Andrew Zuccala

In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your text trip. In this instalment, we take you to The Hotel Britomart, where you'll find modern eco-friendly accommodation set on Auckland's city harbour. If you're due for a VIP escape to this sensational hotel, you're in luck. Right now there's an ultra exclusive Auckland getaway, curated by our editors, that you can snap up on Concrete Playground Trips. But we only have 20 packages (for two travellers) so when we say 'ultra exclusive' we really mean it. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This is where luxury design and amenities are perfectly paired with sustainable practices (it is New Zealand's only 5-Green Star hotel). THE ROOMS Each of the 99 rooms is designed for tranquil escapism. Think of Hotel Britomart like a city retreat, lined in natural and sustainably sourced timber. Guest rooms all come with in-built sofas, hand-made ceramics and minibars full of locally sourced treats. Attention to detail is on point. But that's just your entry level experience of Hotel Britomart. You've then got the hyper luxe suites, each with their own unique selling point. The Poraenui Suite is one of their very best, giving a whole new meaning to rooftop living. This 74-sqm living space occupies a glassy pavilion tucked discreetly onto the rooftop of the heritage Buckland Building (blending heritage with modernity). Up here, both the living room and bedroom open onto a private 28-sqm terrace with views across neighbouring heritage rooftops to the city and Takutai Square. Pick a book from their mini library, order up some local New Zealand wine, and you have just found your new happy place. You won't regret staying up here. FOOD AND DRINK The in-house restaurant, kingi, is also a must-see. It is set within the heritage Masonic House, and showcases sustainably caught seafood paired with unique wines. Chef Tom Hishon has devised an evolving menu that's perfect for this all-day food-consuming haven (you'll usually find a mix of guests staying at the hotel as well as local foodies). Expect dishes like octopus carpaccio and pan-roasted snapper, alongside stories about the talented fishermen and women who sustainably caught the produce on your plate. It's all traceable and tasty. THE LOCAL AREA The Britomart area is located in central Auckland, right along the harbour. It's a 24-hour hub of culture, food and shopping. Boutique stores championing local designers are scattered all over. Restaurants, bars and pop-up food stalls keep the local workers and the tourists equally happy. And you can easily get all around Auckland from here. THE EXTRAS You can rest peacefully knowing you are staying in one of the most sustainable hotels in New Zealand — it is New Zealand's only 5-Green Star hotel. You can even make your stay eco-friendlier by booking a Green Package. For every day you're there, these guys plant a native tree at sister property The Landing, located in the Bay of Islands. Guests even have the option to fly there via helicopter, for an even longer and more luxurious getaway. And lastly, to add to its green credentials, Hotel Britomart rents out its own bikes so that guests can get around town without having to call cabs or use public transport. You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.