Two Aussie Hotels Named In World's Top 50 For 2024

The winners

Urban oasis Capella Bangkok claimed the number one spot with its sleek design, lush landscaping, and panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River. The World’s 50 Best highlighted the calming nature of the hotel in one of the world’s most lively cities noting “The Capella is a masterclass in serenity and calm, from the neutral-toned, clean-lined, Japan-esque design to the brilliant and seemingly semi-psychic service that anticipates your every waking need." The recently opened Singapore outpost also featured on the list at no. 33.

Last year’s winner, luxury boutique hotel Passalacqua, Lake Como , was named no. 2. The palatial lakefront accommodation sits within an 18th-century villa once owned by Pope Innocent XI, and features immaculate terraced gardens and ornate Baroque design.

Experience la dolce vita at Passalacqua. (Image: Edwina Hart)

The Aussie hotels that made the list

For the second consecutive year, The Calile Hotel is featured on the list. In 2023, it was awarded no.12 and this year it has come in at no. 25 as well as receiving the accolade for The Best Hotel in Oceania 2024. Located in the hip precinct of James Street in Brisbane, The Calile has elevated the city’s design landscape and become a hotspot for stylish Aussies since it opened in 2018.

The urban resort boasts a retro cool design.

Taking cues from modernist Miami and Palm Springs aesthetics combined with elements of 1960s Australia, the tropical oasis is swathed in a sophisticated palette of rich-veined rose marble, smooth concrete, and blonde timber.

The sleek rooms exude calm.

The Tasman Hobart claimed no.49 this year, putting the port city on the map for international travellers. An elegant heritage reconstruction of former state government offices, The Tasman is a study in sensitively bringing a historic building into the 21st century.

Rooms and suites boast soaring ceilings. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Sitting pretty on the waterfront, guestrooms feature original Georgian details, exposed sandstone walls, sweeping water views, and custom furnishings.

Old meets new at The Tasman Hotel Hobart. (Image: Sean Fennessy)

Bali-loving Aussies planning on visiting The Island of the Gods in the near future should turn their attention to Seminyak beauty Desa Potato Head which came in at no. 21.

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list

Capella Bangkok, Bangkok

Passalacqua, Lake Como

Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Cheval Blanc, Paris

The Upper House, Hong Kong

Raffles Singapore, Singapore

Aman Tokyo, Tokyo

Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Atlantis The Royal, Dubai

Nihi Sumba, Sumba Island

Claridge’s, London

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Bangkok

Raffles London at the OWO, London

Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá

Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes

Maroma, Riviera Maya

Four Seasons Firenze, Florence

Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi

Desa Potato Head, Bali

Bulgari Tokyo, Tokyo

The Lana, Dubai

Rosewood São Paulo, São Paulo

The Calile, Brisbane

The Siam, Bangkok

Park Hyatt Kyoto, Kyoto

Mount Nelson, Cape Town

One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit

The Carlyle, New York

La Mamounia, Marrakechch

Four Seasons Madrid, Madrid

Capella Singapore, Singapore

Four Seasons at The Surf Club, Surfside

Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles

Eden Rock, St. Barths

Aman New York, New York

Royal Mansour, Marrakech

Amangalla, Gaelle

Le Bristol, Paris

Gleneagles, Auchterarder

Castello di Reschio, Lisciano Niccone

Suján Jawai, Rajasthan

Singita – Kruger National Park, Kruger National Park

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Zaghi

The Connaught, London

The Brando, Tetiaroa

Hotel Esencia, Tulum

The Tasman, Hobart

Kokomo Private Island, Yaukuve Levu Island

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

Two Aussie hotels named among world’s top 50 for 2024

The results for The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 have just been announced and Australia has made its mark.