360 degrees of luxury

Looking at it from every angle, Napier's iconic Dome is now the most exclusive address in town for that very special occasion, celebration or simply to spoil yourself and relax.

When it comes to New Zealand structural landmarks, nothing stands out more than Napier's stunning Dome. Built in 1937 after the city's infamous earthquake, the building was originally the home of Temperance & General Insurance, a company that emerged during the Prohibition Era in the early 1900s. A far cry from its much-celebrated new lease of life as Napier's fi nest luxury penthouse apartments and business retreat.

The T&G Building sits proudly on the corner of Marine Parade and Emerson Street, commanding some of the best ocean views in the city, with a panoramic vista across the sparkling waters of Hawke Bay. Directly opposite is the Art Deco promenade, Marine Parade, with the Sound Shell, Norfolk pines and expansive gardens.

The Napier icon is characterised by its distinctive domed roof, complete with clock faces, and is known by appreciative locals simply as 'The Dome' or 'The Dame'. The latter reference to its reverent stature looking down at all she surveys. It is these views that caught the attention of prominent Irish businessman Luan Cuffe who fell in love with the building on a fleeting visit to Napier in 2005. "With 17 architects in the family, my life has been steeped in design, art and architecture," Luan explains. "When I discovered the T & G Building, it just seemed the perfect fi t for my architectural passion." A long time advocate for the preservation and construction of heritage buildings, Luan immediately saw the potential for a sympathetic but stunning renovation of its interior. Luan's simple philosophy on life was passed on to him by his architect father, who encouraged him to, "just leave the earth a little better than when you found it."

Working closely with long time Irish family friend and born again Napierite Ailne Bradley, the two entrepreneurial spirits have created a wow factor that now provides the ultimate accommodation offering in Napier, sleeping 20 people between the two top fl oors. Branded The Dome Luxury Penthouse Apartments, they are ideal for couples, friends and family or corporate use. Each have a unique sense of privacy and seclusion giving you a perfect chance to indulge and retreat or share an exquisite outdoor heated plunge pool and spa. With five kingsized suites and two stunning penthouse apartments, all can be opened up to be part of the overall retreat or can be enjoyed individually for a romantic escape.

However the Dome Luxury Penthouse Apartments are configured, they offer a place to stimulate all your senses. Enjoy a visual feast with spectacular Pacific sunrises or take in the commanding bird's eye view from the mountain ranges to Mahia Peninsula and across Hawke Bay to Cape Kidnappers and beyond. As a guest you can choose to conjure up your own gastronomic creations in the expansive well-equipped kitchens or banquet in the spectacular circular dining room of the dome itself, while professional local chefs do all the work for you! Maybe just unwind with an onsite massage and indulge in some beauty therapy or simply sit back and relax with a little help from your state of the art sound and home theatre system. There's not a lot this five star retreat can't arrange to accommodate the particular individual wishes of any guest or function organiser.

Over the years the Dome has enjoyed an impressive list of celebrity guests and visitors including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Jack Johnston and more recently the New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who was the guest of honour at the inaugural Starlight Supper during Napier's world famous 2009 GEON Art Deco Weekend. But the real key is that everyone feels rather special staying here. After all this is the complete package of luxury and location. There is nothing quite like the unique experience of looking out from your very own Dome balcony, sipping a glass of fine Hawke's Bay wine and taking in those stunning 360 degree views.