The global hotel brands making their Aussie debuts in 2025

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From a new benchmark for luxury on the Gold Coast to a hip neighbourhood haunt in Perth and a sustainable sanctuary taking root in Melbourne, you need to know about these international hotel brands making their Aussie debut.    

Flashback to 2019, and the biggest hotel news in the country was the opening of Ritz-Carlton, Perth, a re-entry into Australia for the luxury brand after 25 years. In the five years since, even a global pandemic couldn’t stop the tide of international hotel brands also making their Aussie debut. Hotel Indigo launched in Adelaide in 2021 and in 2022 and 2023, Ace Hotel, Kimpton and Capella shook up the scene in Sydney.   

Exterior of Ritz Carlton Perth
The launch of the Ritz-Carlton at Elizabeth Quay was one of the buzziest hotel openings in recent times.

Handwritten Collection, which launched globally in 2023, has made its mark in Australia with Hotel Morris Sydney, Wonil Hotel Perth and Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney. 

And 2024 saw the Melbourne openings of design-led Le Méridien; StandardX, the first Aussie outpost of the hip Standard Hotel group; and Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, housed in a historic East Melbourne building.  

In a vote of confidence for our world-class cities, there’s plenty more on the horizon too. Here’s what global hotel brands to watch out for when they land in Australia in 2025 (and beyond).  

Mondrian Gold Coast  

Mondrian Hotel in Gold Coast
Mondrian Gold Coast will be the hotel opening of 2025.

We’re calling it – this is going to be the hotel opening of the year. With a slated opening date of early 2025, all eyes will be on Burleigh Heads for the debut of the first Mondrian hotel in Australia.   

A boutique brand from fast-growing lifestyle hospitality company Ennismore, in a joint venture with Accor, Mondrian is known for its architectural and forward-thinking properties that sit at the cultural heart of destinations around the world from Miami to Ibiza.   

Mondrian Gold Coast is designed by leading Australian architects Fraser & Partners and will deliver a new level of luxury hospitality to one of the country’s favourite beach destinations. Unfolding over 24 storeys, it will also be a flagship for the brand with 208 design-led rooms and suites that drink in views of the Pacific Ocean.  

The sleek design – which includes two- and three-bedroom Beach Houses and the spectacular Sky House crowning the hotel – comes courtesy of award-winning Studio Carter and takes its cues from sugar-white sands and a pandanus-spiked coastline.   

And we can expect the food and beverage offering to be on point too, with restaurant and bar concepts that promise to harness the region’s local produce and vibe with the Burleigh social scene.  

1 Hotel Melbourne  

exterior view of 1 Hotel Melbourne
Fans of the hotel’s legacy will marvel at the 18-storey property located in the heart of Melbourne.

One of the world’s most sustainable luxury hotel brands, 1 Hotels is making its Australian debut in Melbourne in 2025. Set to open in May, 1 Hotel Melbourne will tread a light footprint on the banks of the Yarra River. Its 277 guest rooms, 114 residences and multiple dining options are all underscored by a sustainable, biophilic design that connects guests back to nature.   

A highlight of a stay here will be the brand’s curated Happenings programs, which will invite guests to get to know Melbourne through a 1 Hotels lens focused on art, nature and wellbeing.  

Its low-density location in the revitalised North Wharf Precinct is a deliberate choice, as is its position on the CBD free tram line; 1 Hotels around the world encourage guests to walk or take public transport to explore the places they’re located in.   

Launched in 2015, 1 Hotels is a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand that has grown its portfolio outside of its native North America to encompass properties in the UK, Denmark, Greece, France, China and now Australia. Each stay is inspired by its natural environment and rooted in the local community.   

25hours Hotel The Olympia  

25 hours hotel in Paddington
25hours’ shiny new gem reinterprets the building’s cinema history.

25hours Hotel The Olympia is set to open in June 2025. It will be Australia’s first 25hours Hotel and bolsters Sydney’s blooming boutique hotel scene.  

Also part of the Ennismore stable, 25hours Hotels pride themselves on their individualism and, from Berlin to Florence, are shaped by the art, culture and gastronomy of their surrounds. The new Paddington property is no exception, billing itself as a place for cinema lovers where the aesthetic pays tribute to the building’s origins as a picture theatre.  

Expect 109 guest rooms, including three concept suites, each with bespoke artwork by Sydney artist Kubi Vasak. There will be four standout wining and dining venues too, including Monica, a rooftop bar to add to your list of places to go for sky-high libations.   

Hyde Perth   

Hyde Bodrum lobby area
Hyde recently made its Turkish debut with the opening of Hyde Bodrum.

From Bodrum to Johannesburg, Hyde’s global properties are rooted in music culture.  And the bohemian Ennismore brand is landing in Perth in late 2025 – a city that has birthed some of Australia’s greatest bands, from The Triffids to Tame Impala.   

The 120-guest room property will be located in the heart of the CBD on Pier Street, complete with a destination restaurant and bar, and a buzzing cafe that opens out to a tropics-inspired outdoor pool. Dedicated entertainment spaces will come to life with a curated music program in keeping with Hyde’s festival vibe.   

The Hoxton  

The Hoxton Hotel in Melbourne
The British hotel chain is known for its thoughtfully designed spaces, and its Melbourne development will be no exception.

The Hoxton’s series of hotels grounded in culture and community originated in London’s trendy Shoreditch neighbourhood in 2006.   

Slated for a 2027 opening, Ennismore has announced the signing of The Hoxton in Melbourne’s historic Cremorne suburb, today a melting pot for creativity and innovation. 

Imogen Eveson
Imogen Eveson is Australian Traveller’s Print Editor. She was named Editor of the Year at the 2024 Mumbrella Publish Awards and in 2023, was awarded the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) Australia’s Media Award. Before joining Australian Traveller Media as sub-editor in 2017, Imogen wrote for publications including Broadsheet, Russh and SilverKris. She launched her career in London, where she graduated with a BA Hons degree in fashion communication from world-renowned arts and design college Central Saint Martins. She is the author/designer of The Wapping Project on Paper, published by Black Dog Publishing in 2014. Growing up in Glastonbury, home to the largest music and performing arts festival in the world, instilled in Imogen a passion for cultural cross-pollination that finds perfect expression today in shaping Australia’s leading travel titles. Imogen regularly appears as a guest on radio travel segments, including ABC National Nightlife, and is invited to attend global travel expos such as IMM, ILTM, Further East and We Are Africa.
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This is Mornington Peninsula’s most indulgent itinerary

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants. 

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.  

A creative trail through the Peninsula 

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls. 

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery
Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.  

food at Pt Estate
Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.  

Montalto Vineyard
Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.  

A feast for food and wine lovers 

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.  

Cassis Red Hill
Luxurious stay, Cassis Red Hill.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool. 

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.  

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.   

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays 

Kingswood CountryGolf Club
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.  

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa
Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments. 

Jetty Road Brewery
Jetty Road Brewery.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.