The World’s 50 Best has been cataloguing the finest hospitality venues around the world since 2002 when it first published its esteemed global restaurant rankings. It gained serious cred with its annual list of the world’s best fine diners before introducing a global bar awards in 2009. Early this morning, the association announced its inaugural list of the world’s 50 best hotels – with just one Australian hotel making the cut.
Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel was named the 12th best hotel in the world. After votes from 580 well-travelled industry experts were tallied, the urban oasis was ranked alongside hotels from 35 global destinations with 21 hotels in Europe, 18 in Asia, six in North America, three in Africa and one each from Oceania and South America making the list. The top award was taken out by Passalacqua, a dolce vita-worthy boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Como.
The Calile Hotel co-owner Catherine Malouf attended the ceremony at London’s Guildhall. In a statement, Malouf called the award “a win for our team, our collaborators, our loyal guests and a win for Brisbane as a destination”. She went on to praise The Calile for distinguishing itself as an urban resort with a “bold architectural commitment” and sustainable practices that embraced its local and sub-tropical climate.
The 175-room hotel, which opened five years ago, has made a name for itself thanks to the bold and beautiful design by local architects Richards and Spence with breeze block hallways, a 30-metre palm tree-lined pool and distinctive Juliet balconies.
The ranking
1. Passalacqua, Moltrasio
2. Rosewood, Hong Kong
3. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
4. The Upper House, Hong Kong
5. Aman, Tokyo
6. La Mamounia, Marrakech
7. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
8. One&Only Mandarina, Puerto Vallarta
9. Four Seasons Firenze, Florence
10. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
11. Capella, Bangkok
12. The Calile, Brisbane
13. Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá
14. Aman, Venice
15. Singita Lodges, Kruger National Park
16. Claridge's, London
17. Raffles, Singapore
18. Nihi Sumba, Wanokaka
19. Hotel Esencia, Tulum
20. Le Sirenuse, Positano
21. Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri
22. The Connaught, London
23. Royal Mansour, Marrakech
24. Four Seasons, Madrid
25. Aman, New York
26. The Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
27. Rosewood, São Paulo
28. Capella, Singapore
29. Le Bristol, Paris
30. Park Hyatt, Kyoto
31. La Réserve, Paris
32. Gleneagles, St Andrews, Scotland
33. Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes
34. Cheval Blanc, Paris
35. Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens
36. Soneva Jani, Maldives
37. The Newt, Bruton
38. Amangalla, Galle
39. Hoshinoya, Tokyo
40. Desa Potato Head, Seminyak
41. Eden Rock, St. Barths
42. The Siam, Bangkok
43. Badrutt's Palace, St. Moritz
44. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
45. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
46. NoMad, London
47. The Savoy, London
48. Equinox, New York
49. Six Senses Ibiza, Portinatx
50. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
