Insane Aussie hotel makes new global list
A stunning hotel perched on a limestone clifftop in the rugged wilderness of Australia has made the cut on a very prestigious, global list.
We have all heard of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list - but for the first time ever, 50 Best has extended the list, revealing properties ranked between 51 and 100 with an Aussie hotel making the cut.
The list spans 24 different territories and 40 cities with Asia and Europe claiming the highest number of hotels in each continent, each featuring 16 and 17 properties respectively.
Hotels in Italy take the lead in Europe, with nine properties on the list as 12 properties appear from North America, four of which are in New York City.
Representing Australia in 69th position is Southern Ocean Lodge in Kangaroo Island. The stunning hotel is stretched along a limestone clifftop in the rugged wilderness of our country’s third-largest island.
“Expect floor-to-ceiling glazing framing 180-degree views of craggy coastline, sandy beaches and an expanse of wild ocean that stretches, unhindered by any other land, beyond the horizon to Antarctica,” the description of the property states on 50 Best.
“Every experience here is geared towards total immersion in its entrancing surrounds, from biking through the island’s sage green wilderness, beach fishing, star watching with an astrologist or trying some of the expertly cooked local produce from resident chef Tom Saliba.”
One quick glimpse on the property’s Instagram and you will understand why it’s made the cut with images showing off its luxe look and charm.
“As we enter our third year, we are delighted to honour even more of the world’s most outstanding hotels with the extended 51-100 list,” Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels said.
“The dedication and passion of the hotel industry means it is constantly growing and improving, so it is incredibly difficult for our judges to vote for just seven properties, resulting in just 50 of the world’s best being named.
“From this year and beyond, we will be able to showcase an even larger pool of hotels and territories, and celebrate the exceptional teams who bring them to reality with the extended list.”
In the last week, Southern Ocean Lodge also claimed three other prestigious titles - first place in the UK’s Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards Best Resorts in Australasia and the South Pacific, achieving an impressive score of 99.17.
“[And] across the Atlantic, we’ve also been recognised in the US-based @cntraveler Readers’ Choice Awards Best Resorts list for Australia & Pacific, coming in at tenth place. Thanks to all our wonderful guests for casting your votes – this honour is made possible by you,” a recent Instagram post on the property’s official page read.
Not only that, it also got some exciting news out of Paris.
“The 2025 @michelinguide Keys have been revealed globally, and Southern Ocean Lodge has proudly unlocked two MICHELIN Keys - a distinction that denotes an ‘exceptional stay’ and is awarded to a lodge that’s unique in every way,” another post read.
Meanwhile, Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok secured 51st position on 50 Best’s new list followed by Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz, Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi in 53rd and The Peninsula Hong Kong, Hong Kong in 54th.
The list is compiled from the votes of more than 800 anonymous experts, comprising a balanced mix of hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and seasoned luxury travellers, each carefully selected by a group of industry-leading Academy Chairs.
“These hotels represent best-in-class hospitality and lay the foundation ahead of the unveiling of the full ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 on October 30,” 50 Best said in a statement.
For its 2024 list, the Calile Hotel in Brisbane took out 25th on the overall ladder while holding its place as the best hotel in the country - and Hobart’s The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, came in at 49th on the list.
