Best new hotels in Australia offering five-star stays

Ideal for: Staycation glamour

The moment you catch sight of her rust-coloured curves, you’ll be forced to admit; The Eve is a looker. Inside, things get even better as elegant arched hallways and custom glazed ceramics deliver maximum contrast and wow factor. Interior details by George Livissianis and artwork curated by David Stein bring an extra layer of sophisticated quirk. A rooftop pool, surrounded by shaded cabanas, brings urban resort glamour to the precinct, while a plethora of first-class dining options ensures The Eve caters to both locals and visitors alike.  

Why we love it: 

• The precinct. Everything you need to enjoy a weekend (or mid-week) escape is right on your doorstep – including top dining, spa treatments, and more.

• The serenity. Superb acoustic design ensures a peaceful night’s sleep, no matter how lively the surrounding precinct. 

• Bar Julius. Whether you’re enjoying quality batch brew coffee and a classic French omelette or indulging in a demi-bottle of Krug with complimentary caviar at Happy Hour ($250), Bar Julius is a vibe.

Ideal for: A cosy weekend in the city

The Adelaide Marriott is part of the transformation of one of the city’s most treasured landmarks – the 152-year-old Adelaide General Post Office. The sleek interiors blend mid-century style with a modernist twist, offering a refined stay for both business travellers and those wanting to immerse themselves in Adelaide’s vibrant arts scene. 

Why we love it: 

• The location. The Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall, Central Markets and Her Majesty’s Theatre are all within walking distance.

• Cocktails at Exchange Lane. Start the night with a Martini and some snacky plates, including Coffin Bay oysters and prawn and ginger gyoza. 

• The artwork. Curated collections on every floor range from vast wall sculptures to archival photographs and culturally significant pieces by First Nations artists of the APY Gallery.

Ideal for: A romantic Byron beach retreat

This compact 32-room boutique guesthouse features a fabulous magnesium pool surrounded by daybeds and sun lounges for the ideal mini break. The Miami beach house design is a warm blur of travertine tiles, leather lounges, boho artworks and cool communal spaces — all right in the heart of Byron Bay.

Why we love it: 

• The pool deck. The perfect place to waste an afternoon with a rosé and a good read.

• The serenity. It’s relatively quiet despite being located in the heart of Byron village.  

• The size. The boutique scale makes it a personal, in-the-know stay. 

Ideal for: Design-loving business overnighters and culture-keen staycationers 

Hyde Melbourne Place’s quiet, triumphant opening in late 2024 has proven a masterclass in considered, sensitive design and urban regeneration. Classic Melburnian red-brick stylings emblematic of the surrounding CBD streets carve an impressive, towering figure on bustling Russell Street, while striking interiors and warm staff make this handsome newcomer a cut above the rest.

Why we love it: 

• The rooftop bar. A viral TikTok may have made Mid Air the place to sip this year, but the panoramic city views and excellent snacks are worth braving the crowds. 

• The branded, hooded bathrobes. (A.K.A your new favourite bedroom companion.)

• The location. Hyde Melbourne Place is within walking distance of the city’s greatest attractions, including the NGV, Federation Square and the Yarra. 

Ideal for: High-end wilderness fans

This iconic luxury lodge is perched on the clifftops at Kangaroo Island, with only ocean between it and Antarctica meaning world-class views for days. Recently rebuilt after being destroyed in the 2020 bushfires, it has returned more luxurious and unique than ever.  All 25 suites in the main building feature private terraces, sunken lounge areas with fireplaces, freestanding tubs and a wall of glass framing an exhilarating expanse of the ocean and sky. Bigger suites include heated plunge pools, while the free-standing four-bedroom Baillie Pavilion has two infinity pools. 

Why we love it: 

• The location. Southern Ocean Lodge has a true sense of privacy and isolation.

• The excursions. Choose from close encounters with wildlife on ‘Australia’s Galapagos’ to beach fishing or gourmet food and wine experiences.

• The spa. The Southern Spa boasts hot and cold plunge pools and a sheltered sun terrace.

Ideal for: Gastronomic getaways

A world-class boutique hotel from one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs. Josh Niland and wife Julie bring the same emphasis on quality and sustainability to their first hotel as they do their restaurants, all the while creating a clear sense of place. The result is one of the most polished, considered and charming properties to recently open in Australia.  

Why we love it: 

• The design. Polish and exacting precision permeate each of the 14 individually styled guest rooms.  

• The food. World-class dining from renowned chef Josh Niland is found downstairs at Saint Peter. 

• The location. Centrally located in Sydney’s Paddington, which boasts boutique shops, buzzy restaurants, leafy backstreets and neighbourhood pubs and bars. 

Ideal for: A stylish stay in a locally loved part of Melbourne

Channelling the same effortlessly cool energy that first defined The Standard on LA’s Sunset Strip in 1999, The StandardX Melbourne brings design-savvy flair and laid-back charm to a corner of Melbourne historically untouched by international hoteliers. While the ‘X’ signifies a departure from the original brand’s maximalist roots, this new iteration brings the same street-smart credibility, paired with a warm, welcoming vibe that strikes the perfect balance between style and substance. 

Why we love it: 

• The location. Immerse yourself in the avant-garde Fitzroy vibe, with the added perks of full-service hotel luxury. 

• The robes. Because what’s better than a plush hotel robe? A hooded plush hotel robe.

• The value. International hotel standards meet local charm, at a surprisingly reasonable price.

Ideal for: Nature trips and romantic getaways

Reopened in 2024, The Tamborine embraces its former motel life while offering incredible mountain views, Palm Springs aesthetics and a heated mineral pool. All 23 rooms feature a terrace or balcony overlooking the view, and with scenery this stunning, the landscape rightfully takes centre stage.

Why we love it: 

• The location. Tamborine Mountain is packed with things to see and do.

• The nature. Sitting on the lawn with a book and listening to the rainforest provides unparalleled tranquillity.

• The pool. After a long rainforest walk, a soak in the mineral pool (with attached spa) is a fine reward.