Australia is seeing a resurgence of luxury hotels opening on its glorious shores. From big hotel chains, like the Ritz-Carlton, to smaller boutique brands, there’s no limit on luxury Down Under. So why head overseas when you can check into these hot and happening hotels?
Housed in a magnificent heritage-listed sandstone building just a short walk from the Sydney Opera House, Capella Sydney is all about contemporary luxury. You don’t have to check into one of the elegant guestrooms, featuring walnut wood and natural stone, to enjoy this hotel: in addition to a spa it has a range of bars and restaurants including Aperture, which has a seven-metre high green wall. capellahotels.com
Check-in with a view? Don’t mind if we do. At the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, which promises to be Australia’s tallest hotel, check-in happens at the Sky Lobby, 80 floors above the city. All of the hotel’s high-rise rooms, spread across levels 63 to 79, will have stunning views and the hotel’s wellness facilities will include not just a spa but an infinity pool and a yoga studio. ritzcarltonmelbourne.com
What do you want from your next trip to Melbourne: a culture hit or a dose of nature? At The Royce, sitting on the border of the CBD and South Yarra’s parklands, you can enjoy both. This 1920s gem is being restored to its art deco glory, complete with a 14-metre high marble fireplace in the lobby lounge and a two-metre wide chandelier. The name pays tribute to its former roles as a Rolls Royce HQ. roycehotel.com.au
Is Crescent Head the new Byron Bay? The opening of Sea Sea suggests it might be. This NSW north coast surf town will be home to the new design-led hotel from George Gorrow, the co-founder of fashion label Ksubi. Sea Sea promises a surf-club vibe complete with bright art, an in-house radio station, a drinks list curated by Sydney’s P&V Wine & Liquor Merchants – oh, and a location right on one of Australia’s most revered point breaks. seaseahotel.com
A seaside favourite gets a new lease of life courtesy of the MGallery Hotel Collection and designers Coco Republic, who have given Manly’s best-located hotel a five-star makeover. Apart from the spa and the rooftop pool, highlights include a French bistro and Tokyo Joe restaurant, featuring sushi, sashimi and more courtesy of an ex-Nobu chef. manlypacific.com.au
Port Douglas is where the rainforest meets the reef and luxury brand Fairmont promises that its new Port Douglas resort will immerse guests in the area’s spectacular nature. Expect organic architecture, a treetop walk, and butterfly nets above the children’s swimming pool, as well as an operating philosophy focused on sustainability. fairmont.com
25 Hours is one of the most buzzing brands around with its hotels – located in happening cities such as Berlin and Copenhagen – putting as much emphasis on the social scene as on the rooms. The company has found the ideal location for their first Australian outpost: the former Grand Pacific Blue Room site on Paddington’s Oxford Street. A garden courtyard and live performance spaces will be included in the development. 25hours-hotels.com/en
Darling Harbour’s distinctive new Ribbon development has already attracted plenty of attention for its eye-catching architecture. It will become even more of a landmark once W Sydney opens. With over 500 guest rooms, interiors inspired by the waterfront location and a two-storey rooftop bar, we predict this will be one of the city’s buzziest hotels. marriott.com
From its Bourke Street perch, Le Meridien Melbourne will bring a touch of French flair to the theatre district. Expect plenty of surprises behind the art deco façade including an immersive arts program, house-made gelato and a dazzling rooftop pool deck with views looking over Parliament House towards Fitzroy Gardens. le-meridien.marriott.com
