Luxury escapes: exploring the best of Brisbane

For 5-star luxury with a twist, W Brisbane in North Quay is the ultimate luxury accommodation in Brisbane. Quirky and colourful, this hotel oozes style; a waterfront location with uninterrupted river views, an award-winning spa, sensational dining options, and a penthouse suite, everything about the W screams glamour.

For a truly unforgettable stay, book the ‘Extreme Wow’ penthouse suite. Panoramic views of the river and mountains come as standard, as does the wildly spacious living room (complete with mirrored ceiling and art-adorned walls), and fully stocked bar and kitchen. Top off your penthouse stay with an in-room private dining experience for you and your guests with your very own chef and wait staff. Because who wants to entertain at home?

For classic luxury accommodation in the heart of the CBD, The Westin’s 5-star digs are a slick city bolt hole. Boasting Brisbane’s only swim up bar—let that sink in while you picture sipping on cocktails in the pool—spend your days poolside before a trip to the Heavenly Spa for a top-to-toe pamper session.

Want more ‘room’ in your room? The Westin’s two-bedroom penthouse features a spacious floorplan; fit with a kitted-out kitchen, separate living room and a balcony overlooking the CBD’s skyscrapers. Penthouse guests also have exclusive access to the executive lounge, reserved for visitors staying in executive suites only, so take advantage of breakfast, snacks throughout the day and drinks service in the evening.

Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley, as well as being the hub for small bars, live music and boutique shopping, is a haven for chic luxury accommodation in Brisbane.

For luxurious stays in the heart of Fortitude Valley, The Calile is the only place to see and be seen. The 5-star property, decked out in golden terrazzo marble, is an ode to Euro-chic; every detail from the terrazzo marble walls and floors to the Julietta balconies overlooking the glistening turquoise pool—no expense has been spared.

For an added touch of luxury, The Calile offers various room upgrades; want a chilled bottle of champagne in your room upon arrival? Done. Valet parking? Easy. Breakfast at Lobby Bar, and even a chauffeur if you need one, are merely a request away. Lounge away the day in your private cabana by the pool, while you dive in delectable Greek-style dishes from the hotel’s restaurant, Hellenika.

Only visiting for the day? Take advantage of The Calile pool and amenities by hiring out a poolside cabana and room for the day. Fluffy robes and your own lounger poolside are provided—all you have to do is pack light and bring the SPF.

Residing right beneath the imposing Story Bridge along the Howard Smith Wharves, La Fantauzzo is the Brisbane luxury accommodation for city slickers. Named after the esteemed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo, the entire property is a gallery for his hyper-realistic works.

Book the deluxe riverview balcony for your stay; the views alone of the Story Bridge and the city will knock your socks off; the king bed, dining room and opulent lounge will make you want to stay forever. Make sure to stop in for a nightcap at the hotel’s elegant rooftop bar, Fiume. Adjacent to the hotel’s jaw-dropping infinity pool, take in breath-taking views of the city, the river, and the imposing Story Bridge overhead.

South Brisbane

South of the river is award-winning boutique hotel, Emporium. Aptly named the ‘exquisite suite’ book a stay on the highest floors of the hotel. With incredible views of the CBD, stay here and you’ll want for nothing. Every creature comfort and luxury is but a call to reception.

Dining at Emporium is equally as ritzy; polish off a glass of champagne atop the Terrace (the hotel’s elegant rooftop bar, before dining, degustation-style at the hatted, award-winning restaurant Signature. As a guest you even have the use of the hotel’s Maserati during your stay. It’s the little things, right?

Luxury experiences in Brisbane

Indulge your senses at one of Brisbane’s beautiful day spas, soar over the countryside and coastline in a helicopter, sip on Queensland’s award-winning wines; there is no end to the ways Brisbane turns it on.

Pampering for body and soul

With tropical-themed relaxation pods and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking South Bank and the Brisbane River, the treatment rooms at W Hotel’s Away Spa feel otherworldly. The extensive menu offers luxury experiences unlike anywhere else in the city; think chakra balancing body massages and head-to-toe senses realignment.

Naturally you’ll want to sip on a cocktail or glass of champagne after a treatment in your private pod or submerged in the spa’s vitality pool.

For luxury spa treatments in Fortitude Valley Kailo Wellness Medispa is the place to go for state-of-the-art body, skin and wellness treatments. Tucked away in The Calile Hotel, this peach-hued urban retreat rivals even the world’s chicest spas, but it’s the treatment menu that makes it top of class. From IV vitamin therapy, skin and beauty procedures, come here to be majorly pampered.

For a romantic afternoon of luxurious r and r in Brisbane, book the couples bath therapy with mud and steam treatments at Stephanie’s famous Opal Rasul temple. Housed in the CBD’s Sofitel Brisbane, this is the kind of European luxury you normally find after a long-haul flight (minus the jet lag).

And if melting away your stresses means escaping the city, then spend the day at Lost World Day Spa at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. This luxury spa is pure escapism; surrounded by nature on the edge of Lamington National Park and immersed in lush hinterland.

Book the spa’s infamous vinotherapy (a very fruity grape-infused full body treatment—just minus the drinking) before taking a dip either in the beautiful infinity pool or in the rustic wooden tub in the treatment suite. Bushland bliss.

Take to the skies

Hiring the private use of your own helicopter is not something you’ll do every day, but there are a few luxury experiences in Brisbane that warrant a spot on your bucket list.

While hiking doesn’t immediately conjure up ideas of luxury, glamping tents, sipping champagne around the open fire and private helicopter transfers to base camp sure add the glam factor. Take off on a five-night hike and helicopter tour of the Scenic Rim Trail from Spicers Hidden Vale, just an hour west of Brisbane in Grandchester.

Your guided hike begins with a private helicopter transfer from the property out into rugged Scenic Rim bushland. From there, explore the remote trails and ancient landscapes, with luxury glamping tents and beverage of your choice waiting for you at the end of each day. All meals are prepared by your walking group’s chef, and you’ll even be collected by your private heli at the end of your hiking route, giving you a birds-eye view of your hike as your return to the luxury surrounds of Hidden Vale.

Spend the day at some of QLD’s best cellar doors—without having to argue about who’s DD. Cue the ultimate designated driver, Pterodactyl Helicopter with their Total Country Wine Tour. Soar over SEQ’s idyllic green and gold landscape before being taxied by your very own private heli for a day of door-to-(cellar)-door thrills.

Another great helicopter itinerary? Whale watching from the skies. Skip the boat next time you want a glimpse of these gentle giants and book a tour with V2Squared Helicopters. Heading off from either Tangalooma or Moreton Island, get a bird’s eye view of the majestic humpback whale as it migrates north. Given that whale season in Australia is only June – September, this is one of the most exclusive trips you’ll take.

To really live the high life, there’s nothing like chartering your own yacht. Providing your very own ocean crew, catering and personalised itineraries, Crystal Blue yacht charters can be a floating event space, a charter up and down the Sunshine and Gold Coast, even your accommodation for a night (or three) at sea.

With four suites sleeping up to eight people, sleek lounge room with sunroof, decking areas and staff so you’ll want for nothing, this luxury floating vessel is the epitome of luxury experiences in Brisbane. The ocean is your oyster.

Luxury dining in Brisbane

From indulgent degustations, to intimate chef’s tables, hatted restaurant feasts and hidden dining gems, luxury dining experiences in Brisbane are thriving.

Arguably the ultimate luxury dining experience, anywhere, is tucking into a degustation. Come hungry and eat slow; these are the rules of the game. For a modern riff on multi-course dining, Joy in Fortitude Valley is one to splash out on.

One of the most exclusive restaurants in town, this tiny fine dining spot houses but 10 people at a time and is blessed with whatever chef decides to make that night, but something along the lines of cherry blossom with sansho, green tea, musk and cherries might make the rounds. With the menu ever-changing and the wine list equally as diverse, this is one dinner you won’t forget in a hurry.

Gauge, in Brisbane’s South Bank has a firm focus on supporting local growers, with elevated dishes like the mighty Clarence pork tenderloin and braised wild boar shoulder firm menu favourites for the season. Things get quirky—dishes like fermented mushroom ice cream, chocolate and Jerusalem artichoke are a surprise flavour combination you never knew you needed—but diners looking for elegant fine dining with a modern twist will be delighted with this hatted gem.

All-out luxury dining experiences in Brisbane, however, don’t come more high end than Chinese eatery Donna Chang. The CBD’s hatted Chinese restaurant mixing Cantonese and Sichuan legacy into thoroughly modern fare is a lesson in interior design swagger and chef know-how.

The private dining mezzanine means you’re still a part of the buzz of the restaurant below, but with your own bar and balconette, you’ll find solace in your private slice of heaven.  Marvel at the intricate vaulted ceiling of the old bank while pairing ancient dishes with vintage champagne. Simply fabulous.

Luxury shopping in Brisbane

In recent years Brisbane has become a shopping Mecca, with the world’s biggest brands and luxury labels all taking up prime real estate across the city.

Queen’s Plaza along the Queen Street Mall in the CBD is where you’ll find international labels. Fendi, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany’s, Dior, Saint Laurent, Burberry as well as high-end Aussie high street labels Zimmermann, Aje and Camilla are all found here—and will certainly help you flex your wallet.

Those looking for a more boutique experience will want to spend a few hours strolling along leafy James St; Fortitude Valley’s dedicated boutique destination. Independent retailers Camargue, Maryon’s, and Calexico stock high end international labels, while local luxury labels Natasha Schweitzer and Gail Sorronda have flagship stores here, too. Homewares fans won’t feel left out: Jardan, Living Edge, Dinosaur Designs and The Modern all have showrooms here..

Hit up this guide to James Street or this comprehensive Brisbane shopping guide to really give your wallet a workout.

Luxury escapes from Brisbane

Whether you’re in search of some r and r or a restful long weekend, getting out of town can be as good as a holiday. But no one ever said you had to forget the creature comforts; South East Queensland holds some of the most luxurious escapes in the country: creature comforts and then some.

Camping, but make it luxe

While you might not automatically think ‘camping’ when in search of a luxury escape from Brisbane, there’s camping, and then there’s Nightfall. With only ever eight guests at any one time, this luxurious camping ground on the edge of Lamington National Park is a far cry from family camping trips of your childhood.

Each glamping safari tent features a king size bed, fireplace and freestanding bath, so you can go straight from hiking in Lamington National Park to soaking in a bubble bath. For tight muscles, book Nightfall’s famous waterfall spa massage; your choice of body treatment, alfresco, next to a waterfall. Otherworldly, heavenly.

Hinterland hideaways

Less than an hour west of Brisbane, Spicers Hidden Vale is the luxury accommodation making hinterland holidays chic. The heritage-listed property sits on over 12,000 hectares of pristine bushland, each heritage cottage accommodation feeling a million miles away from the crowds.

Go all out and book a degustation dinner at the multi-award winning, AGFG hatted restaurant Homage, where all ingredients are either grown on the property or sourced from the best artisan producers in the region. We guarantee you’ve never had a meal like this before. Stay for a weekend after you’ve talked the 5-day heli-hike along the Scenic Rim—you’ve earned it.