Quick Read
- Capella Sydney ranked No. 12 globally in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025.
- Named Best Hotel in Oceania, outpacing other Australian entries.
- Australia’s The Calile Brisbane also made the list at No. 34.
- Asia dominated the rankings, with Rosewood Hong Kong at No. 1.
- Awards highlight global trends in design, sustainability, and authentic guest experiences.
Capella Sydney: Redefining Luxury in Oceania
In the heart of Sydney, a century-old sandstone landmark has been quietly transforming the story of Australian hospitality. This year, Capella Sydney stepped onto the global stage in spectacular fashion, securing the coveted No. 12 spot in the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list and earning the title of Best Hotel in Oceania. The announcement, made at a glittering ceremony in London’s Old Billingsgate, was more than just an accolade. It signaled a shift—Australia’s emergence as a true contender in the world of luxury travel.
What sets Capella Sydney apart in a city famed for its iconic harbour and glittering skyline? According to AFR, it’s not just the water views, but the thoughtful design that elevates the guest experience. Nestled within a heritage building, the hotel blends history with modernity, offering spaces that are both grand and inviting, rich in character yet unmistakably contemporary. This delicate balancing act—honoring the past while embracing innovation—has caught the attention of travelers and critics alike.
Australia’s Hospitality Breakthrough
Capella Sydney’s rise is emblematic of a broader trend. Australia had two hotels in the top 50 this year, with The Calile Hotel in Brisbane returning at No. 34 for its third consecutive year. Both properties showcase a new wave of Australian hospitality: sophisticated, deeply rooted in place, and refreshingly open to the world. As Russh highlights, Capella’s sandstone walls and urban elegance embody Sydney’s soul, while The Calile’s sunlit sanctuary channels Brisbane’s easy-going charm and modernist flair.
Why does this matter? For decades, Australia was seen as an outlier in luxury travel—remote, rugged, and perhaps overshadowed by European grandeur or Asian innovation. Now, with Capella Sydney leading the charge, the country is firmly on the global map. These hotels aren’t just places to stay; they are destinations in their own right, each telling a uniquely Australian story through architecture, service, and experience.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels: A Global Benchmark
The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards, curated by over 800 travel and hospitality experts and independently verified by Deloitte, have become a touchstone for the industry. This year’s list was dominated by Asia, with Rosewood Hong Kong taking the top spot, followed by Four Seasons Bangkok and Capella Bangkok. Europe retained its timeless allure, with Passalacqua in Italy named Best in Europe, and Parisian icons like Le Bristol and Hôtel de Crillon maintaining their status.
The Middle East and Africa impressed with architectural marvels and cultural depth, while the Americas celebrated diversity—from Mexico’s serene Chablé Yucatán to Brazil’s legendary Copacabana Palace. Australia, with Capella Sydney and The Calile, showcased how Oceania can blend urban sophistication with natural inspiration. As Travel And Tour World notes, these rankings are more than a list—they’re a snapshot of evolving travel desires, where authenticity, design, and sustainability matter as much as luxury.
Design, Sustainability, and the Guest Experience
This year’s awards placed a spotlight on innovation, design, and sustainability. Capella Sydney’s recognition is rooted in its ability to offer immersive experiences: from locally inspired cuisine to art-filled corridors and attentive service that feels personal, never scripted. The hotel’s commitment to blending old and new—preserving historic facades while introducing contemporary comforts—has set a new standard for what luxury means in Australia.
Elsewhere, properties like Singita – Kruger National Park in South Africa and Desa Potato Head in Bali were honored for their eco-conscious approaches. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts received the Most Admired Hotel Group Award, underlining the importance of consistent excellence and innovation across continents.
The Broader Impact: Australia on the World Stage
Capella Sydney’s ascent is more than a personal triumph—it represents a broader movement within Australian hospitality. The recognition invites international travelers to look beyond traditional destinations and discover the unique blend of culture, nature, and design that Australia offers. For local hoteliers, it’s a call to raise the bar, to innovate, and to celebrate what makes their properties distinctive.
As the world’s travel landscape evolves, the best hotels are those that offer more than comfort and luxury; they create moments that linger in memory, spaces that foster connection, and experiences that are genuinely transformative. Capella Sydney, with its fusion of heritage and modernity, is leading the way.
Capella Sydney’s achievement as Oceania’s best and its global top-12 ranking signal a new chapter for Australian hospitality—one where thoughtful design, authentic experiences, and a sense of place are redefining luxury for travelers everywhere.