Time Out Australia Travel Awards 2026: Best Luxury Stay Nominees

Since Time Out Melbourne first heard whispers that 1 Hotel – the eco-driven, luxury hotel juggernaut with a focus on blending sustainability with beautiful biophilic design touches – was coming to Melbourne, it’s safe to say that we were pretty excited. And now, after a $600 million redevelopment of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5 in the North Wharf precinct along the Yarra River, it has finally opened its doors to the public. So, does it live up to the hype? Read on for our full review. 

The spectacularly grand 192-room Capella is housed in Sydney’s historic Sandstone Precinct, and it's without question one of the city's most luxurious stays. But this is not a flashy chandeliers-and-knockout-views type of luxury. This is quiet, confident, understated elegance. Every single detail has been thoughtfully considered. Everything is beautiful, yet also practical and has been designed with guest comfort at the forefront. It's situated right in the heart of the city, but with a spa and several excellent venues on site, you might find it hard to pull yourself away from the hotel's indulgent embrace. 

Housed within the 19th-century State Buildings – which formerly served as a post office, land titles office and treasury – COMO The Treasury is the epitome of urban luxury. In 2015, these three historic buildings were seamlessly merged into a single grand hotel, featuring just 48 rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, a heated indoor pool, a gym, and a collection of swish restaurants, bars and independent shops.

Escape to your very own piece of paradise at Australia’s most famous private island resort. The high-end property in The Whitsundays is home to 182 uber-fancy guest rooms split across four wings, each boasting either rainforest, beach, lagoon or pool views. Some rooms, like the Pool Ocean View Suites, even offer direct swim-out access to the iconic Hayman pool – the largest pool in the Southern Hemisphere – from a private beach-facing balcony. Unwind by the heated infinity pool, seek shade under the exclusive waterfront cabanas, melt away stress with a hot stone massage, and enjoy a seafood buffet at sunset. Or just take it easy; you're on island time now.

This ultra-luxe property is everything your adult dreams are made of. The 14 plush suites boast a large bathtub with panoramic views of the valley, a spacious private balcony, a sunken lounge room with a toasty fireplace, and a moon window for stargazing before bed. Your luxury getaway also includes 32 complimentary perks, like daily breakfast, a fully stocked mini bar, an inviting infinity pool, an artesian hot pool experience and morning yoga. Say no more!

The three crystalline towers of The Langham Gold Coast are like jewels in the Surfers Paradise skyline, but it’s not just the exterior that brings diamonds to mind. This modern, five-star resort, complete with an award-winning day spa and health club, two swimming pools, six dining venues and panoramic ocean views, delivers an equally high-carat experience once you cross the threshold.

Anchored on Hobart’s buzzing waterfront, this charming historic hotel was well worth the six-year wait. The original sandstone facade houses 152 rooms spread across three buildings of starkly different eras: Heritage (1840s), Art Deco (1940s) and Pavilion (2020s). The Tasman doesn’t just impress with its award-winning design — it also delivers on dining, thanks to its acclaimed Italian restaurant Peppina and the moody, intimate cocktail bar Mary Mary. Plus, the hotel’s central locale is hard to beat, with the Derwent Harbour, Salamanca Place, Battery Point and Hobart’s CBD on your doorstep.