The world’s best hotels have officially been named for this year and remarkably, two Australian outposts have made the list. Brisbane’s The Calile and Hobart’s The Tasman have both been recognised as part of the World’s 50 Best Awards’ annual hotel ranking, which aims to celebrate the best travel experiences across the globe. The two local destinations were lauded for their incredible luxury offerings and pristine architectural designs, with The Calilie named at 25, while The Tasman snuck in at number 49.
Top honours, however, were reserved for the breathtaking Capella Hotel in Bangkok. The 600-strong pool of guest judges unanimously agreed that the calming riverside oasis was the world’s best hotel, awarding it the prestigious title. Considering there are anywhere between 187,000 and a whopping 742,728 hotels and resorts around the globe (according to a quick Google search), the astonishing accolade is worth celebrating.
World’s Best Hotels
Now in its second edition, the Worst 50 Best Hotels report was announced at a glitzy ceremony in London’s Guildhall on 17 September 2024. Capella’s Bangkok residency took out the coveted number-one spot, with venues from all corners of the globe represented in the rankings. If you’re curious and want to check out some of these luxury hotels for yourself (take us with you?), here are the hotels that made the list. We’ll also reveal which Australian hotels made the list if you’re keen on a getaway a bit closer to home.
1. Capella, Bangkok
- Located in: Four Seasons Private Residences Bangkok
- Address: 300, 2 Charoen Krung Road, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
- Rooms: 101
- Starting Rate: USD$600
- Dining: Côte by Mauro Colagreco and Phra Nakhon
- Drinking: Stella
- At the Hotel: Swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, pet friendly, family friendly
The best hotel in the world for this year, Bangkok’s Capella is the epitome of modern luxury. A calming oasis set on the Chao Phraya River in the Charoenkrung district, just off the fabled city’s hustling streets, the sprawling property boasts 101 rooms of pure serenity. Here, you can expect to find the linen pressed within an inch of its life, snuggly fit around the ultra-comfortable beds that sit smack bang in the centre of the stunning Japanese-inspired interior design.
Importantly, Capella Bangkok is also home to a series of riverside villas that dial the luxury level up to 11. With this offering, guests have access to private gardens with a private jacuzzi plunge pool and sala lounge, alongside separate living rooms and massive bathrooms. Capella also scored major points with the judges for its unique integration of ‘Capella Culturists’ – a dedicated team of local guides who can help organise daily adventures, from a “bespoke, guided shopping spree through the city’s legendary malls” to a “private meditation session with the head monk of a 250-year-old temple”.
For most of us, the secret to a good holiday is eating well, and the world’s best hotel also delivers on that front. Capella Bangkok’s signature restaurant, Côte, was described by the judging panel as an “elegantly casual Mediterranean masterpiece”. Overseen by chef Mauro Colagreco, Côte offers diners a taste of the local cuisine at the riverside terrace, characterised by vibrant sweet, spicy and sour flavours. A tranquil escape from the chaos and confusion of Bangkok, Capella is a worthy winner of this year’s Best Hotel in the World award.
2. Passalacqua, Lake Como
- Address: Via Besana, 59, 22010 Moltrasio CO, Italy
- Rooms: 24
- Starting Rate: USD$1300
- Dining: The Garden Terrace
- Drinking: Bar Terrace
- At the Hotel: Spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, family friendly
One of the most iconic venues in the world, Passalacqua on Italy’s famed Lake Como has played host to composer Vincenzo Bellini, Pope Innocent XI and even James Bond, so it’s little wonder the hotel snagged a top-two finish. The intricate and opulent property houses just 24 boutique rooms, set within a stunningly manicured terraced garden. Here, history and design merge together to form an incredible display of ornate Baroque elegance that feels innately otherworldly. Not that it should come as a surprise.
Named in the top spot in last year’s ranking, Passalacqua is one of the world’s best-loved properties, representing somewhat of a ‘grail’ holiday for would-be travellers. From the private grounds in Moltrasio, you have an unimpeded view of Lake Como’s breathtaking waterfront, with almost every room in the three-building structure copping a similarly exquisite panorama. Passalacqua is split into a main villa, an eight-room Palazz and a four-suite Casa al Lago further towards the lake. Inside each room, you’ll find seemingly untouched relics of yesteryear, from original frescoes and ceiling carvings to Murano chandeliers and Il Bronzetto light fittings.
Interestingly, Passalacqua doesn’t boast the same food and beverage options that some other hotels on the list do, with the property instead opting for a more casual open kitchen design that allows guests to wander in and chat with chef Viviana Varese. Simply remarkable.
3. Rosewood, Hong Kong
- Located in: Victoria Dockside
- Address: 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
- Rooms: 413
- Starting Rate: USD$650
- Dining: Bluhouse and The Dining Room
- Drinking: Darkside
- At the Hotel: Swimming pool, spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, family friendly
The first of two Hong Kong properties to make the World’s Best list for this year, Rosewood offers travellers something more contemporary. Originally opened in 2019, the 65-storey tower is home to 413 rooms, multiple dining venues and the exquisite Darkside bar. It is, in a very real sense, the true embodiment of Hong Kong’s unique luxury hospitality industry, and the judges couldn’t get enough.
Rosewood scored massive points with the panel for its elegant interior, which was designed under the watchful eye of Taiwanese-born artisan Tony Chi. Across the entire property, Chi’s penchant for modern and understated opulence is undeniably evident, with artworks from Damien Hirst and Henry Moore curated in elongated halls and archways. It is an ode to contemporary design that feels luxurious without being overpowering.
In terms of dining, Rosewood is home to 11 restaurants, including Holt’s Café, the Rosewood’s refined take on Hong Kong’s iconic cha chaan tengs, to the Italian-inspired Bluhouse and Indian eatery Chaat. Most importantly, the hotel is also home to two leading bars, Darkside, a regular on Asia’s 50 Best Bars annual list, and the newly opened speakeasy XX.
4. Cheval Blanc, Paris
- Address: 8 Quai du Louvre, 75001 Paris, France
- Rooms: 72
- Starting Rate: USD$3,000
- Dining: Langosteria
- Drinking: Le Tout-Paris
- At the Hotel: Swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre
No list of the world’s best hotels would be complete without an entry from Paris and this year, the honour belongs to Cheval Blanc. The iconic property, which sits pride of place at Pont Neuf on the famous Seine River, is the first urban Maison from luxury group LVMH Hospitality. A nod to the great art deco history behind the luxury conglomerate, the interior of the hotel was designed by Peter Marino and features a Dior Spa, the world-renowned Plénitude restaurant by chef Arnaud Donckele and the longest indoor swimming pool in Paris.
Almost all of the 72 rooms have an impeccable view of the Seine, however, the suites, which have floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the river, offer remarkable views of Notre Dame to the left and the Eiffel Tower to the right. Of course, the bathrooms are littered with marble finishes, luxury touches and even a signature fragrance created by François Demachy, Maison Dior’s perfumer.
Being a French hotel, dining options are a must and Cheval Blanc doesn’t disappoint. The hotel is home to four restaurants, including Plénitude, Donckele’s three-Michelin-star gem and the casual favourite Le Tout Paris. If you want luxury and flavour, Cheval Blanc may well be your best bet.
5. The Upper House, Hong Kong
- Located in: Pacific Place
- Address: 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
- Rooms: 117
- Starting Rate: USD$650
- Dining: Salisterra
- At the Hotel: Swimming pool, fitness centre, family friendly
Hong Kong’s The Upper House is a 117-room oasis of tranquillity that sits just above Admiralty’s Pacific Place. Described as a “temple of Zen high above Hong Kong”, the property is the brainchild of designer André Fu, who has created an architectural masterpiece worthy of international acclaim. And that’s just the outside.
Inside, Fu has filled the hotel with more than 400 pieces of art, which the judges noted was pivotal in creating a sleek and calming atmosphere. “Flitting from abstract ceramics and smooth sculptures etched in marble, sandstone and bronze, to a 40-metre metal installation inspired by water by Hiroshiwata Sawada found in the inner atrium, it brings an added layer of wonder to any stay.” The rooms also feature floor-to-ceiling windows that play beautifully against the soft, curving window sofas and warm yellow lighting.
In contrast to many of the hotels named on this year’s list, The Upper House is targeted more towards the business traveller. Many of the hotel’s initial touchpoints have been elevated and streamlined to make the process more intuitive, starting with paperless check-in that sees the hotel’s workers move almost in secrecy.
6. Raffles, Singapore
- Address: 1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673
- Rooms: 115
- Starting Rate: USD$2,000
- Dining: La Dame de Pic
- Drinking: Long Bar
- At the Hotel: Swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, family friendly
Hotels don’t come any more iconic than Raffles. The Singapore hotpot has served as one of Asia’s best-loved properties for over a century, entertaining guests with its requisite charm and dedication to traditional opulence. In this year’s ranking, the judges noted that while Raffles may be an older hotel on the luxury scene, it hasn’t lost any of its magic.
From the moment you arrive at the grand, white, neo-Renaissance building, you know you are in from something special. Whether you whisk the day away wandering through the lush gardens, drinking and diving at the rooftop swimming pool or indulging at the fabled Raffles Spa, rest and relaxation are at the forefront of your itinerary. When it comes time to eat, you can test out north Indian fare at Tiffin Room, enjoy fire cooking at Butcher’s Block or try out contemporary Chinese cuisine at Yì by Jereme Leung.
Among the hotel’s greatest advantages, however, are the Raffles Butlers, who are worth the price of admission alone. Described as “ambassadors of thoughtful care,” these workers receive specialised training that has helped them cultivate an intuitive style of service that hotel chains around the world have tried to emulate.
7. Aman, Tokyo
- Located in: Otemachi Tower
- Address: The Otemachi Tower, 1 Chome-5-6 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
- Rooms: 84
- Starting Rate: USD$1,800
- Dining: Arva Restaurant
- Drinking: The Lounge by Aman
- At the Hotel: Swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, family friendly
If you know Aman, you know that the brand doesn’t muck around when it comes to luxury. The hotel chain’s Tokyo outpost, which first opened in 2014, is perhaps the best example of the urban oasis ethos. Spanning the top six floors of a skyscraper in the Otemachi financial district, the interior of Aman Tokyo couldn’t be a more stark contrast to the bustling streets below. White washi paper; abstract seasonal floral and rock displays on reflective waters dominate the entry point of the hotel, erasing the memory of the rigid and densely populated city outside.
According to the World’s 50 Best Judges, Aman Tokyo scored points for its spacious, light-filled rooms and window-side stone bathtubs, however, the real winner was The Spa. The relaxation space is set across two floors and grants guests access to a range of inventive treatments rooted in Japan’s healing traditions, from kampo herbs to Shinto misogi purification rituals. There are also private fitness, yoga and pilates instructors, a sleek 30-metre swimming pool and (another scene-stealer) steam rooms and hot spring onsen-style stone baths with hypnotising views across the city.
8. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
- Address: Kunfunadhoo Island, Eydhafushi, Maldives
- Rooms: 72
- Starting Rate: USD$2,800
- Dining: Once Upon a Table and So Hands On by Akira, among others
- Drinking: By the Bar
- At the Hotel: Beach, swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, family friendly
To arrive at Soneva Fushi, the Maldives’ most remarkable luxury hotel, you must first take a 40-minute seaplane flight before being loaded on a speedboat and ferried over to a floating village. Here, you are invited to leave your worries (and your shoes) at the door, enjoying a level of relaxation that borders on the incomprehensible.
Located on one of the Maldives’ northerly atolls, Soneva Fushi boasts 63 private villas, complete with their own personalised 24/7 Barefoot Guardian service and privacy foliage. Best of all, guests score a free bicycle for the duration of their stay, which is the singular mode of transport to access the facilities. Cycle between a Balinese-inspired spa, pool complex, tennis courts, library and a gym that is significantly more equipped than the stock-standard five-star hotel.
9. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
- Address: Palm Jumeirah – Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Rooms: 795
- Starting Rate: USD$460
- Dining: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Jaleo by José Andrés, among others
- Drinking: Cloud 22
- At the Hotel: Over 90 swimming pools, Skyblaze fountain, waterpark, aquarium, dolphin bay, sea lion point, helipad, beach club
With 795 rooms, 17 restaurants and bars, 17 boutiques, a sprawling 32,300 square foot wellness space, and 90 swimming pools, Atlantis The Royal throws everything and the kitchen sink at its guests, and somehow it works. Dubai’s ode to opulence is one of the biggest and most cumbersome properties ever attempted, so it’s little wonder that writer John Guanzon described it as ’the most ultra-luxury experiential resort in the world’ when he visited in September 2023.
The AUD$2 billion resort is located on the crescent of Palm Island in Dubai, about 1km away from its sister resort, the Atlantis The Palm. It first claimed world attention as the setting for Beyonce’s outrageous $55 million set at the star-studded unveiling event last year and the momentum hasn’t stopped yet. Thousands of guests are making their way to the international hotspot, eager to test out one of the many rooms, restaurants, pools and spa offerings. A lucky few (44 to be exact) will even find themselves holed up in one of Atlantis The Royal’s suites or penthouses. These incredible properties come complete with their own glass-sided swimming pools so you can swim in the sky.
Throw in big-name dining offerings from Nobu, Heston Blumenthal, José Andrés, Ariana Bundy and Gastón Acurio and you start to get the picture as to why Atlantis The Royal is so well regarded. In fact, with so much to see and do, there is almost no reason to ever leave.
10. Nihi Sumba, Sumba Island
- Address: Hoba Wawi, Wanokaka, West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
- Rooms: 27
- Starting Rate: USD$1,300
- Dining: Ombak
- Drinking: Nio Beach Club & Pool
- At the Hotel: Beach, chocolate factory, equestrian stables, surf/boat house, swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre
Who doesn’t want to visit a hotel with its own chocolate factory? At Nihi Sumba on Sumba Island, guests can indulge in a taste of sugary sweetness while they sip, dip and dive into the neighbouring pools and beaches. Located on 567 acres of largely untouched jungle in eastern Indonesia, the 27-villa resort was originally a surf shack and has remarkably managed to retain much of that free-wheeling spirit.
Complete with outdoor showers and rough stone pathways, Nihi Sumba feels like an elevated take on the classic surf spot, and it has an activities list to match. Guests can surf, fish, snorkel, horse-ride, mountain bike or hike, all within a deeply sustainable setting that feels remote and luxurious all at once. Best of all, the resort features a spa at a spectacular second clifftop site with open-air treatment rooms with ocean views and a chocolate factory, a beachfront infinity pool and an organic garden that supplies much of the produce for Nihi Sumba’s three restaurants.
50 Best Hotels in 2024 (Full List)
- Capella, Bangkok
- Passalacqua, Lake Como
- Rosewood, Hong Kong
- Cheval Blanc, Paris
- The Upper House, Hong Kong
- Raffles, Singapore
- Aman, Tokyo
- Soneva Fushi, Maldives
- Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
- Nihi Sumba, Sumba Island
- Claridge’s, London
- Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
- Raffles London at The OWO
- Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
- 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
- The Lana, Dubai
- Rosewood, São Paulo
- The Calile, Brisbane
- The Siam, Bangkok
- Park Hyatt, Kyoto
- Mount Nelson, Cape Town
- One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit
- The Carlyle, New York
- La Mamounia, Marrakech
- Four Seasons, Madrid
- Capella, Singapore
- Four Seasons at The Surf Club, Surfside
- Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
- Eden Rock, St. Barths
- Aman, New York
- Royal Mansour, Marrakech
- Amangalla, Galle
- Le Bristol, Paris
- Gleneagles, Auchterarder
- Castello di Reschio, Lisciano Niccone
- Suján Jawai, Rajasthan
- Singita, 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
Australian Hotels on the World’s Stage
It’s no surprise two Australian hotels have been recognised as some of the best hotels in the world this year. Aussie hospitality is truly next to none, and you won’t find better comfort, service or ambience than at these three luxury hotels.
The Calile, Brisbane
- Address: 48 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
- Rooms: 175
- Starting Rate: USD$330
- Dining: Hellenika
- Drinking: Lobby Bar
- At the Hotel: Swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, family friendly
Named the Best Hotel in Oceania this year, The Calile is the centrepiece of Brisbane’s bustling and emerging James Street precinct. Exuding a profoundly Australian style of modern luxury, the property fuses tropical elements with laid-back, sun-soaked, chic Aussie hospitality to arrive at a pastel peach, rose and pistachio masterpiece.
According to the judges, The Calile’s big pull was its pool deck, and we have to agree. From the edge of the 30-metre pool, you can catch a glimpse of the relaxed, barefoot Australian style of luxury that The Calile has become synonymous with.
“The Calile’s stunning botanical pool deck is undeniably the hotel’s centrepiece, with sun lounges filled with tanned and leggy guests, overlooked by the curved balconies of the hotel’s Poolside rooms,” the judges noted. “The seven cabanas can be booked for dinner or cocktails, which are the best place to observe all the action of Brisbanites at play.”
From a design perspective, The Calile’s daring aesthetic is helping to drive a new style of Aussie luxury. From the elevated light green stone-tiled pool and leafy pool terrace to the outdoor dining, cabanas and sun lounges, every square inch of the property embraces the tropical climate for which Brisbane is renowned.
“To have been selected two years in a row marks a significant affirmation of The Calile’s place on the global hotel industry stage,” The Calile Hotel co-owner Catherine Malouf said. “This is a win for our team, our collaborators, our loyal guests and a win for Brisbane as a destination, and we are humbled to again represent Australia and be recognised as leading in the Oceania region.”
The Tasman, Hobart
- Address: 12 Murray St, Hobart TAS 7000
- Rooms: 152
- Starting Rate: USD$235
- Dining: Peppina
- Drinking: Mary Mary
- At the Hotel: Fitness centre, Wine cellar, Meeting facilities
As the pride of Hobart, Marriott Bonvoy’s stunning property, The Tasman, is a worthy entry to this year’s top 50 hotels list. Located on Hobart’s iconic waterfront, the hotel is housed with the former state government offices and offers a rare fusion of architectural elements. From Colonial to art deco and through to modern times, The Tasman is, as I described when I visited last year, a tale of luxury in three acts.
Most notably, The Tasman is among the nation’s best hotels for food, housing incredible epicurean offerings like Massimo Mele’s signature restaurant Peppina, as well as Mary Mary, an intimate cocktail bar and spirits library. According to Stephen Morahan, The Tasman Hotel general manager, the World’s Best acknowledgement only furthers his confidence in The Tasman brand.
“Tasmania has long been a jewel in Australia’s crown as a place to experience natural and epicurean delights and fabulous warm, friendly hospitality,” Morahan said. “The Tasman embodies these experiences and to be celebrated on the world’s stage is not only a testament to our offerings but those of the entire state. I would like to express my gratitude to The World’s 50 Best judging panel for the acknowledgement and, of course, thank our amazing team who offer exceptional service every day that puts The Tasman a cut above the rest.”
Methodology
The World’s 50 Best Hotels list was created by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy and published by William Reed, which also publishes The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars. The annual ranking is judged by an influential group of more than 600 independent leaders in the travel and luxury hotel industry and overseen by a group of nine industry-leading Academy Chairs.
According to the organisation, each voter lists the seven best hotels they have stayed in over the past 18 months in order of preference. There are no set criteria, however, the judging panel is subject to strict voting rules. Importantly, the venues themselves do not have to pay to enter the awards or invest any fiscal sum to be considered for the ranking. The shortlist is open to all venues, from the “planet’s best-known large resort hotels to small boutique venues”.
Hotel Trends
While the World’s 50 Best Hotels ranking has shed some light on the top venues from across the globe, the organisation isn’t the only travel platform to speak on the shifting ecosystem of luxury accommodation. In its 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards, booking site Tripadvisor assessed every review and rating posted by travellers between January 1 and December 31, 2022.
They came up with several other categories (because hotels aren’t the only way to stay and play in a new country!), including ‘all-inclusive’, ‘B&Bs’, ‘family-friendly’, ‘hottest new hotels’, ‘luxury’, ‘out of the ordinary’, ‘small hotels’, ‘best hotels for sleep’, and ‘best hotels with spas’. What’s trending in the world of luxury hotels and holidays across the globe? Well, the answer might surprise you (or not).
Relaxation is Key
It seems like everyone’s craving some serious relaxation and rejuvenation this year, according to Tripadvisor’s Seasonal Travel Index. More than half of travellers (a whopping 54 per cent) are on the hunt for trips that offer a chance to unwind and recharge. No wonder all-inclusive resorts and breathtaking destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali are all the rage right now.
Asia is Top of Mind
When it comes to the top travel destinations, Asia takes the crown 2023, showcasing the region’s strong tourism comeback. You’ll find a massive nine out of the top “25 Hottest New Hotels” in Asia, alongside eight of the world’s absolute best hotels, with one of them proudly claiming the prestigious number one spot.
Sydney’s Hotels are Better Than Melbourne
Turning our gaze to our hometown, New South Wales, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, is home to the most winners across all categories in Australia. And when it comes to cities, Sydney takes the cake overall, with the highest number of winning hotels, followed closely by Brisvegas. That’s not to say Victoria isn’t doing well. If you ask us, properties like The Pullman, Lancemore Milawa and AC Hotel by Marriot are all well worth a stay.
