6 Design-Forward Hotels Opening In Australia Every Luxury Traveller Needs to Know
lobby gossip
By Victoria Lewis | 22nd January 2026We all know that a good hotel can really make or break a trip. It’s the difference between a good night’s sleep and a week spent irritable. So, to save you the fate of spending your next getaway fighting over who stole the duvet, let us introduce you to the hot new vacation destinations just on the horizon.
Think sun-drenched escapes, fluffy robes, and ocean breezes that carry your worries away. Today’s hotels aren’t just a place to sleep – they’re design-driven, all-inclusive, and the ultimate escape. Savvy travellers know it’s always worth the splurge.
Whether you’re after serene hinterland hideaways, bustling city pads, or stylish coastal retreats, Australia’s hotel scene is brimming with exciting openings. From The Calile’s Noosa expansion to a fresh, hip spot in Melbourne’s cultural heart, these are the destinations worth planning your next trip around.
So, while you’re plotting your next getaway, get ahead of the crowd with our roundup of Australia’s upcoming hotel openings – the kind of stays you’ll book your whole trip around.
Ardour Milton Park Hotel, Bowral
Tucked away in the NSW Southern Highlands, this Edwardian-era mansion turned beloved hotel is receiving a luxury makeover this year. Ardour Milton Park Bowral is the vine-laden estate that feels less like a modern holiday spot and more like a secret garden escape.
Following a landmark $10+ million refurbishment, the hotel will reopen under a new name and ownership by Salter Brothers Hospitality, the team behind the acclaimed Spicers Retreats. Welcoming guests from February 2026, the secluded hilltop stay will retain its air of heritage sophistication through a thoughtful redesign by Sydney-based MAC Design Studio.
The result will be opulent, still reminiscent of the building’s rich history, while subtly nodding to the contemporary through natural textures and soft sage-green tones. Add in two decadent European-style dining venues, secluded garden walks, and, of course, a traditional high tea – and it’s hard to imagine a more scenic escape.
Hannah St Hotel, Melbourne
Melbourne’s hottest new hotel hallmark swung open its doors in January, and it’s design-driven, arty, and full of Melbourne pizzazz. Hannah St Hotel brings a fresh wave of luxury to Southbank, built on bold contrasts, cultural connection, and the rhythm of Melbourne’s soon-to-be revitalised Art Precinct that beats all around. Designed by Fraser & Partners, the vision was to embody Melbourne’s distinct cultural spirit.
Think walls layered with art from local up-and-comers and abstract sculptures that command the foyer – Hannah St is so much more than meets the eye. Complete with sleek 188 guestrooms, an intimate lounge, and a rooftop bar with cityscape views, you can now sit in the heart of the action at Hannah St Hotel.
Avani Hotel, Mooloolaba
This April, discover a fresh way to play, stay, and experience the Sunshine Coast with Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel. Primed for sunny esplanade strolls, cooling off with a golden hour cocktail, or some wholesome family time, Avani is set to make a splash as a leafy, upmarket oasis.
Shaped by the shoreline, the interiors are calm and considered – accented by terra cotta and natural timber. This is your quintessential summer seaside escape, given an elevated upgrade.
Crowne Plaza, Maroochydore
In an exciting turn of events, Maroochydore is set to welcome a brand new Crowne Plaza to its lineup of coastal accommodation offerings. With development on Ocean Street kicking off in April 2026, the 180-room hotel is expected to open its doors to the public in 2028 – so hold your horses, jetsetters.
The hotel will boast an impressive array of amenities, including a poolside bar, a wellness retreat, flexible meeting rooms, and a sprawling 600-square-metre ballroom. And, with offerings like these, Crown Plaza will no doubt become a go-to destination for both modern business travellers and families seeking a stylish coastal getaway. This is one development we’ll be eagerly awaiting.
InterContinental, Coogee Beach
Okay, confession time – this one technically opened in December 2025, but it’s far too hot not to include. The newly opened InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach is the pinnacle of coastal-cool beachfront accommodation.
The outdoor pool and terrace offer a tranquil spot to soak up the sunset, while each spacious suite is designed for slow mornings and sea-breezy afternoons. Not to mention two distinct on-site restaurants, perfect for post-beach wining and dining – the appeal is instant.
What used to be the former Crown Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach, the InterContinental overhaul has delivered bright, airy, and refreshingly refined interiors, complemented by uninterrupted views across crystal-clear oceans.
Effortlessly polished, and a little bit relaxed – this is the ultimate escape. But wait, there’s more! With a dual-phase launch still underway, the leisure deck, day spa and Club InterContinental are set to open in March 2026 – so there’s plenty to look forward to.
The Calile Hotel, Noosa Heads
ICYMI, The coveted Calile Hotel is heading to Noosa Heads. But don’t pack your bags just yet. While construction is underway, the exciting expansion won’t open to the public until 2028. So what do we know? Set on Serenity Close in Noosa Heads, The Calile Noosa will feature 153 rooms, 29 suites, and four private villas. And if its James Street counterpart is any indication, expect it to be luxe, design-driven, and ultra-impressive.
Partnering once again with architectural heavyweights Richards and Spence, the design will nod to Noosa’s relaxed coastal culture, while maintaining the contemporary, resort-style aesthetics synonymous with the Calile brand.
In true Calile fashion, the guest experience is elevated in every way. Amenities will include a serene spa, hot and cold pools, a well-equipped gym, stylish retail spaces, and a variety of dining options. Keen to hear more? style got the rundown on the development from Calile Co-Founders Cal and Bec Malouf, check it out here.
Picnic Island, Tasmania
Does anything say getaway quite like a private island? Quiet luxury takes on a whole new meaning at Private Island, and with a new primary suite on the way, it couldn’t be a better time to gear up for a scenic stay. Envisaged by Align Architecture & Interiors, the new suites will offer a complete disconnect, designed to harmonise with the island’s natural terrain.
A fully immersive, restorative escape, the expansion will see Picnic Island become better equipped to accommodate larger groups of adventurous vacationers. Expect sustainably sourced materials, curated artworks, handcrafted furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the iconic Hazards Mountains – blurring the line between outdoor and indoor living in the most refined way.
Imagery: @intercontinentalcoogeebeach / @ardourmiltonpark / @hannahsthotel
