Rub Unson is renowned as a luxury hotel legend, having had major input into Brisbane’s The Calile, a property many regard as Australia’s best five star city hotel.
In the world of luxury hospitality, few names carry the weight and vision of Rob Unson. Known for redefining five-star elegance in Australia, Unson is best recognized as the creative mastermind behind The Calile Hotel in Brisbane. His work on this celebrated property not only elevated the city’s hotel landscape but also captured the attention of the world. Now, in a bold new chapter, Unson has taken on the role of General Manager at Amora Hotel Brisbane, where he continues to shape the future of Australian luxury hospitality.
In a captivating episode of the Where2FromHere podcast, host Renae sits down with Rob Unson to explore the extraordinary journey behind one of Australia’s most talked-about hotels. With a background that spans 30 years and includes senior roles at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Accor, and TFE Hotels, Unson brings a level of expertise and vision that few can match. His conversation with Renae offers listeners a rare glimpse into the making of a modern hotel icon—and a preview of what’s next.
The story of The Calile began not with a building, but with a bold idea. Unson wanted to craft a hotel experience that embraced Brisbane’s subtropical climate rather than imitating colder, more traditional luxury aesthetics. Inspired by Miami’s Art Deco curves and the warm, sun-soaked design of the Mediterranean, The Calile was born from a desire to redefine what luxury could mean in an Australian context. With breezy courtyards, natural materials, and meticulous attention to every sensory detail, The Calile delivered a guest experience that felt both effortlessly relaxed and unmistakably high-end.
This commitment to authenticity and elegance paid off in a big way. The Calile didn’t just win fans—it won awards. In 2023, it was named the Best Hotel in Oceania and the 12th Best Hotel in the World by The World’s 50 Best Hotels, a testament to the hotel’s visionary design, cultural relevance, and consistently exceptional service. According to Unson, every detail was deliberate, from the fragrance in the lobby to the angle of sunlight hitting the pool. His goal wasn’t just to host guests, but to make them feel something profound.
But Unson is not one to rest on his laurels. His new role at Amora Hotel Brisbane represents a fresh opportunity to innovate. With the city continuing to grow in global prominence, the timing is perfect for a new kind of luxury experience—one that draws on Unson’s signature approach while adapting to the evolving tastes of today’s travelers. In the podcast, he shares his vision for Amora: a property that reflects Brisbane’s vibrant, modern energy through thoughtful design, curated local partnerships, and a commitment to wellness and sustainability.
While Amora won’t be a replica of The Calile, it will embody the same principles of creativity, authenticity, and guest-centric excellence. Unson hints at bringing in local artists, launching culinary experiences rooted in Queensland’s diverse food scene, and developing spaces that prioritize both comfort and community. It’s all part of his belief that hotels are more than places to stay—they’re cultural landmarks that help define a city’s identity.
Unson’s global experience has equipped him to spot trends, understand guest behavior, and lead with innovation. But it’s his deep understanding of Australia’s unique luxury sensibility that makes his work so impactful. Australian travelers, he says, are some of the most design-conscious and experience-driven in the world. They don’t want formality—they want warmth, style, and substance. That’s exactly what he plans to deliver at Amora Brisbane.
Brisbane itself is entering a golden age, with major investments in infrastructure, arts, and tourism creating momentum that’s hard to ignore. As the city evolves, so too does its hospitality scene—and Rob Unson is once again at the forefront of that evolution. By turning bold ideas into beloved destinations, he’s helping to shape Brisbane into not just a place to visit, but a place to remember.
This episode of Where2FromHere is a must-listen for anyone interested in luxury travel, hotel design, or the behind-the-scenes brilliance that goes into creating world-class destinations. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, aspiring hotelier, or simply curious about how a vision becomes reality, Rob Unson’s insights will leave you inspired.
Click below and tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite streaming platform to hear from one of the industry’s most influential figures and discover what’s next for Australian luxury through the lens of one man’s exceptional journey.
