The Telegraph United Kingdom (UK) Hotel Awards have revealed their inaugural list of the 50 best hotels worldwide, with Australia’s Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and qualia on Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef, securing coveted positions. This annual recognition celebrates outstanding hotels from all corners of the globe, carefully ranked and reviewed by industry experts.
Southern Ocean Lodge, the crown jewel of Baillie Lodges, triumphantly reopened in December 2023 after a complete rebuild, nearly four years after devastating bushfires swept through Kangaroo Island. The new design places environmental sustainability at its heart, seamlessly blending luxury with eco-conscious architecture, setting a new standard for responsible, high-end travel.
Similarly, qualia stands as a beacon of Australian luxury, embodying world-class design and sophistication. Situated on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island, this exclusive resort is framed by the stunning beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. With its tranquil atmosphere and serene surroundings, qualia offers a sense of timelessness, where every moment lingers in effortless calm.
“The list of 50 winning hotels offers a unique insight into the planet’s most amazing places to stay, from boutique city boltholes you’ll be recommending for years to come, to the big hitters that are really worth splashing out on.”
Selected by 24 judges from the Telegraph’s team of seasoned hotel and travel experts, the hotels were chosen after being split into regional panels—Europe, Asia, Americas and Caribbean, Africa, and Oceania. From over 10,000 reviews in The Telegraph’s extensive collection, the judges evaluated nominations based on geographic variety, pricing, and hotel type. Each property was then rigorously scored according to Telegraph review ratings, enhanced by factors such as staff-to-guest ratios and in-room amenities, which ultimately determined the final rankings and this coveted list of 50.
To read the full list of winners, click here.
To read the full article for the Telegraph UK subscribers, click here.