Two Australian luxury hotels have made their mark on the global stage, with Capella Sydney and The Calile Hotel in Brisbane representing Oceania in the annual ranking The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025.
Capella Sydney was named “The Best Hotel in Oceania”, debuting at No.12, while The Calile Hotel claimed No.34, the only Australian and Oceania property to appear on the list every year since its inception.
The ranking, which features hotels from 22 destinations across six continents, was revealed at a live ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London.
Capella Sydney, praised for its “blend of heritage grandeur with contemporary design,” occupies a restored sandstone building in the heart of the city.
Marc von Arnim, General Manager of Capella Sydney, said: “Being named one of The World’s 50 Best Hotels is a true honour for Capella Sydney. This recognition belongs first and foremost to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication bring our hotel to life every day. And to our guests, thank you for your continued support and for making Capella Sydney your home away from home. We are truly humbled and proud to be part of this extraordinary list of the world’s finest hotels.”
Further north in Queensland, The Calile Hotel continued its impressive streak, this year being named No.34 in the world after placing 12th in 2023, and 25th in 2024.
Attending the ceremony in London, The Calile Hotel Co-owner Catherine Malouf said she was proud to represent the family-owned property internationally. “To have been selected three years in a row marks a significant affirmation of The Calile’s place on the global hotel-industry stage and reinforces our reputation as a desirable destination for international travellers coming to Brisbane, Australia,” she said. “As a family-run business this acknowledgement is a testament to the values and standards that our team continues to deliver, and we are humbled to again represent Australia and our region.”
Australia’s third mention came through Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, which won the American Express Travel One To Watch Award. The South Australian ultra-luxury property was ranked 69th, positioned in the extended 51-100 Top Hotels.
At the top of the global list, Rosewood Hong Kong was crowned “The World’s Best Hotel 2025,” rising from third place last year to take the No.1 position. The 65-storey property, designed by celebrated Taiwanese designer Tony Chi, also claimed the title of Best Hotel in Asia.
The global top three were dominated by Asian hotels , with Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River taking the No.2 spot and last year’s winner, Capella Bangkok, ranking No.3.
Europe also performed strongly, led by Passalacqua on Lake Como (No.4), which retained its title as Best Boutique Hotel, and Raffles Singapore (No.5) continuing to uphold the region’s reputation for refined hospitality. Other notable winners included Atlantis The Royal in Dubai (No.6), awarded The Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award, and Royal Mansour in Marrakech (No.13), which earned the WhistlePig Highest Climber Award after rising 25 places from the previous year.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said: “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.”
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025
- Rosewood Hong Kong – Best Hotel in Asia
- Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
- Capella Bangkok
- Passalacqua, Lake Como – Best Boutique Hotel Award
- Raffles Singapore
- Atlantis The Royal, Dubai – The Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award / Best Hotel in the Middle East
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
- Chablé Yucatán, Mexico – Best Hotel in North America (sponsored by Monte Vibiano)
- Four Seasons Firenze, Florence
- Upper House Hong Kong
- Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro – Lavazza Highest New Entry Award / Best Hotel in South America
- Capella Sydney, Australia – Best Hotel in Oceania (sponsored by Bocktailed)
- Royal Mansour, Marrakech – WhistlePig Highest Climber Award / Best Hotel in Africa
- Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing – Nikka Best New Hotel Award
- Bulgari Tokyo
- Claridge’s, London
- Four Seasons Astir Palace, Greece
- Desa Potato Head, Bali – Eco Hotel Award
- Le Bristol, Paris
- Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai
- Cheval Blanc Paris
- Bulgari Roma, Rome
- Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
- Rosewood São Paulo
- Aman Tokyo
- Hotel Il Pellicano, Italy
- Hôtel du Couvent, Nice
- Soneva Fushi, Maldives – SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award
- The Connaught, London
- La Mamounia, Marrakech
- Raffles London at The OWO
- The Emory, London
- Maroma, Mexico
- The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
- The Lana, Dubai
- Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco
- Janu Tokyo
- The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
- One&Only Mandarina, Mexico
- Singita – Kruger National Park, South Africa – Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award
- Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
- Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
- The Mark, New York
- Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Mexico
- The Tokyo Edition Toranomon
- Hotel The Mitsui, Kyoto
- Estelle Manor, Witney (UK)
- Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Croatia
- Hotel Sacher Vienna, Austria
- Mandapa, Bali
Special Awards
- Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group: Four Seasons
- SevenRooms Icon Award: Ian Schrager
- American Express Travel One To Watch Award: Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island
- Eco Hotel Award: Desa Potato Head, Bali
- Best Boutique Hotel Award: Passalacqua, Lake Como
- Nikka Best New Hotel Award: Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing
- WhistlePig Highest Climber Award: Royal Mansour, Marrakech
- Lavazza Highest New Entry Award: Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
- The Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award: Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
- Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award: Singita – Kruger National Park
- SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award: Soneva Fushi, Maldives
