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The Best Queensland Resorts & Hotels
Written by Emily Jacobs
Whether boutique in Brisbane, glitzy in the Gold Coast, laidback luxury in Cairns or awe-inspiring in the Whitsundays, there’s a Queensland resort for everyone.
The Sunshine State is calling, with sensational stays dotted up and down the iconic coastline. From stylish city hotels to sprawling Queensland resorts, getting away has never felt this luxurious, with unparalleled access to awe-inspiring accommodation, decadent dining and some of the state’s best natural wonders.
Read on for our top picks of the best hotels across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays. Or if the beach is calling your name, check out Queensland’s top beachfront escapes.
The best hotels in Brisbane
The Inchcolm by Ode
Award-winning style and convenient CBD indulgence are the cornerstones of a stay at The Inchcolm by Ode, a luxurious launchpad in the centre of Brisbane. A Neo-Georgian exterior gives way to an elegant interior, with herringbone oak timber, wrap-around windows and granite fireplaces that whisper heritage charm. Dine at the glamorous The Inchcolm Bar, or set out to explore the surrounding area, soaking up the sunset over Victoria Bridge and feasting at South Bank’s restaurants.
The Calile
Listed in the 2024 World’s 50 Best Hotels, in the top spot for Australia, The Calile is a masterclass in relaxed barefoot luxury. With a design inspired by the stylings of Miami, Palm Springs and 1960s Australia, the pastel-coloured rooms are centered around a show-stopper of a pool, complete with sage green umbrellas and cabanas, that regularly peppers Instagram feeds. Four of Brisbane’s best restaurants and bars – Hellenika, Lobby Bar, Sushi Room and SK Steak and Oyster – complete the offering, all in the heart of the leafy James Street precinct.
W Brisbane
The epitome of urban luxury awaits at W Brisbane, found in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. Perfectly positioned to offer stunning views over the Brisbane River, this stylish retreat is all about big ideas and little details: savour innovative Australian cuisine at The Lex and enjoy a nightcap at the Living Room Bar; beat Brisbane’s heat with a dip in the sparkling pool with a cocktail from WET Deck waiting for you poolside, or retreat to the AWAY Spa for a rejuvenating treatment.
The best hotels on the Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Formerly known as Palazzo Versace, Imperial Hotel Gold Coast remains as glamorous as ever, with a prime position in the heart of the Gold Coast. The five-star palatial oasis features an opulent Italian exterior, leading through to a grand lobby and rooms complete with two-person spa baths. Soak up the sunshine at Water Salon, the spectacular central lagoon lined with private cabanas, or spend an afternoon indulging in high tea at Le Jardin.
The Langham
The Langham and indulgence go hand-in-hand – nowhere is this clearer than at its five-star Gold Coast outpost, the first beachfront luxury hotel to hit the coast for more than 30 years. With six restaurants and bars, two glittering resort-style pools, a signature spa and jewel-like architecture that stands proudly on the skyline, it offers an idyllic escape from the everyday. For true luxury, look to its sky-high residences, complete with fully equipped kitchens and generous living spaces.
The Darling at The Star Gold Coast
Minutes from bustling Broadbeach, The Darling offers all-suite glamour within The Star Gold Coast’s five-star fun-parlour, home to nine restaurants, five bars, a vibrant entertainment precinct and world-class casino. Elevated luxuries are the name of the game in your contemporary suite, with freestanding bathtubs, luxe toiletries, Bose sound systems and fully automated lighting and curtains. Work your way through the drinking and dining options on-site, and admire panoramic Gold Coast views from the Technogym fitness centre at Azure Spa & Fitness, before cooling off in the sun-drenched outdoor pool.
The best hotels in Port Douglas
mist at Cape Tribulation
Discover the meeting place of two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – at the boutique mist at Cape Tribulation. Sleep in a luxe self-contained pavilion, surrounded by lush greenery, reconnect with nature among the canopy and creeks of the world’s oldest rainforest, or sink into a double hammock to enjoy a soundtrack of native birds. Snorkel through the underwater rainbow of the Great Barrier Reef, before returning to enjoy the fresh food of nearby eateries like Turtle Rock Cafe.
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Tropical paradise awaits at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, with an expansive flame-lit lagoon pool, lush gardens and spacious apartments that boast a kitchen, generous living spaces and laundry facilities. Spend your days making a splash at Four Mile Beach, hiking through Mossman Gorge, or exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater wonders, before returning to enjoy all-day dining at Aluco and a wellness treatment at Vie Spa.
Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman
Nestled on the banks of the Mossman River within the Daintree Rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level. Stay in a luxurious retreat or suite, each with bathtubs and outdoor living spaces, and spend each day learning about the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations people, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef or simply working your way through the Treehouse Restaurant’s modern Australian menu, which celebrates ingredients from the kitchen garden and local producers.
The best hotels in Cairns
Crystalbrook Flynn
Expect laidback luxury beside the 4,800sqm saltwater Cairns Lagoon at Crystalbrook Flynn, a five-star designer retreat featuring two glass swimming pools and stunning Coral Sea views. Enjoy the little details of your unique art-filled room, before popping out to explore the iconic Esplanade via bicycle. When you return, choose between the gastropub-style fare of Boardwalk Social, seafood and pastas at Flynn’s Italian or a wee dram at Whiskey and Wine.
Shangri-La The Marina
Another gem on the shore of Cairns Lagoon is the five-star Shangri-La The Marina. Embrace true tropical vibes from the balcony of your sea-view room, lounge by the glittering pool, cooling cocktail in hand, or work your way through the two-tiered seafood platter at The Backyard restaurant. Venture further afield to explore the magic of Tropical North Queensland and the world-famous natural playground – The Great Barrier Reef.
Lizard Island Resort
As the only luxury resort located directly on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island Resort offers a five-star experience like no other. Sitting on the edge of a national park, surrounded by private beaches, it’s a masterclass in private island escapism, with all-inclusive dining, nature-inspired villas and suites and a bounty of once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the reef, land or in the tranquil Essentia Spa. When it comes to Queensland resorts, you can’t get much better.
The best hotels in the Whitsundays
InterContinental Hayman Island
Queensland resorts don’t get much more iconic than InterContinental Hayman Island, a jewel in the Whitsundays’ crown. Offering direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, there’s play-time aplenty with opportunities for snorkelling, diving, private boat charters and so much more. On land, dip into one of Australia’s largest swimming pools, unwind at the tranquil Elemis-backed spa, or discover seafood buffets and Pan-Asian flavours at the four distinct dining venues.
Yangaro
Live out your Tropical North Queensland dreams in an architecturally designed villa overlooking Funnel Bay. Moments from the Bay’s pristine stretch of sand, and 10 minutes from famous Airlie Beach, Yangaro’s eight luxury villas have everything you and your guests need, including fully equipped kitchens, expansive living and dining areas, private pools and large gardens. When it comes to unwinding, the onsite Clubhouse fulfils every wish, with a day spa, fitness centre, steam room and plunge pool.
Beach Club Hamilton Island
Adults-only bliss is calling at Beach Club, a boutique bolthole sitting on the edge of Hamilton Island’s popular Catseye Beach. While away days swimming in the oceanfront infinity swimming pool, swinging in a beachside hammock and sipping on cocktails. As the sun sets, dine on Modern Australian fare at the Beach Club restaurant, before returning to your airy room, complete with king bed, freestanding tub and private terrace.
