Australia

Sydney

Capella Sydney

In Sydney’s business district, Capella occupies the former Department of Education on Bridge Street, a heritage shell transformed into a serene luxury hotel. The Living Room lounge sets the tone, all thoughtful rituals. Downstairs: Brasserie 1930 and McRae Bar. Reset at Auriga Spa, with a heated indoor pool, sauna, and steam room, near Circular Quay. 9.8

Park Hyatt Sydney

In The Rocks, Park Hyatt Sydney sits on the harbour, staring at the Sydney Opera House. Rooms feel residential, with balconies that pull harbour views. A fantastic rooftop pool and spa soothe jet lag, while The Dining Room serves polished local plates. Quiet luxury, perfectly placed for Circular Quay strolls. 9.4

The EVE Hotel Sydney

In Redfern, on the edge of Surry Hills, The Eve Hotel Sydney is a luxury boutique hideaway inside Wunderlich Lane. The vibe is playful, design-led, and sophisticated. Swim the rooftop pool with city views, book a treatment at The Parlour Room, then linger at Lottie’s rooftop Mexican Diner till late. 9.8

25hours Hotel Sydney
The Olympia

In Paddington on Oxford Street, 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia turns a heritage art-house theatre into a film-set stay. The vibe is cheeky, cinematic, and social. Sleep in one of the 109 characterful rooms, then dine at Palomar, sip at The Mulwray bar, and end on Monica's rooftop terrace for Sydney skyline views. 9.8

Four Seasons Sydney

In The Rocks at Circular Quay, Four Seasons Sydney is a glassy harbour lookout with Opera House and Bridge views. Rooms feel sleek, grown-up, and quiet. Spend afternoons by the heated outdoor pool, then retreat to endota spa’s sauna and steam. Evenings mean Mode’s modern Australian plates and cocktails. Exceptional service and great location 9.6

The Langham, Sydney

The Langham Sydney feels like an old-world townhouse with lots of modern-day swagger. Rooms are thoughtful and high luxe. Downstairs, The Day Spa by Chuan showcases a 20-metre heated indoor pool, hot tub and steam rooms. Relax in the Observatory Bar for cocktails or head for the signature afternoon tea. 9.8

The Ritz Carlton, Melbourne

Rising 80 stories above Melbourne’s business district on Lonsdale Street, The Ritz-Carlton feels like a hush-button for the city. Rooms are sleek sanctuaries with a view. Swim in the indoor pool, book a spa ritual, then linger over Atria cooking and Cameo cocktails. Service is quietly precise. 9.6

The Langham, Melbourne

On Southbank’s Yarra River edge, The Langham, Melbourne wraps classic glamour in a city-ready location. Rooms are plush, quietly lit, and made for long stays. Between galleries and theatre, reset at Chuan Spa, the indoor pool and fitness studio, then linger over Melba’s buffet or Aria’s afternoon tea and relaxing evening cocktails. 9.2

Park Hyatt Melbourne

Tucked beside Parliament House in East Melbourne, near Fitzroy Gardens and St Patrick’s Cathedral, Park Hyatt Melbourne is a quietly grand city retreat. The vibe is clubby, old-money warmth. Rooms are generously sized. The Park Club delivers a 25-metre indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam, gym and day spa, plus great dining. 9.4

1 Hotel Melbourne

On Melbourne’s Yarra River in the North Wharf precinct, 1 Hotel Melbourne is an eco-luxe hideaway wrapped in timber, greenery, and water views. The vibe is relaxed, nature-forward, and social. Relax in the indoor pool, sauna and steam room, book in at Bamford Wellness Spa, then eat hyperlocal at From Here by Mike restaurant. 9.8

RACV Torquay Resort

On the Surf Coast at 1 Great Ocean Road, RACV Torquay Resort blends ocean-view modernity with a golf-club soul. The vibe is relaxed, outdoorsy, and quietly refined. Play the par-71 course, swim in the indoor pool, train in the gym, then book One Spa before sunset drinks and Number One dining. 9.6

Alkina Lodge

Just off Victoria’s Great Ocean Road in Wattle Hill, near the Twelve Apostles and Great Otway National Park, Alkina Lodge is a trio of architect-designed, four-bedroom villas by Glenn Murcutt and Wendy Lewin. The vibe is secluded, design-nerdy and nature-soaked. Expect Gaggenau kitchens, wood fires, terraces, and kangaroos at dusk. Best for coastal walks. 9.6

Drift House

In Port Fairy, beside the Moyne River and minutes from East Beach, Drift House is an adults-only, six-suite boutique hideaway that splices Victorian heritage with modern design. The vibe is intimate and coastal-calm. Expect locally sourced à la carte breakfast, a maxi-bar, bikes, and suites with fireplaces and stone tubs. 9.8

COMO The Treasury

Housed in Perth’s restored State Buildings at Cathedral Square in the CBD, COMO The Treasury is heritage grandeur softened by COMO calm. The vibe is quietly indulgent and grown-up. Between gallery hops and river walks, retreat to COMO Shambhala’s indoor pool, sauna and indulgent treatments, then dine in the highly regarded Wildflower’s rooftop restaurant. 9.8

Ritz Carlton Perth

On Elizabeth Quay, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth is a riverfront high-rise with floor-to-ceiling views of the Swan and skyline. The vibe is polished, waterfront-glam, and quietly confident. Swim in the heated outdoor infinity pool, reset at the spa with sauna and vitality pools, then linger over Hearth’s Restaurant open-fire cooking and Songbird bar for cocktails. 9.2

The Westin Perth

In Perth’s Business District at Hibernian Place, The Westin is a sleek, light-filled sanctuary. The vibe is restorative and stylish. Have a late morning in the heavenly Bed, then relax in the outdoor pool, Bodhi J Day Spa, and WestinWORKOUT gym. Dine at Garum or have a slow afternoon in the Haven Lounge. Fantastic hotel with great service and great city views. 9.4

Emporium Hotel
South Bank

On Grey Street in South Brisbane, Emporium Hotel South Bank is a glossy, river-facing high-rise steps from South Bank Parklands. The vibe is modern, dress-up, and indulgent. Relax in the rooftop infinity pool, then rejuvenate in the Spa with sauna, steam, cold plunge and indulgent treatments. Dine in the authentic Italian restaurant and relax with great music and fantastic service. 9.6

Spicers Balfour Hotel

Hidden on Balfour Street in New Farm, Spicers Balfour Hotel is Brisbane boutique comfort with a wink of glamour. The vibe is intimate, verandah-soft, and quietly romantic. Expect stylish rooms, The Balfour Kitchen & Bar for breakfast and wine, plus a rooftop bar for skyline sunsets, minutes from the City Business District. 9.6

The Calile Hotel

On James Street in Fortitude Valley, The Calile is Brisbane’s urban resort, all sun-washed lines and poolside cabanas. The vibe is stylish, sociable, and subtropical-calm. Between boutiques, dip into the long outdoor pool, hit the gym and day spa, then linger at Hellenika, Sushi Room, or Lobby Bar. Expect first-class service. 9.4

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