the All Blacks – Rugby World Cup 2011, hosted by New Zealand, should have sports fans gripped. Running from 9 September, it’ll bring together rugby’s global heavyweights, with hotly anticipated clashes in the pool stages between England [...]
With pristine snow fields, adrenalin-fuelled pursuits and a white-hot après-ski scene all within scarf-flinging distance, Matakauri Lodge boutique hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand, is at its most alluring during the local ski season, which runs from now until it’s sticks-down in October.
Style Alpine elegance
Setting Shores of Lake Wakatipu
Why this week? There’s [...]
When we decided it was time for an exclusively Antipodean guidebook to add to our ever-expanding library for stylish globetrotters, our first port of call was acclaimed Australian photographer Earl Carter (right). Melbourne-based Earl has roamed the world shooting hotel, food and interiors pictures for A-list magazines and books, so who better to quiz for [...]
As Britain’s temperature pauses at a shiver-inducing low, there’s just one thing on our minds: escape. New Zealand’s colour-rich countryside and sweeping coasts are calling to us. With that in mind, our ‘Hotel of the week’ spotlight has cast its glitzy glow upon The Spire, in Queenstown.
Style Urbane sophisticate
Setting Charming church-side lane
Why this week? Take [...]
We’ve cast aside dreary resolutions involving various forms of deprivation and replaced them instead with ambitions for adventure in faraway lands. Scooping our prize this week is a sky-high, eco-dedicated resort perched betwixt mountain and sea in the New Zealand town of Kaikoura…
Style Architectural meets arboreal
Setting Deer-dotted pastures and peaks
Why this week? It might feel [...]
Our reviewers for our new guidebook were, as ever, a panel of people we admire and respect, all of whom have impeccable taste, and who we trusted to report back to us on Smith hotels with total honesty. The only thing we asked of them? That they visited each hotel anonymously with a partner and, [...]
Our latest glamorous guidebook Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Collection: Australia/New Zealand is poised to hit the shelves: and it’s our boldest expression of wanderlust yet. From the lush wet plains of Australia’s Top End, via the iconic beaches and islands of the east coast, right through to the Middle Earth peaks of New Zealand’s [...]
Our latest glamorous guidebook Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Collection: Australia/New Zealand is poised to hit the shops: it is officially out 25 November (£19.95), but you can order an advance copy now.
As you know, romantic and stylish is our shtick – and finally we’ve officially spread the love to the southern hemisphere. Barefoot-luxury lodges, [...]
Have you ever noticed how actresses about to receive a necklace on screen are always bare-necked before their suitor rocks up with a jewellery gift? If you, too, know that naked feeling when you’re in your hotel room, getting ready for a fabulous night out – get your partner to channel Richard Gere in Pretty [...]
