Two Australian Resorts Made the 2025 ‘World’s Best Hotels’ List

Two Australian properties have been named in the World’s 50 Best Hotels list for 2025, with Capella Sydney and Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel receiving international recognition. The result marks the first time the Circular Quay-based Capella has featured in the ranking, while The Calile Hotel notched its third successive appearance.

The official celebrations were held at a glamorous event at Old Billingsgate in London, where travel leaders and experts came together to celebrate the industry’s brightest and best. Newcomer, Capella Sydney landed at number 12 on the list; securing the title of Australia’s highest-ranking hotel and the Best Hotel in Oceania. The Calile Hotel, on the other hand, nabbed number 34 on the global rankings, following a 25th-place result in 2024.

Capella Sydney

For the 192-room Capella Sydney, the recognition comes just two years after a grandstanding launch. Since launching in 2023, the hotel has topped practically every list of luxury stays in the country, revered for its signature restaurant, Brasserie 1930, Auriga Spa and gym and outstanding customer service.

Located inside the Department of Education building just steps away from Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, the impressive sandstone property is a stunning blend of Edwardian design and contemporary luxury. Bar Studio, Make Architects, and stylist Simone Haag were the masterminds behind the revitalisation, which tastefully nods to architect George McRae’s original design without straying too far into homage territory.

Rigid lines dictate the hotel’s structural outer, with the rich, earthy colour palette contrasted by Indigenous artworks and curated installations. Inside, the suites and rooms are adorned with artworks from local makers, rich timber floors and a smattering of vintage-inspired touches that speak to the property’s unique heritage.

The Calile Hotel

For The Calile Hotel, the centrepiece of the sleek James Street precinct, recognition has become somewhat of a regular occurence. The Richards & Spence-designed property has featured in all three editions of the World’s 50 Best Hotels, often lauded for its relaxed take on coastal luxury and modernist Palm Springs aesthetics.

“We are extremely humbled to be recognised as number 34 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels for the third year in a row,” the hotel said in a statement. “It is an honour to be included among an incomparable list of 49 contemporaries from around the globe – every one of those hotels, and the dedicated people that run them passionately, inspiring and driving us to be better 365 days a year.”

Additionally, Southern Ocean Lodge in South Australia, situated on Kangaroo Island with spectacular views of the Southern Ocean, was named the American Express Travel One To Watch Award winner.

Rosewood Wins Out

From an international perspective, the World’s 50 Best ranking was a celebration of new luxury and curated experiences. The annual event, which recognises the very best in resorts, luxury stays, eco-conscious travel and bespoke hotel experiences, acknowledged 22 destinations across six continents. However, it a was familiar name that came out on top.

Rosewood Hong Kong secured the top honours, being named the World’s Best Hotel for 2025. The stunning 65-storey property, which towers over Victoria Harbour on the Kowloon waterfront, climbed two places from number three in the 2024 list, to also clinch The Best Hotel in Asia title.

Designed by celebrated Taiwanese designer, Tony Chi, the contemporary 413-room hotel is home to eleven restaurants and bars, alongside a harbour-view infinity pool and the world-renowned multi-level Asaya wellness facility.

“We are delighted to share the list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 and to celebrate Rosewood Hong Kong’s No.1 spot – a property that has featured in the top three since the inception of the awards in 2023,” Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels said. “This exceptional hotel offers world-class service and sensational guest experiences in the heart of one of the world’s most bustling and dynamic destinations. Rosewood Hong Kong’s positioning as No.1 further consolidates Asia as a leading luxury travel destination for both business and leisure travellers.”

How the World’s 50 Best Hotels are Ranked

The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards 2025 is judged by an 800-voter-strong Academy comprised of hoteliers, travel journalists, hotel educators, business travellers and consumer travel aficionados. Each Academy member can vote for any hotel they have stayed in around the world, irrespective of their home region. Each voter casts seven votes for hotels in order of preference, with voting carried out individually and confidentially.

World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025

The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards 2025 marks the third year of the global ranking list, showcasing the very best hospitality experiences across the globe, encompassing restaurants, bars and hotels. The World’s 50 Best Hotels list is created by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, an influential group of more than 800 independent leaders, each selected for their expert opinion of the international hotel scene.

“This year’s list is a true celebration of the very best properties from 22 destinations across six continents and we look forward to watching and championing the continued growth and success of The World’s 50 Best Hotels in the future,” Sleight said.

The full World’s 50 Best Hotels awards 2025 list is outlined below: