As the mercury dips and the Matariki stars shine above us, Fashion Quarterly gathered a stylish group of women for an indulgent midwinter escape to remember. The backdrop? Hotel Indigo Auckland, a boutique destination that is anything but ordinary.
From the moment we stepped inside this striking new hotel, we were immersed in a world where creativity takes centre stage and bold art, thoughtful design, and unexpected touches reflected the vibrant spirit of the neighbourhood. Behind its heritage façade lay a dynamic blend of past and present, with eclectic contemporary interiors that pulsed with modern city life.
Upon our arrival, the concierge seamlessly took our bags, allowing us to slip into one of two sleek Lexuses (the Lexus RX 450h+ Limited in titanium and the Lexus RX 350h Limited) that whisked us away to our first appointment of the day. Equipped with heated seat warmers and the Winter issue of FQ (of course), this was the definition of travelling in style.
A short drive later we arrived at Caci Wynyard Quarter, where the Skinsmiths B12 Hydrating Facial awaited. This glow-inducing treatment offers a blend of gentle exfoliation, deep hydration and a soothing neck and shoulder massage, delivering the perfect winter reset. We floated back into our awaiting Lexus feeling fresh, dewy, and a little bit more like ourselves again.
It was then time to officially check into our suites at Hotel Indigo, offering us the perfect chance to relax, unwind and flip through the latest issue of Fashion Quarterly while admiring the sweeping city views outside our floor-to-ceiling windows. We were also greeted with FQ’s famous sleepover gift bag. This season’s gifting included vitamin-powered skincare from SkinSmiths B12 range, jewellery from Pandora’s Essence collection, a luxe bottle of Batched’s Pistachio Chocolate Martini, refreshing products from Two Islands, knitwear from Untouched World’s AW25 knitwear collection and boots from Ecco’s latest collection.
As we glammed up for the night ahead, we took the opportunity to channel our inner mixologists by mixing ourselves a Batched Pistachio Chocolate Martini. It was the perfect opportunity for an indulgent sip (or two!) and to compare cocktail-making skills with friends.
Before we slipped out the door it was time for one last finishing touch, completing our looks with the Rippled Wide Hoop Earrings and the Twisted Open Bangle from Pandora’s Essence collection — refined, minimal, and made to elevate every moment.
Dinner was held at Bistro Saine, where timeless bistro charm meets contemporary elegance. Executive Chef Yutak Son crafts dishes that honour the traditions of classic European fare while incorporating modern techniques and seasonality. We gathered around a candle-lit table featuring vibrant tulips in Maison Balzac LouLou Vase’s from Maman as we eagerly awaited the arrival of our dinner. The menu included a choice of Kingfish Crudo, Beef Tartare or Linseed Crackers for entrees; a main of Kingfish Fillet, Steak Frites or Fusilli Bake; and finished with Pear Tarte Tatin, Dark Chocolate Whisky Mousse or Crème Caramel for dessert. Paired with a refined wine list, the warm, understated glow of the dining room and truly fantastic company, the experience was the definition of winter dining done well.
Content from a delightful evening of conversation, we headed back to our rooms where the evening wound down with a Two Islands Nightcap—a magnesium-rich sip designed to support restorative sleep—before drifting off to sleep high above the city below.
After a blissful slumber we started our morning with Two Islands Electrolyte⁴for a refreshing boost of hydration and energy, before moving onto our skincare with a vitamin-powered skincare routine using SkinSmiths B12 range.
Before we headed downstairs for a farewell breakfast it was time for a fit check as we dressed for the day in Untouched World’s AW25 knitwear and the latest ECCO boots, perfectly suited for the brisk, blue-sky morning ahead.
And just like that, it was time to check out. The FQ Autumn Sleepover was a celebration of indulgence, style, and the art of slowing down—a true luxury in itself. Until next time…
Photograhy: Ruby Jayne Hamilton.
