Time Out Australia Travel Awards 2026: Best Boutique Stay Nominees

Life in Townsville is very much set on the waterfront. With 180 kilometres of coastline extending out to the heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, it makes total sense that most of the city’s hotels and resorts offer views of the sparkling Coral Sea. But if you want to match those five-star vistas with five-star service, Ardo is the place to be. You won’t need to leave the hotel, which houses two chef-hatted restaurants, the town’s only rooftop infinity pool, a dazzling day spa and an impressive rooftop bar with views that will stop you in your tracks.

Located on Hobart’s historic waterfront, the Henry Jones Art Hotel exemplifies everything that’s unique about Australia’s southernmost city, and wraps it up in sophisticated boutique accommodation, to boot. The hotel opened in 2004 following an extensive refurbishment led by architect Robert Morris-Nunn and his architectural firm Circa, but the building’s storied past stretches back much further – right back to early settlement – and the hotel pays homage to all of it.

Hyde Melbourne Place is one of the city’s most exciting new hotels, setting itself apart from the moment you step inside and catch the signature woody black tea scent drifting through the lobby. Designed by Kennedy Nolan with contributions from acclaimed creatives, the 16-storey property blends bold architecture with warm, earthy interiors. Its 192 rooms and suites each embrace a distinct palette, anchored by rich timber, soft furnishings and thoughtful details like complimentary artisanal snacks, lush Frette linen and Le Labo amenities. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame city views, best enjoyed from the impossibly soft Jardan sofas or while soaking in a rain shower.

Beyond having the best of Fitzroy and the CBD on its doorstep, the StandardX also boasts plenty to love within its walls. As soon as you enter, you’re led through a bright red cocoon-like revolving door (one of the more interesting hotel entrances you’ll have the pleasure of walking through), and into a plant-filled foyer that playfully straddles the line between boho and industrial-chic.  It’s bougie, for sure, but still artsy enough to feel like it belongs to the Northside. The designers have taken inspiration from Fitzroy’s post-punk 'Little Band' scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, paying homage to its music venues, street art and café culture – historic pulse points of this vibrant ’hood.

Since opening in 2017 with Mudgee's first glamping tent, Sierra Escape has grown into a multi-award-winning luxury retreat with five safari-like glamping tents, a lush swimming pool formed from a reclaimed shipping container and a sprawling outdoor yoga deck where you can get your downward dog on. Don’t worry if you’re not into Bear Grylls-style camping, though. Firstly, the Australian-made glamping tents are huge – like, the size of a one-bedroom apartment. Oh, and there are two freestanding bathtubs – one outside, as mentioned above, and one inside if the weather isn’t on your side but you’re still keen for a romantic soak. 

Hidden in spectacular natural landscapes – from the rolling hills in the Scenic Rim to the rugged shores of Kangaroo Island – these stylishly compact WanderPods offer an eco-luxe, off-grid escape. Powered entirely by solar energy and rainwater, the sustainably designed one- and two-bedroom black cabins boast high-end comforts like plush king-sized beds, sleek rain showers, Leif amenities and cozy indoor fireplaces, all while encouraging guests to unplug and enjoy simple pleasures like stargazing, fire-cooked meals and sweeping views.