Inside the best hotel in Australia: The Calile in Brisbane is named 12th in the world – and it’s a favourite of Liam Hemsworth and Julia Roberts

A boutique hotel in Queensland has been named 12th in the World’s 50 Best Hotels awards for 2023 – and it’s not hard to see why. 

The Calile Hotel in Brisbane, a popular haunt for socialites and celebrities, opened in October 2018 and has now won best hotel in Oceania thanks to its coastal vibes and sub-tropical modern design. 

The $100million Fortitude Valley hotel was born out of the Malouf family’s decision to transform Brisbane’s premier shopping district James Street into a ‘lifestyle resort’ destination.

It resulted in the ‘finest’ urban resort hotel that appeals to both international, local and domestic travellers, as well as the likes of Liam Hemsworth, Julia Roberts and George Clooney.

Starting at around $379-a-night, the gorgeous hideaway offers nine rooms ranging from the humble Essential hideaway to poolside and high-end suite options. 

The $100million Fortitude Valley hotel was born out of the Malouf family’s decision to transform Brisbane’s premier shopping district James Street into a ‘lifestyle resort’ destination

Guests have access to serene cabanas on a deck by the huge sparkling pool , as well as the famous Kailo Medispa, a gym with all the necessities and personal trainers and a library tucked away in a private enclave. 

There are six dining options both inside and nearby as well, with the Lobby Bar perfect for lunch and dinner daily while the two hot spots on Ada Lane – Same Same and Bianca – are top picks for heavier meals. 

There are few details left unturned at The Calile, which prides itself on being a ‘place where stories can pause, or pivot’.

‘Normally we don’t put much stock in awards, nor do we chase them – we prefer to direct our energy into providing honest, generous and thoughtful hospitality,’ a Calile spokesperson said.

It resulted in the ‘finest’ urban resort hotel that appeals to both international, local and domestic travellers, as well as the likes of Liam Hemsworth, Julia Roberts and George Clooney 

Starting at around $379-a-night, the gorgeous hideaway offers nine rooms ranging from the humble Essential hideaway to poolside and high-end suite options

‘But we are just a little bit delighted by this honour given the integrity of the London-based organisation behind ‘The World’s Best Academy’ who have been developing highly regarded lists on the world’s best restaurants and bars since 2002.’

The independent list is created from the votes of The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, which comprises 580 international ‘well-travelled experts’ within the hotel and travel industry, with a 50-50 gender balance. 

‘It is comforting to know that trusted sources still exist and that the experts still like what we do and think we are doing it right, five years after we welcomed our first guests,’ the spokesperson continued.

Guests have access to serene cabanas on a deck by the huge sparkling pool , as well as the famous Kailo Medispa, a gym with all the necessities and personal trainers and a library tucked away in a private enclave

Passalacqua (above), a luxury boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Como in Italy was named the best hotel in the world 

‘It is not just us of course, just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to create a hotel. We do not exist in a vacuum, and we value highly the vital part that our community plays in making us a better place daily. 

‘We are surrounded by a collection of restaurants, boutiques, cafés, retail and beauty havens as well as galleries and creative organisations, within James St and our wider community – all when combined create a powerfully compelling place quite unlike any other in Australia. We dedicate this award to our people, and our place.’

EPassalacqua, a luxury boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, took out the title of best hotel in the world, with the towering Rosewood Hong Kong, set in the city’s Victoria Dockside arts and design district with stunning views over the harbour, taking second place.

Twenty-one of the winning properties were in Europe, with London ‘solidifying its reputation as a global travel hub’, according to the awards, as it boasts four hotels on the list – Claridge’s (No.16), The Connaught (No.22), NoMad London (No.46) and The Savoy (No.47).