There comes a time when travel accommodation goes beyond just a bed to sleep in. Sometimes, splashing out for a top luxury hotel is worth it if you want to take a trip to the next level. Think plush beds, luxe spa services, top locations, and impeccable food.
We’ve taken a look at some of the best hotels in four of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations that’ll give you a spark for your next holiday.
1. Luxury hotels in Australia
You don’t have to travel far to spoil yourself. In fact, Australia is home to some of the world’s best luxury hotels. Whether you want a side of reef, beach, or city with your stay, there are plenty of excellent hotels in Australia.
Hayman Island Resort
Nothing says luxury hotel like a private island resort. Get away from all your daily worries with a stay at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort and enjoy the best of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays.
Get to the resort by booking a flight to Hamilton Island and hopping on a private boat transfer. Your room (or suite) will be situated by either beach, pool, or lagoon, and the hilltop location offers panoramic views over the ocean. Enjoy life on the resort, head to the picturesque Whitehaven Beach, or book a helicopter ride over the reef.
If this is a bit above budget, check out Daydream Island Resort, a four-star stay overlooking turquoise waters.
Park Hyatt Sydney
Found in The Rocks and revealing views of the Opera House, the Park Hyatt is one of the top central hotels in Sydney. Whether you’re in town for New Year’s Eve or just here to explore our biggest city, the Park Hyatt is excellently positioned.
When you’re done exploring the city, there are plenty of ways to relax at your hotel. Enjoy the view of Sydney Harbour from your private balcony, head to the rooftop swimming pool, or book a treatment that’ll have you feeling like a whole new person at their award-winning spa.
If the Park Hyatt is a bit above budget, Sydney Harbour YHA reveals views of the Sydney Opera House from the comforts of its relaxed rooftop bar.
2. Luxury hotels in New Zealand
If you want a small dash of international flavour for your next holiday, look at booking a luxury hotel in New Zealand. Our Tasman neighbours have plenty of luxury options, with a different style of scenery to enjoy all within a short drive from the hotel’s doors.
Azur Lodge
What happens when you mix scenic outlooks and luxury villas? Book a stay at the Azur Lodge in Queenstown and find out. This hotel sits on the top of a hill with huge windows. You’ll look out at the lake and mountain views from a cosy bed.
Queenstown is known as an adventure destination, but it’s hard to keep that up for a whole holiday. Once you’re done bungy jumping, white water rafting, or skiing, having a beautiful room to relax in is an unparalleled feeling.
Set on a spacious property overlooking the water Kamana Lakehouse is a similarly tranquil retreat for about half the price of Azur Lodge.
QT Auckland
No trip to New Zealand’s North Island is complete without a visit to Auckland. As the country’s biggest city, it, like Sydney, draws in many of the big brands looking to outdo each other.
One chain that’s done this very well is the QT. Forget about bland white walls with cookie-cutter art. At the QT Auckland, you’ll sleep in rooms that have been designed with nature and the aesthetics of the Auckland Harbour in mind.
With views of the famous harbour from many of its rooms, Auckland’s best attractions, restaurants, and bars are just a short stroll away. If you want to stay local, the QT has a rooftop bar that’s among the best cocktail venues in the city.
For a stay that’s similarly central but a bit cheaper, book a room at Braemar on Parliament Street, where each room is uniquely decorated.
3. Luxury hotels in Bali
Bali is one of the most popular international destinations for Australians and with good reason. Beautiful weather, beaches galore, and an incredible exchange rate mean you can have a luxury experience for less than you’d pay at home. When it comes to accommodation, by budgeting for a standard Australian hotel’s price, you can stay in one of the top hotels in Indonesia.
Basundari Retreat Ubud
Different types of travellers are drawn to different areas of Bali. And while Kuta is famous for its party atmosphere, that’s only one of many sides the island has to offer. For a more family-friendly, natural, or spiritual holiday, escaping to Ubud is a better option.
Staying at the Basundari Retreat Ubud will make your trip unforgettable. Built between rainforests and rice fields, this accommodation helps you get back in touch with nature. Like many places in Ubud, Basundari offers spaces to practise yoga, meditate or simply laze by the pool.
Alternatively, check in to Nur Guesthouse by Purely, a three-star stay just steps from the Campuhan Ridge Walk trail where rice terraces, palm trees, and temples await.
Suluban Cliff Bali Villa
Found in Southern Kuta, close to the beach but away from the bars, is Suluban Cliff Villa. Able to sleep 12 visitors, the villa is, as its name suggested, found on a cliff with stunning ocean views. You can book one of the four suites or the entire place for a group stay.
Relax in the infinity pool, read a book on one of the sheltered terraces, or hire a driver and explore the nearby countryside. A tip? Book a flexible return flight, you might want to stay longer than originally planned!
If you don’t need a full villa, retreat to your own bungalow at Uluwatu Cottages nearby Suluban Cliff Villa, where you’ll have panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
4. Luxury hotels in Singapore
Whether it’s as a stopover on the way to Europe or a destination in its own right, many Australians have spent a few nights in Singapore. Find out where to stay on your next trip to Lion City.
Resorts World Sentosa
Sentosa is a small island to the south of Singapore’s CBD and is where you’ll find most of the country’s family-friendly attractions. Go to one of many waterparks, visit the Mega Adventure Park, or lounge the day away on a beach.
Many of these options, and more, are available at the luxurious Resorts World Sentosa Hard Rock Hotel. Family rooms and suites are available within walking distance of a waterpark, tall ship experience, and aquarium. For the ultimate experience, book an Equarius Ocean Suite. The top floor has a patio and jacuzzi, while the bottom floor, where the bedroom is, is below ground level. The floor-to-ceiling window looks out into the waters of the aquarium.
A wallet-friendly alternative? Village Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality is a family-friendly hotel with four pools and a lazy river.
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Orchard Road is the Fifth Avenue in Singapore. Where better to stay than in the Hilton on that very street? This top luxury hotel, the biggest Hilton in the APAC, is a great hub to explore Singapore.
On-site, you’ve got five world-class restaurants to choose from, an outdoor pool, and children’s activities galore. Your little ones won’t dare say the words, “I’m bored!”
If you’d rather save your money for souvenir shopping, book a stay at Lloyd’s Inn, a quaint and clean accommodation just a short stroll away from Orchard Road.
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