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Best of 2025: This Year’s BEST Luxury Escapes in Australia

From the islands of the Great Barrier Reef to the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, these are the hottest Australian escapes in this year's Best of 2025.

Our biggest offer lineup of the year, ‘Best of 2025’ is a celebration of our most popular escapes, back for a limited time only. This is your second chance to secure the year’s most coveted holidays in Australia (and beyond).

Scroll on for the offers you can’t miss – but be quick, they won’t be around for long.

The Star Grand Hotel & Residences, NSW 

Sink into Sydney glamour with a luxe stay at The Star Grand Hotel, perfectly positioned in Pyrmont, the city’s spectacular harbourside heart. This iconic waterfront destination has sweeping city views, upscale dining and world-class entertainment. The hotel’s award-winning restaurants – including the triumphant house of fine dining BLACK Bar & Grill and modern Japanese omakase venue Sokyo – are uniformly exceptional; Sydney’s countless delights are just a short drive (or ferry ride) away, with Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney all 15 minutes away. 

2769 reviewsExcellent8.6
Sydney, New South Wales
The Star Grand Hotel and Residences
Iconic The Star Sydney Five-Star City Break with World-Class Entertainment and Dining
1 night, 1 room from
US$175total
Valued up to US$185-5%
View offer
10.0
AnonymousAU
State day overnight in October 24 2026 it was the best location with light rail at the door plenty of food options places amazing
10.0
James L.AU · 46 escapes · 14 reviews
The room was a good size, the buffet breakfast was delicious, and the location was great, with everything close by and just a short, pleasant walk into town. There were plenty of places to eat nearby, and the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Cucina Porto, was a real highlight. Overall, we had a comfortable stay and really enjoyed the convenience of the location.
10.0
debbie j.AU · 2 escapes · 2 reviews
Always great service, buffet breakfast is fantastic.
10.0
Elena L.AU · 31 escapes · 14 reviews
We purchased 2 packages to bring a couple from Germany. All of us loved our stay, the food at Cucina restaurant and the breakfast
10.0
Luigi T.AU · 9 escapes · 3 reviews
Great location, very comfortable room with very helpful staff

QT Gold Coast, QLD 

QT is renowned for its quirky, fashion-forward style, and its Gold Coast outpost is no exception. There’s that Palm Springs-inspired black-and-white-striped pool lined with cabanas, the funky Stingray lounge offering more than 50 types of tequila, and Japanese dining at Yamagen. While its Surfers Paradise location makes the hotel a perfect base for exploring, spaQ beckons with its facial therapies, coffee scrubs, plant oil massages and argan and coconut hair treatments. 

1471 reviewsExcellent8.9
Gold Coast, Queensland
QT Gold Coast
Luxe QT Gold Coast Escape with Miami-Inspired Pool Area
1 night, 1 room from
US$130total
View offer
10.0
Judy H.AU · 12 escapes · 1 review
Could not fault a thing! Excellent friendly staff, great room with ocean views on 16th floor. Buffet breakfast very good. Stingray lounge was great for drinks and food. Special mention to Alex in the bar here for good friendly service. Pool was spotlessly clean and refreshing. Spent 3 nights here.
10.0
AnonymousAU
My partner booked the hotel and I was very happy with it. We had a wonderful view and enjoyed our short stay. Pool, location and staff were excellent. Nothing was too much trouble. Will stay again
10.0
Derek C.AU · 3 escapes · 1 review
We had a wedding anniversary stay at Qt Gold Coast and the staff and hotel were very friendly and helpful, making our visit special. The room on the 14th floor faced to the sea and was large with two Queen/King size beds and it looked like it had been refurbished to a high standard. The buffet breakfast and dinner was amazing with a large variety of choice. Wi Fi worked well and the hotel location was good. Although there are no shops close bye, the tram is close and cost only 50 cents a person to get to any shopping you need up or down the coast. Access from the airport is by 777 bus and get off at Burleigh Heads for the tram which goes to Cypress Avenue, then a short walk for (at October 2026) $1 each. Again our stay was memorable to us both and thank you to the staff at the hotel.
10.0
Weiwei C.AU · 16 escapes · 5 reviews
Very nice hotel in a good location at the heart of Surfers Paradise. The breakfast is nice with many options. The hotel room is clean and staff is very friendly. The free car park is very handy if you plan to drive there or hire a car in Gold Coast.
10.0
Weiwei C.AU · 16 escapes · 5 reviews
We enjoyed our stay at QT Cold Coast. With Luxury Escape deal, it is very good value for money. The breakfast has a good variety of food. The hotel room is clean, and the staff is friendly. The free car park is also convenient if you plan to drive there or hire a car for your trip.

Silverwater Resort, VIC 

Another self-contained gem, this San Remo resort has an amazing lineup of resort-style perks including indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a restaurant, jumping pillows and a playground for kids, a spa pool and a gym. It offers a wide range of accommodation options, from resort rooms to three-bedroom apartments, making it perfect for families and groups. While there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained onsite, it’s a great base for exploring the nearby Phillip Island with its ample beaches and attractions. 

Château Élan at The Vintage, NSW

Set between rolling hills and leafy vineyards, this Hunter Valley hideaway offers Tuscan-inspired elegance at every turn, just a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney. Savour valley views from your window, practice your swing at the hotel golf course or sample the region’s finest food and wine at the wealth of nearby cellar doors, distilleries and providores. 

951 reviewsExcellent8.9
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Château Élan at The Vintage, Hunter Valley
Luxury Escapes inclusions
clock_with_plus12pm late checkout
drink_trayWelcome bottle of sparkling wine (2+ nights)
dollar_sign_in_circleA$50 resort credit per package, per stay (3+ nights)
coffee_cupDaily gourmet breakfast at Legends Grill (4+ nights)
+1 more
3 nights, 1 studio from
US$396 total with
Non-memberUS$409
Valued up to US$513-20%
View offer
10.0
AnonymousAU
The place is great , breakfast was delicious with a variety to choose from. We had a beautiful room with a a balcony with was great for afternoon wine and watch the kangaroos 🦘. The spa in the room was amazing
10.0
Gladys A.AU · 8 escapes · 3 reviews
We stayed here last year and had a wonderful experience. The beds were comfortable, the staff were friendly and welcoming, and the breakfast buffet was perfect for us. We also enjoyed dining at The Legends Restaurant and Bar. The food was really good, and a special mention goes to the maître d’, who was incredibly friendly, accommodating and provided excellent service. Unfortunately, I can’t remember her name, but she made our dining experience extra special! Playing at The Vintage Golf Course was another highlight. It’s a beautiful course in stunning surroundings. We loved the peaceful atmosphere, being surrounded by nature and seeing kangaroos roaming freely throughout the grounds. It’s the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Overall, a fantastic getaway with great golf, delicious food, comfortable accommodation and beautiful natural surroundings. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely return. Highly recommend!
10.0
Virginia W.AU · 29 escapes · 7 reviews
Chateau Elan staff were professional and friendly. We enjoyed excellent service at the restaurant both for breakfast and dinner and at the Spike Bar. Congratulations to the staff at Chateau Elan for making our stay enjoyable and relaxed.
10.0
AnonymousAU
Awesome location. Golf course on your front door. Buffet Breakfast has variety.
10.0
Karen T.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
The accomodation was fine, loved looking out at the golf course and the kangaroos everyday. The food on site was exceptional and the staff were helpful and friendly. Highly recommend relaxing at the hydro lounge!

InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, QLD

An icon of island luxury with direct access to the shimmering waters of the Great Barrier Reef, this magnificent resort invites you to take a dip in one of Australia’s largest swimming pools or recline in a private pool cabana overlooking endless shimmering ocean waters. When adventure calls, step outside the resort to find yourself in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef: glide through the crystal-clear waters on a kayak or embark on a blue pearl hike to reach breathtaking panoramic views.

361 reviewsVery Good8.5
Hayman Island, Queensland
InterContinental Hayman Island
Iconic InterContinental Hayman Island Resort with One of Australia’s Largest Swimming Pools
3 nights, 1 room from
US$1,252 total with
Non-memberUS$1,291
View offer
10.0
Ann C.AU · 29 escapes · 7 reviews
Excellent customer service. Great food. Room and view was awesome.
10.0
Brent D.AU · 9 escapes · 3 reviews
Beautiful resort. Friendly staff. Good food.
10.0
Melanie M.AU · 9 escapes · 2 reviews
Fabulous resort! Beautiful suites and surroundings. Spent a lovely few days here with my adult family. So easy and relaxing as everything you need is there.
10.0
Victoria K.AU · 65 escapes · 32 reviews
Beautiful hotel in very beautiful Island! It was our third visit and we really enjoyed it. This time we invited our friends with us to share experience and they really liked it. I would highly recommend this place.
10.0
Neil B.AU · 6 escapes · 2 reviews
could not fault amazing accom amazing weather amazing venue

HYDE Melbourne Place, VIC

Home to one of the most talked-about rooftop bars in the city (the newly unveiled Cleo Melbourne), this Russell Street hotel could be one of the coolest in Melbourne right now. Its art-led design, all warm native woods and clay tones, is a real standout, earning it a place in the world’s 30 best hotels in National Geographic‘sHotel Awards 2025. Adding to the experience are in-room pilates, cocktails at Mr Mills and charcoal and wood-fired dishes at Marmelo.

92 reviewsExcellent8.8
Melbourne, Australia
Hyde Melbourne Place
Elegant Melbourne CBD Opulence with Two Restaurants & Sophisticated Cocktail Bar
1 night, 1 room from
US$173total
View offer
10.0
AnonymousAU
Loved our stay. Beautiful interiors, central location and a comfy bed. We’ll be back.
10.0
Neil H.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
Fantastic modern hotel, great location and outstanding Staff
10.0
AnonymousTH
The proerty offer excellent value with spotless cleanline and attentive staff, complemented by well-maintained facilities includeing reliable hot water and pleasant views. While the location is very convenient, parking options were somewhat limited, and the Wifi connection could be improved for smoother experience.
10.0
Pamela O.AU · 1 escape · 3 reviews
Rooftop bar. Was entertaining & exciting some nights
10.0
Luke S.AU · 11 escapes · 1 review
Exceptional hotel room. The VIP King was spacious, classy, well equiped with a Nespresso machine, well stocked mini bar, electric everything and beautifully decorated. A stunning view whilst drinking a glass of vino from Clio roof bar. Breakfast from the menu was excellent (again in Clio) and the Portuguese inspired food and wine at Marmelo restaurant was amazing. Still savouring the tastes the day after. Totally recommended for a 2 day stay. Excellent package and value for money.

InterContinental Perth City Centre, WA

A city stay is all about location, location, location, and InterContinental Perth City Centre, right in the heart of the CBD on Hay Street near Elizabeth Quay and Murray Street Mall, delivers in spades. Expect signature InterContinental five-star service, with two restaurants (seafood and woodfired steaks at Ascua, and Spanish-style tapas at Heno & Rey), onsite parking and a fitness centre, with uniquely WA touches like bespoke works from local artists adorning the walls.

309 reviewsExceptional9.1
Perth, Australia
Intercontinental Perth City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Five-Star Perth CBD Escape on King Street
1 night, 1 room from
US$164 total with
Non-memberUS$182
View offer
10.0
AnonymousAU
Can't complain, breakfast was amazing.
10.0
AnonymousHK
If you are staying around Perth City, this is place to be. So clean and the staff are very friendly.
10.0
AnonymousSG
Worth staying and will return. Comfortable bed, nearby restaurent, convinent accessibility
10.0
AnonymousJP
Great location – it's right at the CBD area and very convenient, close to stores and restaurants, and quick walk to Perth station. Staffs were very friendly and helpful, and the room was clean and neat. Would definitely stay again when I'm back in Perth.
10.0
AnonymousSG
The room is big in terms of size and the hotel is located within Perth city and near to the subway. Everything is within reach.

Feature image: InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, QLD.

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