High Society: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne launches Society Sessions
Rendezvous’ Grand Vestibule, a perfect example of Melbourne’s historic Edwardian Baroque style, plays host to a unique night of modern cocktails and hotel history.
This unique space, which is a huge hit with the wedding crowd, will be opened to the public with a monthly pop-up dedicated to the drinks and vibes of yesteryear with low-lit table seating and entertainment like a roaming violinist; La Scente fragrance bar also offered guests the chance to take home their own scent, with one inspired by Ava Gardner own personal, and now discontinued, perfume.
The Society Sessions are an extension of the hotel’s Ms Ava bar, named for Hollywood actress Ava Gardner, who stayed at the hotel while filming Stanley Kramer’s On the Beach in 1959. The historic Hotel Rendezvous Melbourne, which was first built in 1913, was also a key location for the film. The launch night saw vintage Rolls Royces line the hotel driveway and guests dressed in the best Hollywood-inspired finery.
To honour this connection and celebrate the new Society Sessions the hotel has created the signature drink Postcards by Ms Ava cocktail, a blend of gin with salted cranberry and raspberry syrup, sweet vermouth, fresh lime juice, and a silky Wonderfoam. The cocktail also comes with a fun tradition from travel’s past: with every Postcards by Ms Ava, you’ll receive a postcard to write a message, memory, travel tip, or piece of advice for the next guest who orders the cocktail. Before writing your own, you’ll discover an anonymous postcard left by a previous guest, continuing a chain of shared stories that grows with every pour.
The next Society Sessions are on 25 Sept and 30 Oct with more dates to be announced.
Local Hero: Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel Makes the Extended World’s 50 Best Hotel’s List
The World’s 50 Best Hotels has teased its upcoming 2026 list by naming the hotels that almost made the cut with its “extended list” of 51-100.
Brisbane’s The Carlile is the only Australian entry coming in at No.83; there were only two entries in Oceania with the other being New Zealand’s Huka Lodge just pipping the Carlile with a position of No.82.
“Being named among the world’s best hotels for a fourth consecutive year means a great deal to all of us and is a testament to the commitment of our staff and loyal guests”, said The Calile Hotel General Manager, Chris Kemlo. “It reflects the dedication and quiet consistency of our team, and our care for every guest, every day,
that continues to define The Calile experience. We’re grateful for this recognition and humbled to again represent Queensland hospitality on the global stage.”
Asia was the most prolific region represented in the extend list with 20 hotels ranked and seven properties in Japan alone.
Janu Tokyo comes in first for Japan at No.52. Other new entries in Japan’s capital include Park Hyatt Tokyo (No.53), The Okura (No.69) and Palace Hotel Tokyo (No.73). Also in the city, Hoshinoya Tokyo is No.85. Elsewhere in Japan, Hotel The Mitsui in Kyoto is No.79 and Waldorf Astoria Osaka has entered the list at No.89.
Two hotels in Hong Kong have made the list, with Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong taking the No.59 spot, while Four Seasons Hong Kong is No.86. Two hotels in Mainland China have entered the list: Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen at No.90 and The Peninsula Shanghai at No.99. India has two hotels included, an independent hotel in Jaipur, The Johri (No.94) and The Oberoi Udaivilas (No.98) in Udaipur, which features on the list for the first time.
“The 51–100 list recognises 50 more exceptional hotels that represent the very best of global hospitality,” says Faye Huggett, director of community for The World’s 50 Best Hotels. “This extended list broadens the spotlight to a remarkable community of properties and the passionate people who bring them to life – each one defining what great hospitality means today. Every hotel here has earned its place through our expert Academy’s votes and we hope their achievements will go on to inspire future travels.”
Japanese Nights: The Hyatt Regency Sydney Launches House of Suntory Bar Takeover
Sitting in Sydney’s Zephyr Sky Bar – with a twist on a New York Sour in hand made with Suntory whisky – the twinkly lights of Darling Harbour could almost be the neon signs of Japan’s busy streets.
The Clarified New York Sour is made with Hakushu whiksy, yuzu, kalamansi, coconut, oat milk and a dash of red wine. Our host tells us it is best drunk with an initial gulp to help the red wine mingle we are loathe to argue.
The Hyatt Regency Sydney’s famous sky bar, open to the Sydney night with glass panels to keep guests safe and nothing to detract from the stunning Harbour scenery is partnering with the legendary House of Suntory for a limited-time takeover celebrating Japanese craftsmanship, flavour and hospitality.
Available throughout September, Suntory Time at Zephyr Sky Bar transforms the award-winning rooftop with an exclusive menu of Japanese-inspired cocktails and paired bites overlooking Darling Harbour. The seasonal collaboration showcases House of Suntory’s iconic Japanese spirits across a bespoke cocktail list featuring bright, seasonal flavours including yuzu, kaffir lime, lemongrass and mango, alongside a curated menu of wagyu tataki, octopus takoyaki and pan-seared gyoza.
