Australia
Australia is a land of boundless beauty and sophisticated adventure, where vibrant cities, pristine coastlines, unique flora & fauna, and vast wilderness create an unforgettable luxury experience.
In Sydney, the glittering harbour, iconic Opera House, and stylish waterfront dining capture the country’s cosmopolitan spirit, Perth positions itself as Western Australia’s gateway, Brisbane & Cairns reaching the tropical north and Melbourne delighting with its cultural depth, art, and gastronomy.
Beyond the cities, the natural wonders of Australia unfold in spectacular style: travellers can escape to the Great Barrier Reef for private island resorts and world-class diving, or to the Whitsundays, where sailing yachts drift through turquoise waters and secluded beaches. The ancient Daintree Rainforest, one of the world’s oldest ecosystems, offers immersive eco-luxury lodges amid lush canopies and coral-fringed coasts, while the majestic Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide breathtaking views and hiking trails.
The rugged landscapes of the Outback offer an extraordinary contrast, with luxury lodges overlooking Uluru, a place of profound natural and spiritual beauty. From the coast through the red centre, adventures can be found onboard some of the world’s most iconic luxury rail trips- from the Ghan to the Indian Pacific & more.
In the south, Tasmania combines wild coastlines with cutting-edge cuisine and boutique wilderness retreats, while the Barossa Valley and Margaret River showcase Australia’s finest wines and gourmet experiences.
Whether exploring coral reefs, rainforests, and red deserts, or enjoying oceanfront villas and contemporary city luxury, Australia offers a journey that is both exhilarating and effortlessly refined.
F PT recommends
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Capella, Sydney
Capella Sydney redefines urban luxury within the heritage grandeur of a beautifully restored sandstone building in the heart of the city. Its interiors blend historical elegance with contemporary design, featuring bespoke furnishings, curated artworks, and suites bathed in natural light. Guests can unwind in the serene spa, relax in the stunning indoor pool beneath a glass canopy, and indulge in culinary artistry at signature restaurants showcasing Australia’s finest produce. Steps from Sydney’s cultural landmarks, Capella offers an atmosphere of refined sophistication and modern vibrancy, where timeless heritage meets world-class hospitality.
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qualia, Great Barrier Reef
qualia, Great Barrier Reef is an exclusive sanctuary on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island, where the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea meet lush tropical landscapes. Designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, each pavilion offers panoramic ocean views, private plunge pools, and interiors crafted from timber and stone to evoke natural harmony. Guests can explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, indulge in sensory spa experiences, or enjoy seasonal cuisine that celebrates Australia’s coastal produce. Days unfold at an unhurried pace, where privacy, serenity, and world-class service combine to create an atmosphere of pure island indulgence.
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Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney
Four Seasons Sydney commands a prestigious harbourside location overlooking the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, offering an experience that blends cosmopolitan sophistication with timeless luxury. Elegant rooms and suites feature panoramic views and contemporary interiors that reflect the spirit of the city, while the spa and rooftop pool provide a tranquil escape above the vibrant waterfront. Guests can dine on refined Australian cuisine in stylish surroundings, explore nearby cultural landmarks, or enjoy tailored concierge experiences that reveal the best of Sydney. Every detail reflects the signature Four Seasons standard of excellence, creating a stay defined by comfort, elegance, and an unmistakable sense of place.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne captures the essence of modern Australian luxury from its sky-high vantage point above the city skyline. Every suite is designed with a sense of calm sophistication, blending soft tones, rich textures, and panoramic views that stretch from the Yarra River to Port Phillip Bay. Guests can experience elevated dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant, where contemporary cuisine celebrates Victoria’s finest produce, or unwind in the serene spa and infinity pool overlooking the cityscape. With intuitive service, refined design, and a seamless connection to Melbourne’s vibrant arts and culinary scene, The Ritz-Carlton offers an atmosphere of understated grandeur and authentic elegance.
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COMO The Treasury, Perth
COMO The Treasury is a graceful fusion of historic architecture and contemporary luxury set within the beautifully restored 19th-century State Buildings. Each of its spacious rooms and suites exudes quiet elegance, featuring high ceilings, handcrafted furnishings, and French windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Guests can savour acclaimed dining experiences highlighting Western Australia’s finest seasonal produce, rejuvenate in the tranquil COMO Shambhala spa, or wander through Perth’s dynamic cultural and shopping precincts just steps away. The atmosphere is serene and sophisticated, offering a refined urban retreat that balances heritage charm with modern sensibility.
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Longitude 131, Uluru
Longitude 131 offers an extraordinary encounter with the heart of Australia, overlooking the sacred silhouette of Uluru and the vast expanse of the Red Centre. Each tented pavilion combines contemporary luxury with raw, natural beauty, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls that frame the desert’s shifting colours from dawn to dusk. Guests can savour fine dining infused with native ingredients, unwind beside the flickering Dune House fire, or join guided walks revealing the region’s ancient landscapes and Indigenous heritage. With its seamless blend of comfort, culture, and wilderness, Longitude 131 delivers a profoundly immersive and unforgettable outback experience.
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The Langham, Sydney
The Langham, Sydney embodies timeless elegance in the heart of The Rocks, offering a refined haven of calm amidst the city’s vibrant harbourfront. Its spacious rooms and suites feature classic design with modern accents, accented by hand-crafted furnishings, marble bathrooms, and views across Sydney Harbour or the city skyline. Guests can indulge in signature afternoon tea, dine on elevated cuisine at Kitchens on Kent, or rejuvenate in the serene underground spa and pool inspired by Roman baths. Every detail reflects the Langham’s tradition of understated sophistication, creating an atmosphere of warmth, luxury, and impeccable service in one of Sydney’s most distinguished addresses.
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Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale
Spicers Peak Lodge rests high on a mountain plateau in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, surrounded by rolling countryside and untouched wilderness. This exclusive lodge combines rustic elegance with contemporary comfort, featuring stone fireplaces, rich timber interiors, and sweeping views across the Great Dividing Range. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining that showcases local produce, unwind in the peaceful Spa Anise, or explore the surrounding trails and landscapes on guided walks or mountain bike adventures. With its intimate atmosphere, attentive service, and connection to nature, Spicers Peak Lodge offers an elevated escape where luxury meets the untamed beauty of the Australian highlands.
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Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
Lizard Island is an exclusive tropical sanctuary located on the northern edge of the Great Barrier Reef, where pristine white sands meet crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Its boutique 40 secluded villas and suites are set within lush gardens or perched above the coral-fringed coast, offering sweeping views and effortless privacy. Guests can snorkel straight from the beach, dive at the legendary Cod Hole, or indulge in fresh, locally inspired cuisine overlooking Anchor Bay. The spa provides a serene retreat after days of adventure, while personalised service ensures every moment feels tailored and tranquil. Lizard Island captures the essence of barefoot luxury, where natural beauty and refined comfort exist in perfect harmony.
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Islington Hotel, Hobart
Islington Hotel in Hobart is a boutique retreat steeped in history, combining Georgian architecture with contemporary elegance. Set within a tranquil garden estate, the hotel features individually styled rooms adorned with antiques, fine art, and plush furnishings, creating a sense of refined intimacy. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of Mount Wellington, dine on gourmet Tasmanian cuisine in the conservatory-style restaurant, or relax by the open fire with a glass of local wine. With its graceful atmosphere, impeccable service, and emphasis on comfort and authenticity, Islington Hotel offers an enchanting escape that celebrates Tasmania’s charm and sophistication.
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The Royce, Melbourne
The Royce in Melbourne is a stylish blend of heritage grandeur and contemporary sophistication, housed within a beautifully restored 1920s automobile showroom. Its interiors exude glamour and warmth, with elegant Art Deco touches, rich textures, and refined detailing throughout. Spacious rooms and suites feature bespoke furnishings and luxurious amenities, many opening to private terraces overlooking the city. Guests can dine at the chic restaurant and bar showcasing seasonal Victorian produce, or unwind in the serene library and courtyard spaces designed for relaxation. With its refined ambiance, intuitive service, and enviable location near the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Royce offers a modern expression of timeless Melbourne elegance.
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Sequoia Lodge, Adelaide
Sequoia Lodge sits high above South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, offering an intimate adults-only sanctuary immersed in nature and sophistication. Each of its luxurious open-plan suites features panoramic views across Piccadilly Valley, complete with fireplaces, freestanding bathtubs, and private balconies that invite relaxation amid the surrounding vineyards. Guests can indulge in fine dining at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, rejuvenate in the wellness spa, or enjoy curated experiences from wine tastings to sunrise yoga. Seamlessly blending contemporary design with a deep sense of place, Sequoia Lodge delivers an atmosphere of calm indulgence and connection to the natural beauty of the region.
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Makepeace Island, Noosa
Makepeace Island is a private tropical haven nestled in the Noosa River, offering an atmosphere of barefoot luxury and complete seclusion. Co-owned by Sir Richard Branson, this heart-shaped island retreat blends relaxed Australian style with Balinese-inspired design, featuring hand-carved timber furnishings, open-air lounges, and lush gardens. Guests can unwind in spacious villas, lounge by the lagoon pool, or explore the surrounding waterways by kayak or paddleboard. Gourmet dining showcases locally sourced produce, complemented by exceptional service and a sense of effortless exclusivity. Makepeace Island is a sanctuary for connection, tranquillity, and indulgence, where every moment feels uniquely personal and serene.
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Jackalope Hotel, North Victoria
Jackalope on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is a bold fusion of art, design, and luxury set among rolling vineyards and coastal beauty. Its striking contemporary architecture and curated interiors create a sense of drama and intrigue, with sleek rooms overlooking the vines and featuring deep soaking tubs, curated art pieces, and moody sophistication. Guests can dine at the award-winning restaurant Doot Doot Doot, sip wine at the designer bar Flaggerdoot, or unwind by the infinity pool gazing across the estate. Combining avant-garde style with warm hospitality, Jackalope delivers an immersive escape where creativity, comfort, and indulgence intertwine effortlessly.
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InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Whitsundays
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays, offers a private island experience where luxury meets the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Surrounded by turquoise waters and lush tropical gardens, its elegant rooms, suites, and villas feature expansive terraces and contemporary coastal interiors designed for relaxation and connection to nature. Guests can embark on reef excursions, enjoy sunset sailing, or unwind beside one of Australia’s most spectacular swimming pools. Dining celebrates fresh local ingredients and ocean-to-table flavours, while the spa provides an oasis of calm inspired by the island’s serene environment. Every stay at Hayman Island is defined by intuitive service, barefoot sophistication, and unforgettable moments of tropical indulgence.
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The Calile, Brisbane
The Calile is an urban resort that brings a refreshing sense of coastal glamour to the heart of the city’s fashionable James Street precinct. Designed with breezy sophistication, its minimalist architecture and soft, sunlit palette evoke the charm of a modern Mediterranean escape. Spacious rooms open to private terraces overlooking the palm-fringed pool deck, while the hotel’s dining venues showcase vibrant, seasonal Australian cuisine with a relaxed yet refined flair. Guests can unwind at the award-winning spa, explore the surrounding boutiques and galleries, or simply soak in the resort’s effortless blend of city energy and laid-back luxury. Every detail at The Calile reflects Brisbane’s confident, contemporary style and spirit of modern indulgence.
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The Langham, Melbourne
The Langham captures timeless sophistication on the banks of the Yarra River, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and Southbank’s vibrant arts precinct. Its elegant rooms and suites feature classic European-inspired décor, luxurious marble bathrooms, and signature touches that reflect the Langham’s tradition of refined hospitality. Guests can indulge in award-winning dining at Melba Restaurant, enjoy the famous afternoon tea in the grand lobby lounge, or unwind in the tranquil Chuan Spa and heated rooftop pool overlooking the city. Combining graceful charm with modern luxury, The Langham delivers an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and understated grandeur in the heart of Melbourne.
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Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney offers a sophisticated retreat in the heart of The Rocks, where sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge create an unforgettable backdrop. The hotel’s elegant rooms and suites feature classic design, plush furnishings, and expansive windows that frame the city’s most iconic vistas. Guests can indulge in contemporary Australian cuisine at the award-winning Altitude Restaurant, unwind in the luxurious spa, or enjoy handcrafted cocktails in the stylish Blu Bar on 36. Blending warm hospitality with refined urban luxury, Shangri-La Sydney embodies the perfect balance of comfort, glamour, and world-class service in an exceptional harbourside setting.
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The Louise, Barossa Valley
The Louise near Marananga is an intimate vineyard retreat set in the heart of South Australia’s Barossa Valley, offering an immersive experience of wine country luxury. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and golden hills, its elegant suites feature private courtyards, outdoor rain showers, and secluded terraces designed for relaxation and connection to nature. Guests can dine at the acclaimed Appellation restaurant, where each dish celebrates the region’s rich produce and fine wines, or explore nearby cellar doors and artisanal producers. With personalised service, tranquil landscapes, and understated sophistication, The Louise captures the essence of Barossa hospitality in an atmosphere of refined rural elegance.
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Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach
Halcyon House in Cabarita Beach is a coastal haven that blends nostalgic charm with contemporary sophistication, offering a laid-back yet luxurious escape on Australia’s northern New South Wales coast. Each individually designed room features vintage-inspired furnishings, vibrant textiles, and handcrafted details that create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Guests can lounge beside the palm-fringed pool, indulge in award-winning dining at Paper Daisy, or explore the golden beaches and coastal trails just steps from the door. With its distinctive personality, attentive service, and effortless sense of style, Halcyon House captures the spirit of relaxed seaside glamour in an intimate, boutique setting.
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Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania
Saffire Freycinet is an exceptional coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s east coast, overlooking the crystal waters of Great Oyster Bay and the striking Hazards Mountains. Designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings, the lodge features contemporary architecture, elegant suites with sweeping views, and interiors that evoke warmth, light, and tranquillity. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining that celebrates Tasmania’s finest local produce, enjoy bespoke experiences such as oyster farm tastings or guided coastal walks, and unwind in the luxurious spa surrounded by native bushland. With its impeccable service, understated sophistication, and deep connection to the landscape, Saffire Freycinet offers an immersive experience of Australian luxury that feels both intimate and inspiring.
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InterContinental Sydney
InterContinental Sydney is a landmark of refined luxury set within the beautifully restored Treasury Building of 1851, offering panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The hotel’s elegant rooms and suites combine classic charm with contemporary design, providing a tranquil retreat above the vibrant city. Guests can enjoy elevated dining and cocktails at Aster Bar on the rooftop, savour locally inspired cuisine in The Treasury Restaurant, or relax in the serene Club InterContinental Lounge overlooking the harbour. Blending heritage architecture with world-class service, InterContinental Sydney delivers an experience of timeless sophistication and modern elegance in one of the city’s most coveted locations.
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Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island
Southern Ocean Lodge is a masterpiece of coastal luxury, perched above limestone cliffs with breathtaking views of the wild Southern Ocean. Reimagined and rebuilt to blend seamlessly with its environment, the lodge offers spacious suites featuring floor-to-ceiling glass, natural materials, and private terraces that open to dramatic seascapes. Guests can explore the island’s pristine wilderness with expert guides, unwind in the spa inspired by native botanicals, or enjoy exceptional dining that celebrates local produce and fine South Australian wines. With its seamless connection to nature, bespoke service, and serene sense of isolation, Southern Ocean Lodge offers an unforgettable experience of untamed beauty and refined indulgence at the edge of the world.
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Kittawa Lodge, King Island Tasmania
Kittawa Lodge on King Island is an exclusive retreat that redefines seclusion and sophistication, surrounded by windswept dunes, rugged coastline, and untamed natural beauty. Each of its architecturally designed lodges offers uninterrupted ocean views, contemporary interiors, and thoughtful details that create an atmosphere of serene comfort. Guests can explore the island’s dramatic landscapes, enjoy private dining featuring fresh local produce, or simply relax by the fireplace as the sound of the waves fills the air. With its emphasis on privacy, personalised service, and sustainable luxury, Kittawa Lodge delivers a deeply restorative escape that celebrates nature’s raw elegance and the art of refined simplicity.