Ebb Dunedin

Ebb Dunedin is a visionary masterpiece. Award-winning architect Gary Todd has - with much aplomb - excelled in bringing this modernist hotel to Dunedin’s cityscape. Details have cleverly come together in a bid to slow us down, asking us to pause awhile. We can thank Shelly Indyk of INDYK Architects for this. Here, guests are encouraged to switch off. Ebb is a boutique hotel that reaches the realm of art; appreciate every curvature, crevice and interior doff, stepping away from the fast lane. 

The name ‘Ebb’ denotes the origins of the site. Part of the reclaimed Otago Harbour tidal flats, the water once would have ebbed as Polynesian settlers arrived from distant shores. Simon Kaan’s mesmerising mural on the external facade also echoes this history with a wistful seascape complete with wakas. The impressive glass curtain wall is composed of 30 digitally printed glass panels making it captivating in both scale and design. 

Coined ‘relaxed luxury,’ Ebb is a boutique hotel that focuses on bespoke service. The team is on hand with insightful local knowledge and recommendations, but if you’re after an uninterrupted stay, that’s cool too. The rooms boast quality finishes – comfy beds (and linen) and thoughtful touches – making the hotel an ideal destination for extended breaks, a city sojourn or a luxurious staycation.

On the ground floor, you’ll find The Ebb Café with chef and writer Alison Lambert at the helm. Open Tuesday to Sunday, the menu is an ode to farm-to-plate cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re after a delicious brekkie, long lunch or a sweet treat, there’ll be something for you to devour, along with an excellent coffee.  

“Come as you are, go as you please” is emblazoned on the Ebb website, and we were certainly made to feel welcome. The only problem was we didn’t want to leave, and we suspect you may feel the same.