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 Fullerton Hotel
Sydney
In Sydney’s Business District at Martin Place, The Fullerton occupies the former General Post Office, all sandstone arches and contemporary calm. The vibe is heritage-glam, quietly businesslike. Expect spacious luxe rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre, Fullerton Spa treatments, and atrium dining at The Place, plus cocktails and afternoon tea at The Bar. 9.4
Melbourne
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
Great Ocean Road
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
Perth
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
Brisbane
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
Gold Coast
The Langham Gold Coast
On the beachfront between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, The Langham, Gold Coast is a glossy coastal tower with a softer, old-world touch. The vibe is resort-sleek and quietly indulgent. Float between the indoor ocean-view magnesium pool and lagoon pool with swim-up bar, then retreat to Chuan Spa and Akoya dining. 9.4
JW Marriott Gold Coast
Resort & Spa
On Ferny Avenue in Surfers Paradise, JW Marriott Gold Coast is a tropical, family-friendly resort wrapped around a saltwater lagoon with tropical fish. The vibe is upbeat, polished, and holiday-ready. Book Spa by JW, swim the pools, then choose Citrique’s buffet or Misono teppanyaki after beach time, for sunset cocktails. 9.2
Peppers Broadbeach
In Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, Peppers Broadbeach, in two soaring towers, is sleek apartment living with a holiday pulse. The vibe is sunny, sociable, and beach-adjacent. Between Pacific Fair and The Star Gold Coast, you get a resort pool, lap pool, outdoor spa, sauna, steam room, gym, plus a private cinema. 9.4
RACV Royal Pines Resort
Gold Coast
In leafy Benowa on the Gold Coast, minutes from Surfers Paradise, RACV Royal Pines Resort is a greenside escape with hotel polish. The vibe is active, family-friendly, and resort-easy. Tee off on the championship course, float in the lagoon pool, book One Spa, and refuel across several great restaurants and bars. 9.4
The Darling at The Star
Gold Coast
At The Star on Broadbeach Island, The Darling is a suite-only retreat with casino energy kept downstairs. The vibe is glamorous, nocturnal, and surprisingly cushy. Expect luxury suites, access to Isoletto Pool Club, Azure Spa and gym, and a carousel of fantastic restaurants and bars, steps from the beach and Pacific Fair. 9.4
Marriott Vacation Club
at Surfers Paradise
At 158 Ferny Avenue in Surfers Paradise, Marriott Vacation Club is a resort-style base co-located with JW Marriott. The vibe is upbeat, family-first, and beach-hungry. Choose suites with kitchenettes and balconies, then rotate between the heated outdoor pool, saltwater lagoon, tennis, and the Japanese steakhouse and seafood dining on-site, daily. 9.0
InterContinental
Sanctuary Cove Resort
At Sanctuary Cove on Hope Island, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort feels like a Queensland estate with marina-side ease. The vibe is polished, family-friendly, and leisurely. Spend days at the one-acre lagoon pool with sandy beach, plus heated terrace pool and spa, then dress up for wood-fired dining at The Fireplace restaurant. 9.0
Great Barrier Reef
Lizard Island Resort
On the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island Resort is an all-inclusive castaway fantasy inside a national park, with 24 beaches and just 40 rooms, suites and villas. The vibe is barefoot-luxe and remote. Snorkel from shore, dive the Cod Hole, then reset at Essentia Day Spa and the freshwater pool. 9.8
Qualia
On Hamilton Island’s northern tip in the Whitsundays, Qualia is an adults-only hideaway where pavilion suites open to sea breezes, some with private plunge pools. The vibe is barefoot-luxe and quietly theatrical. Cruise by golf buggy to two infinity-edge pools, Spa qualia rituals, and Long Pavilion or Pebble Beach dining. 9.6
Orpheus Island Lodge
On Orpheus Island in the Palm archipelago off Townsville, Orpheus Island Lodge is an all-inclusive, 14-key hideaway on the Great Barrier Reef. The vibe is barefoot-luxe, intimate, and quietly adventurous. Snorkel straight off the sunny beach, laze by the infinity pool, and book a day-spa treatment between long, chef-led lunches. 9.8
Elysian Luxury Eco
Island Retreat
On Long Island’s southern tip in the Whitsundays, Elysian Luxury Eco Island Retreat is a solar-powered, adults-only hideaway with just ten oceanfront villas. The vibe is barefoot-luxe, wellness-first, and secluded. Float in the magnesium infinity pool, paddle or snorkel the bay, then unwind with organic spa treatments and chef-led meals. 9.8
Cairns
Crystalbrook Flynn
On Cairns Esplanade, Crystalbrook Flynn is a glossy, reef-gateway hotel made for warm nights and pool days. The vibe is playful, social, and a little glam. Expect glass-edged pools, Eléme Day Spa treatments, a gym, and a lively mix of restaurants and bars, steps from the waterfront all year round. 9.2
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
On Wharf Street near Cairns Esplanade, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino pairs tropical polish with a lively, after-dark pulse. The vibe is glamorous, grown-up, and easy. Stay in rooms with spa-baths, then head upstairs for the rooftop pool and sauna, dine at Tamarind, or try your luck in the boutique casino below. 9.4
Crystalbrook Riley
On the Cairns Esplanade, Crystalbrook Riley is a breezy, design-forward gateway to the reef, relax at the 1,000-square-metre lagoon pool and man-made beach. The vibe is playful, sunlit, and social. Recharge at Eléme Day Spa, train in the 24-hour gym, then dine at Paper Crane or Rocco rooftop each evening. 9.2
Port Douglas - Daintree
Silky Oaks Lodge
On the Mossman River in the Daintree, Silky Oaks Lodge is a luxe rainforest hideaway near Mossman Gorge. The vibe is barefoot, wellness-led and quietly romantic. Sleep in treehouse-style rooms, dip in the river or lagoon pool, book Healing Waters Spa, and linger over Treehouse Restaurant dinners under the canopy. 9.8
Daintree Ecolodge
Deep in Queensland’s World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, Daintree Ecolodge hides 15 timber bayans in the canopy near the Daintree River. The vibe is barefoot, eco-minded and quietly pampering. Days drift between the lagoon-edge pool, rainforest walks to the onsite waterfall, and Julaymba’s local-produce plates, finished with a rejuvenating wellness spa ritual. 9.0
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Fronting Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, Sheraton Grand Mirage is a tropical sprawl of palms, saltwater lagoon pools, and easy Coral Sea access. The vibe is sun-drenched, family-friendly, and resort-lively. Between reef trips, play the 18-hole course, book a spa treatment, and linger over long lunches, after sunset swims. 9.0
Thala Beach
Nature Reserve
On a private headland at Oak Beach between Cairns and Port Douglas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve hides timber bungalows in 145 acres of rainforest. The vibe is barefoot, eco-luxe, and wildlife-close. Swim in the pools, book a massage, join guided walks and stargazing, then dine at Osprey’s treetop restaurant in the evening. 9.4
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