Remote outback lodge named one of the best hotels in the world for 2026
Updated . First published
Two Australian hotels have made it onto the rundown of the world's best hotels for 2026.
CN Traveler has compiled a list of the best of the best across the world, from Lake Como and Vietnam to Switzerland and Florida.
One Sydney property and a remote lodge in the Western Australian outback were recognised.
READ MORE: Undervisited Aussie destination included on global list of must-see spots
The Park Hyatt is an iconic Sydney property. Destination NSW
Park Hyatt Sydney got a nod for its incredible location right on the harbour, across the water from the Opera House and smack bang in the middle of the Rocks.
Almost every room in the elegant hotel has uninterrupted, million-dollar views.
The hotel's heated outdoor rooftop pool is often called one of the best pools in Sydney, with jaw-dropping panoramic views that you can't get anywhere else on earth.
Elton John, Bette Midler and the Kardashians have all stayed at the property over the years.
READ MORE: Aussie holiday fave named best in the world for affordable luxury
The rooftop pool is spectacular. Destination NSW
Other amenities include 24-hour butler service, a spa and sauna, luxury bath products, and soaking tubs.
The writer for CN Traveler called out the hotel's "large and sumptuously appointed rooms, its team's attentive service, and its fresh and delicious brekkies", though said that its number one drawcard is its perfect location.
On the complete other end of the accommodation spectrum, the other Aussie property included on the list is El Questro Homestead.
The homestead is remote and luxe. Supplied
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El Questro Wilderness Park occupies over a million square kilometres in the middle of WA's Kimberley region, and the lodge is nestled in its heart.
Perched dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the stunning Chamberlain Gorge and river, it's a truly remote spot to stay - over 100km from the nearest civilisation.
El Questro Homestead operates as an exclusive, all-inclusive luxury lodge, catering to a maximum of 18 to 20 guests at a time, ensuring a highly personalised service.
All meals are included in your stay, featuring high-quality, regionally sourced ingredients.
It's a first-class way to see the Kimberley. Supplied
Homestead guests also enjoy exclusive use of the famous, palm-fringed thermal pools of Zebedee Springs every afternoon.
Guided 4WD tours, private boat cruises on the Chamberlain Gorge (where you can spot saltwater crocodiles and rock wallabies), hiking to gorges like El Questro Gorge and Emma Gorge, barramundi fishing, and birdwatching tours, are all on offer.
"In the morning screeching cockatoos act as an alarm clock," writes the CN Traveler reviewer.
"In the evening you can sit and watch crocodiles in the waters below. Later, a tree frog may hop its way into your bathroom."
Obviously, as a luxury experience, it comes with a pretty hefty price tag.
However, you can still visit El Questro without forking out for the homestead.
It is part of a larger property that offers a range of accommodation (station rooms, camping, Emma Gorge safari tents), making the entire park a landmark for Australian outback tourism.
Huka Lodge is on the banks of the Waikato River near Lake Taupō. Supplied
New Zealand's Huka Lodge also featured on the list.
"Opened in 1924 as a humble fishing camp, it's since become a tartan-and-teak retreat with roaring fireplaces and martinis on silver trays," reports CN Traveler.
"It's the original luxury lodge and still the blueprint for all others that follow."
