Capella Sydney, The Calile, Southern Ocean Lodge, Rosewood Hong Kong land on World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 — airlines and hospitality groups eye potential rise in luxury bookings
Published on
October 31, 2025
Capella Sydney, The Calile, Southern Ocean Lodge, Rosewood Hong Kong land on World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 — airlines and hospitality groups eye potential rise in luxury bookings. The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025, announced at Old Billingsgate in London on October 30, 2025, confirmed Capella Sydney’s debut at No. 12 and its title as Best Hotel in Oceania, The Calile Hotel (Brisbane) at No. 34, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island as the American Express Travel “One To Watch” winner, and Rosewood Hong Kong as the overall No. 1. The recognition raises global visibility for Australia and Hong Kong and has led industry observers to anticipate an uptick in premium enquiries from key source markets. Travellers considering a luxury trip should book suites and premium seats early, since award-driven demand typically tightens availability and pushes rates in the months following the announcement.
Capella Sydney, The Calile, Southern Ocean Lodge, and Rosewood Hong Kong land on World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 — airlines and hospitality groups eye potential rise in luxury bookings
What this list means for travellers and the travel industry
Capella Sydney, The Calile (Brisbane), Southern Ocean Lodge (Kangaroo Island), and Rosewood Hong Kong were included on the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list. This recognition places Australia and Hong Kong in the luxury travel spotlight. The list was announced at a live ceremony in London, then released to the industry press and the World’s 50 Best organizers. ([Latte Luxury News][1])
For travellers, this is more than a matter of bragging rights. With awards comes awareness; the search interest and media stories flowing from awards lead to inquiries. A quick response from the hotels and tourism boards means a greater chance of turning the awards buzz into bookings. ([australia.com][2])
What luxury travellers should know now
Capella Sydney debuted at No.12 and was named Best Hotel in Oceania.
The Calile returned to the list, while Southern Ocean Lodge received the American Express Travel “One To Watch” award — all from the 2025 list. These ARE verified facts. (Latte Luxury News)
Practical point: Higher demand for certain room types. Luxury travelers tend to book early. If you would like the Capella suites, or a signature dining slot, be ready months in advance. Given such publicity, peak season slots will fill first. Historically, STR reporting has shown Sydney’s average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) has increased in months during 2025 with large events. This is a classic case of demand driving price.
Air Travel demand focused for airlines on premium demand, yields and route strategy. The demand for air travel grew significantly during 2024-2025. IATA and the market have stated international travel has grown and so have its profitable sectors. This situation provides airlines with a better opportunity to monetise their premium travel offerings for destinations that become popular in the media.
Airlines first look to route Sydney on long-haul flights, and premium cabin bookings. If demand is constant, airlines will change the capacity on key feeder routes. Essentially, a high profile hotel award means stronger premium travel will follow.
Flight facts for planners (real, recent examples)
- Auckland (AKL) → Sydney (SYD): typical flight time ~3h 35m. There are multiple daily flights. Air New Zealand and Qantas run several layers. This is a good option for short luxury breaks from New Zealand.
- Shanghai (PVG) → Sydney (SYD): nonstop flights take about 10–11 hours on China Eastern; this is useful for mainland Chinese tourists flying in for a luxury holiday.
- Los Angeles (LAX) ↔ Sydney (SYD): nonstop flights are about 13–15 hours (Qantas has seasonal and multi-week services). Long-haul travellers from the US will normally sit in the premium cabins.
- London (LHR) → Sydney (SYD). Current routing will give you a single-stop (Singapore or Doha) or new ultra-long-haul options. For now, travellers should check and book premium if comfort is a priority.
What the Capella win means for Australia’s tourism numbers and industry
Australia got over 8.4 million visitor arrivals for the 2024–25 year. For that same year, Tourism Research Australia (TRA) projected holiday trips and associated spend as well as international spend was on the rise, with increase year on year.
In terms of luxury bookings, Australia is a net recipient, as the market is still recovering at the time. ([Australian Bureau of Statistics][9])
The top five countries by trips and spend are China, NZ, the USA, the UK, and India. Because of the importance of China tourism and the history of disproportionate luxury spend China tourism is a priority recipient of luxury Australia tourism. This impacts total tourism. This is why tourism China marketing campaigns are a priority. ([tra.gov.au][10])
Hospitality angle — staff and service expectation vs ADR, RevPAR
Awards are a way to elevate and amplify hotel profiles. Data from multiple studies indicates that the marketing goodwill and reputation increase property value and ADR and RevPAR. SYD STR data shows correlated periods of double-digit ADR growth to spikes in demand. Hotels are converters of demand to bookings and the sustainable service delivery at scale. ([STR][3])
Award-winning hotels need to manage demand on staff. This creates pressure on front-of-house, food and beverage, and housekeeping. This also increases operational variability. The self-control economics are to create demand-density to launch flexible inventory. ([STR][3])
How the traveller benefits from these as news
- Sydney city + design stays: Capella Sydney is perfect for design-led walks as it is a central location, and signature meals and private harbour cruises.
Merge the stay with a day in Barangaroo and a customized art gallery tour. ([Latte Luxury News][1])
- ** Brisbane + Hinterland:** The Calile is a gateway to Queensland’s design hotels, beaches and hinterland wineries. For contrast, include a regional two-night escape. ([Latte Luxury News][1])
- ** Wild luxury on Kangaroo Island:** Southern Ocean Lodge’s One To Watch award makes Kangaroo Island an attractive short-flight add-on from Adelaide or a domestic hop from Sydney. Schedule guided wildlife tours and private dining. ([Latte Luxury News][1])
- ** Mix Asia with Australia:** To make an Australian leg more appealing to luxury multi-route travellers, pair with Rosewood Hong Kong and fly into Hong Kong or Singapore. ([PR Newswire][11])
Booking and timing – data-backed practical tips
- ** Order early for signature experiences and suites. ** For peak seasons, luxury travellers generally book 3-9 months wire. This is because award status and STR data shows a huge demand for these bookings. ([STR][3])
- ** For premium cabins, check flight seat maps. ** For flatbeds or suites, aim for early reservation and choose refundable or upgradeable fares for long-haul flights. The number of premium seats can be limited by airlines on each flight.
Higher premium seat occupancy means IATA traffic growth for 2025. ([iata.org][4])
- Use official visa channels. Eligible travellers applying for an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651) should see most eVisitor/ETA applications processed in 24 hours or less. Please see the Department of Home Affairs for your nationality. ([Immigration and citizenship Website][12])
- Airport transfers: From the Sydney Airport Link train, it takes 13 minutes to reach the CBD. Ridesharing and taxi fares to the CBD are priced between AUD $45 and $60. As for the taxis, a one-year trial to decrease the fares was reported to improve price transparency.
Airline–hotel partnerships: what to expect and how travellers benefit
After big awards, airlines and hotels have collaborative marketing campaigns. Bundled offers such as flights + suites, fast-track check-in, and complimentary transfers for moonlight drivers are expected. Not only does this provide travellers liquidity, it also assists the airlines and hotels in inventory retention. Frequent flyers should expect promo offers for miles/points for partner hotel stays. ([iata.org][4])
This means the traveller is receiving exceptional surface value and the journey is more orchestrated and free-flowing. After the awards, check airline newsletters and the hotel xxx for restricted offers. ([Latte Luxury News][1])
Safety, health and seasonal advice
For tourists, Australia is a safe place to visit, but don’t forget the travel insurance.
Medical attention is costly for unprotected non-residents. The spring period (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are ideal for beautiful weather in Sydney and lighter populations. Please consult the Bureau of Meteorology for seasonal planning and local travel tips. Info can also be found at australia.com.
Metrics to Measure the Lift
Industry watchers will measure web search volumes for “Capella Sydney” and related terms; OTA booking volumes; STR luxury Sydney hotel market data ADR/RevPAR; uses Gold and A class tickets loads on key cities; and Tourism Research Australia trip and spend data for the month/quarter. This will show if the awarded visibility converted into available demand.
Last Minute Travel Tips
- Apply for the visa (ETA/eVisitor) at least [X] months in advance. Rules do vary depending on the passport. (Visit the Immigration and Citizenship page for more info)
- Book premium tickets for airlines/rooms and suites at least [X]/3 months in advance for peak travel dates. (Visa page)
- Check for time-sensitive award and airfare co-marketing packages on hotel direct sites. (Visit iata.org for more info)
- Use the Airport Link for a fast and inexpensive transfer into the city then arrange a rideshare.
- Obtain travel insurance and cover a medical/ trip cancellation and delay. This is a basic industry guideline.
Capella Sydney, The Calile, Southern Ocean Lodge, Rosewood Hong Kong land on World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 — airlines and hospitality groups eye potential rise in luxury bookings.
Announced at Old Billingsgate in London on 30 October 2025, the list names Capella Sydney at No.12 (Best Hotel in Oceania), The Calile at No.34, Southern Ocean Lodge as the American Express Travel “One To Watch,” and Rosewood Hong Kong as No.1 — a spotlight likely to prompt earlier bookings and stronger premium demand from key source markets.
Bottom line:
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 awards has put The Calile, Southern Ocean Lodge, Rosewood Hong Kong and Capella Sydney on the global spotlight.
That attention brings the promise of more high-end passengers, increased hotel prices, and more customized offerings from airlines. However, the real increase in value depends on the continuation of focused marketing, airline availability, and the feelings of potential travelers from the destinations where airlines are based. For travelers, the most strategic approach is to book in advance, secure high-value airline seats, and keep an eye on hotel offerings that include direct bookings for experiences, transfers, and meals. ([Latte Luxury News][1])
