Aussie spots named among the best hotels and resorts in the world by Conde Nast Traveller
An off-grid retreat in Tasmania, a little-known luxury tropical Queensland resort, and a small hotel in an emerging NSW beach town have made it onto an illustrious best in the world list.
Conde Nast Traveller's 38th annual Readers' Choice Awards saw globetrotters from the UK and US vote on their top travel spots.
Myriad categories celebrated the best places to visit as voted by the publications' readers, and many Aussie destinations had a prominent finish.
READ MORE: The hidden gem holiday destinations Aussies are missing out on
Lizard Island Resort north of Cairns in Queensland made it ito the best resorts in the world list Nine
Lizard Island Resort north of Cairns in Queensland made it onto the best resorts in the world list at number 17.
"Beyond the island's obvious charms, it's the Lizard Island Research Station – headed by a husband and wife duo – that really sets this place apart. Opened in 1973, the station is one of the world's leading reef-research facilities on a luxury resort, which guests can tour," the company says.
READ MORE: Flight attendant reveals sneaky plane trick to make your seat more comfortable
When it came to the best hotels in Australiasia region rankings, The Louise in the Barossa Valley wine region near Adelaide won.
The celeb-fave spot offers personalised and very upmarket accommodation in the popular area.
As for the number one in Australia and New Zealand, Silky Oaks Lodge Daintree, Queensland received the nod.
The Louise's American owner, who made his money in Silicon Valley, searched the world to find a spot Supplied
Meanwhile, on the best resorts list for the Australasia and the South Pacific region, the acclaimed Southern Ocean Lodge in Kangaroo Island in South Australia scooped the prize.
It's just the latest win for the spot, which was rebuilt following bushfires, after it received a 'one-to-watch' award courtesy of the World's 50 Best.
Gaining a prestigious mention was Halcyon House at Cabarita Beach in NSW, which was ranked 4th and 7th in Australasia by US and UK readers respectively.
Halcyon House at Cabarita Beach in NSW won a top accolade. Supplied
The former surfer motel turned luxe hotel, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, has just 22 rooms and bosses say it was a "meaningful' accolade to land.
Tasmania's top all-inclusive luxury resort, Saffire Freycinet, also landed at number in Australasia & The South Pacific.
Boss Dylan Counsel says it is "more than a luxury escape, it's a gateway to Tasmania's soul."
Bedarra Resort in Queensland is a readers fave. Supplied
Also finishing high on the list were Kittawa Lodge on King Island, off the north west coast of Tasmania.
It came in at 16 World's Best Resorts in Australia Pacific.
Opened last year, it boasts "refined boutique accommodation, with panoramic views of the untouched rugged coastal landscape."
Kittawa Lodge co-owner, Aaron Suine says there was "no greater reward."
Bedarra Island Resort, Queensland also got a hard-fought mention.
It calls itself an "all-inclusive, private, tropical haven" and is near Mission Beach between Cairns and Townsville.
READ MORE: Packing habit that professional organiser swears by for stress-free travel
Kittawa Resort has been named one of the best in Australia. Supplied
Travellers also named their favourite cruise companies.
The top choice for the 'mega 'ships was won by MSC Cruises, while Cunard was named the best for 'large' ships.
Viking scooped the title for 'medium' sized, as well as being crowned number one for river cruising.
This marks the fifth consecutive year Viking has been rated at the top of both the river and ocean categories.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay in Sonoma, north of San Francisco in California came out top overall on the worldwide hotels list.
COMO Uma Ubud in Aussie favourite Bali topped the resorts list.
