hero media

Two Aussie hotels make World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list

Eleanor EdströmBy Eleanor Edström
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 is hot off the press – and Australia has scored big, with two local stays making the cut.

The world doesn’t want for excellent hotels. Boundary-pushing design is rife, and impeccable service is now the benchmark, with new stays cropping up globally faster than we present our passports at check-in. Safe to say it makes earning a place on the annual World’s 50 Best Hotels list – the world’s foremost gauge for hotel excellence – all the more prestigious.  

The rankings for 2025 have just been announced at an awards ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London, where travel industry leaders and enthusiasts convened to celebrate groundbreaking hospitality feats. The list features 22 destinations across six continents, along with several special award categories. Here are the highlights.  

rosewood hong kong views
Look out over dazzling Victoria Harbour. (Supplied: Rosewood Hong Kong)

The results

Climbing two places from no.3 in 2024, Rosewood Hong Kong took home this year’s crowning title of the world’s best hotel. Rising 270 metres above Victoria Harbour, the coveted 413-key address is a shining beacon of art, design and swoon-worthy water views. It has attracted Hong Kong’s elite and a continuous stream of well-heeled travellers since its grand opening in 2019.  

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River took out second place. (Image: Supplied)

Asia continued its winning streak with 19 other hotels noted on the list – the highest number of any continent. These included Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River and Capella Bangkok in second and third place respectively. Bali’s Desa Potato Head (no.18) was also presented the Eco Hotel Award after a rigorous audit by the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Close on Asia’s heels was Europe with 17 top 50 rankings and North America with six.  

The Aussie hotels that made the list

capella sydney lobby
Capella Sydney was named the 12th best hotel in the world. (Image: Supplied)

Capella Sydney was named The Best Hotel in Oceania 2025, scoring a strong 12th place in the overall rankings. Housed in an Edwardian sandstone building once home to the Department of Education, the heritage-listed icon exudes contemporary opulence with its grand architectural bones and curated local artwork. Expect personalised touches, intriguing objets d’art and intimate elegance across 192 rooms and suites.  

bedroom at Calile Hotel Brisbane
Pastel hues bring a playful energy to The Calile Hotel. (Image: Supplied)

Meanwhile, The Calile Hotel,  located in Brisbane’s hip hood of Fortitude Valley, was accoladed no.34 in the global rankings. This marks the third consecutive year it has been featured on the list, with the hotel awarded no.12 in 2023 and no.25 in 2024. It’s not hard to see why. The hotel leans hard into a modernist Miami-meets-Palm-Springs energy with 175 guest rooms and suites dressed in pastel palettes. But the pièce de résistance is the breathtaking botanical pool deck, where guests can kick back beneath cute-as-a-button sage umbrellas.  

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list

  1. Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong 
  2. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Bangkok 
  3.  Capella Bangkok, Bangkok 
  4. Passalacqua, Lake Como 
  5. Raffles Singapore, Singapore 
  6. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai 
  7. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Bangkok 
  8. Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá 
  9. Four Seasons Firenze, Florence 
  10. Upper House Hong Kong, Hong Kong 
  11. Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro 
  12. Capella Sydney, Sydney 
  13. Royal Mansour, Marrakech 
  14. Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing 
  15. Bulgari Tokyo, Tokyo 
  16. Claridge’s, London 
  17. Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens 
  18. Desa Potato Head, Bali 
  19. Le Bristol, Paris 
  20. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai 
  21. Cheval Blanc Paris, Paris 
  22. Bulgari Roma, Rome 
  23. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris 
  24. Rosewood São Paulo, São Paulo 
  25. Aman Tokyo, Tokyo 
  26. Hotel Il Pellicano, Porto Ercole 
  27. Hôtel du Couvent, Nice 
  28. Soneva Fushi, Maldives 
  29. The Connaught, London 
  30. La Mamounia, Marrakech 
  31. Raffles London at The OWO, London 
  32. The Emory, London 
  33. Maroma, Riviera Maya 
  34. The Calile, Brisbane 
  35. The Lana, Dubai 
  36. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco 
  37.  Janu Tokyo, Tokyo 
  38. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai  
  39. One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit 
  40. Singita – Kruger National Park, Kruger National Park 
  41. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Hong Kong 
  42. Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles 
  43. The Mark, New York 
  44. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Los Cabos 
  45. The Tokyo Edition Toranomon, Tokyo 
  46.  Hotel The Mitsui, Kyoto 
  47. Estelle Manor, Witney 
  48. Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Rovinj 
  49. Hotel Sacher Vienna, Vienna 
  50. Mandapa, Bali 

How the 50 Best voting works

The World’s 50 Best Hotels is an annual ranking of the top hotel venues across the globe as voted for by a panel of more than 800 global industry experts. To ensure the panel provides a fair representation, the Academy Chairs are split across 13 geographical regions, with each chair selected as a travel and hotel expert in their region. The 13 Academy Chairs each select a voting panel from their region comprising a balance of hoteliers, travel journalists, hotel educators and consumer travel connoisseurs. 

Eleanor Edström
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
See all articles
the pool at Peppers Gladstone
Australia

Central Queensland’s first five-star hotel is a coastal gateway

Peppers Gladstone proves its worth its salt, blending five-star comfort with access to the Great Barrier Reef.

Read more
The converted bakery and off-grid cabin crowned in best Airbnb stays
Australia

This off-grid Blue Mountains cabin was just crowned Airbnb’s best nature escape

Airbnb just unveiled the winners of its 2025 Australian Host Awards, and the lineup will have you booking your next getaway.

Read more
Duckboard Place street art
Australia

Once just for holiday rentals, Airbnb now plans your whole trip

From art tours in Melbourne to Bowral beehives, Airbnb has just launched its biggest evolution yet.

Read more
Inside the lounge at Island House Lord Howe Island
Australia

9 of the top luxury stays in Australia to escape to

From all-new openings to historic stays and exclusive island hideaways, luxury in Australia means immersive experiences in extraordinary locations – with a few creature comforts to boot.

Read more
hero media

8 experiences that prove The Bellarine is the ultimate multi-gen getaway

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

    Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

    Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

    1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

    Tuckerberry Hill Farm
    Pick your own fruit at Tuckerberry Hill Farm.

    There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

    Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

    2. The Oxley Estate

    The Oxley Estate
    Wake up to the neighbours.

    A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

    Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

    Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

    3. Oneday Estate

    Oneday Estate
    Taste small batch wines at Oneday Estate.

    Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

    The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

    The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

    4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

    BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
    Kids will love BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon.

    BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

    The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

    5. Bellarine Railway

    Bellarine Railway
    Take a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway.

    If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

    The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

    6. The Dunes

    waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine
    Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

    The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

    Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

    If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

    7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

    dolphins playing in The Bellarine
    Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

    The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

    Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

    Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

     8. Jack Rabbit

    aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard
    Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

    If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

    If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

    To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au