Asia Shines Bright on the 2024 List of The World’s 50 Best Hotels Luxury Escapes in Bangkok and Australia Is There Too

The World’s 50 Best Luxury Hotels 2024 and Asia takes the lead.

The much-anticipated World’s 50 Best Hotels for 2024 has been revealed, and this year’s list celebrates the pinnacle of global luxury hospitality.

Asia has also reaffirmed its position as the leading destination for world-class hotels and surprisingly two Australian icons made the cut.

From breathtaking riverside views in Bangkok to the chic urban sophistication of Hong Kong, these properties represent the best in modern luxury, style, and service.

Capella Bangkok: The Best Hotel in Asia 2024

At the top of the list sits Capella Bangkok, a luxurious haven nestled along the serene Chao Phraya River in Thailand’s vibrant capital. Since its opening in 2020, Capella has redefined luxury, blending the grandeur of a classic, upscale property with the charm and intimacy of a boutique hotel.

This contemporary oasis leaped to No.1 on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list, claiming the prestigious title of Best Hotel in Asia.

One of the standout features of Capella Bangkok is its meticulously designed layout, ensuring that all 101 rooms, suites, and riverside villas face the river.

The riverside villas even boast their own private pools, elevating the guest experience to unparalleled levels of exclusivity and privacy. Surrounded by lush gardens, Capella feels like an urban retreat within the bustling city, offering the perfect combination of tranquility and proximity to Bangkok’s dynamic cultural scene.

Asia’s Dominance on the World Stage

This year’s list highlights Asia’s dominance in the luxury hotel space, with 19 properties making the cut. Besides Capella Bangkok securing the top spot, Rosewood Hong Kong ranks at No.3, further strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for luxury hospitality.

With its impressive skyscraper facade overlooking the Victoria Harbour and its commitment to art and design, Rosewood Hong Kong epitomizes the intersection of modernity and tradition that Asia’s luxury hotels do so well.

Other notable mentions from Asia include Mandarin Oriental Bangkok at No.12 and The Siam at No.26, also located in Bangkok and one of my favourite reviews and stays of 2023.

Singapore had two hotels in the last, the classic luxury five star South East Asian oasis, Raffles Singapore at number 6 , reviewed here and Capella Singapore, reviewed here at number 33. With a plethora of new 5 star hotel openings this year, more Singapore entries are expected in 2025.

These properties, along with Capella, have firmly established Bangkok as the premiere South East Asian city to visit for opulent stays rich in culture, heritage, and hospitality, as well as sensational food and service.

Australian Luxury on the World Stage: The Calile Hotel in Brisbane

Australia continues to be a minor player on the luxury travel map with two properties earning spots on the prestigious list. Leading the charge is The Calile Hotel in Brisbane, which ranks at No.25 and has been named The Best Hotel in Oceania 2024.

This urban sanctuary is Brisbane’s chic answer to the world of high-end travel. Known for its minimalist elegance and seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living, The Calile embodies modern sophistication. Located in Fortitude Valley, it feels more like a resort than a city hotel, where luxury comes with a refreshing twist of understated cool.

Sustainability sits at the heart of The Calile, where eco-conscious design meets refined aesthetics. Natural materials and open spaces provide a laid-back yet luxe feel, catering to affluent travelers who demand both elegance and responsibility. With Brisbane emerging as a cultural and culinary hub, this hotel provides the perfect base for those looking to explore the city’s creative energy while retreating to a sanctuary of calm.

Further south, The Tasman in Hobart takes the No.49 spot, showcasing Australia’s growing reputation for boutique luxury steeped in nature. This property blends heritage with contemporary design, offering guests an immersive experience that echoes the rich history and rugged beauty of Tasmania.

The hotel is located on the stunning waterfront of Hobart, making it the perfect retreat for travellers seeking both indulgence and adventure. With the spotlight on The Tasman, Hobart is fast becoming a must-visit destination for travellers to Australia.

Europe and North America: Holding Strong in Luxury

While Asia leads with the highest number of properties, Europe also made a strong showing on this year’s list with 13 entries.

The idyllic Passalacqua on Italy’s Lake Como, ranking No.2, offers a taste of old-world luxury in an 18th-century villa, surrounded by lush terraced gardens. It also won the Best Boutique Hotel Award 2024, a testament to its personalised service and unique charm.

In North America, The Carlyle in New York ranked at No.30, continuing its legacy as one of the city’s most iconic hotels. Meanwhile, Four Seasons at The Surf Club in Florida and Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles both debuted in the top 50, making the United States a notable contender in the global luxury scene.

Sustainability: The Future of Luxury Travel

As sustainability becomes a defining pillar of luxury hospitality, properties like The Calile in Brisbane and Capella Singapore (read my review here) have proven that high-end experiences can go hand-in-hand with eco-conscious practices. The demand for green credentials continues to rise among affluent travellers, particularly those from Australia and Asia, driving hotels to innovate and lead with responsible luxury.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Luxury Travel

As luxury travel continues to evolve, destinations across Asia and Australia are pushing the envelope, creating hotel experiences that are as innovative as they are indulgent. Whether it’s the breathtaking architecture of Capella Bangkok, the sustainable luxury of The Calile, or the artistic flair of Rosewood Hong Kong, this year’s list showcases the very best in the world of luxury hospitality.

For affluent travellers looking for their next unforgettable escape, these properties are worth placing at the top of the list. With more travellers from Australia and Asia exploring high-end hotels across the globe, 2024 looks set to be a banner year for luxury travel in the region.

The World’s Top 50 Hotels for 2024

1. Capella, Bangkok
2. Passalacqua, Lake Como
3. Rosewood, Hong Kong
4. Cheval Blanc, Paris
5. The Upper House, Hong Kong
6. Raffles, Singapore
7. Aman, Tokyo
8. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
9. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
10. Nihi Sumba, Sumba Island
11. Claridge’s, London
12. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
13. Raffles London at The OWO
14. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
15. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
16. Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá
17. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes
18. Maroma, Riviera Maya
19. Four Seasons Firenze, Florence
20. Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi
21. Desa Potato Head, Bali
22. Bulgari, Tokyo
23. The Lana, Dubai
24. Rosewood, São Paulo
25. The Calile, Brisbane
26. The Siam, Bangkok
27. Park Hyatt, Kyoto
28. Mount Nelson, Cape Town
29. One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit
30. The Carlyle, New York
31. La Mamounia, Marrakech
32. Four Seasons, Madrid
33. Capella, Singapore
34. Four Seasons at The Surf Club, Surfside
35. Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
36. Eden Rock, St. Barths
37. Aman, New York
38. Royal Mansour, Marrakech
39. Amangalla, Galle
40. Le Bristol, Paris
41. Gleneagles, Auchterarder
42. Castello di Reschio, Lisciano Niccone
43. Suján Jawai, Rajasthan
44. Singita, Kruger National Park
45. Six Senses Zighy Bay, Zaghi
46. The Connaught, London
47. The Brando, Tetiaroa
48. Hotel Esencia, Tulum
49. The Tasman, Hobart
50. Kokomo Private Island, Yaukuve Levu Island

Here are the Asian hotels from The World’s 50 Best Hotels list and their rankings:

1. Capella Bangkok, Thailand – No.1
2. Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong – No.3
3. The Upper House, Hong Kong – No.5
4. Raffles Singapore, Singapore – No.6
5. Aman Tokyo, Japan – No.7
6. Soneva Fushi, Maldives – No.8
7. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand – No.12
8. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Thailand – No.14
9. The Siam, Thailand – No.26
10. Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, Japan – No.22
11. Park Hyatt Kyoto, Japan – No.27
12. Capella Singapore, Singapore – No.33
13. Amangalla, Sri Lanka – No.39

To experience the epitome of luxury, this year’s list offers an array of exceptional choices from across the globe, each with its own unique story, allure, and promise of unforgettable experiences.