The DNA: Heralded as Australia’s first urban resort, The Calile is a tropical oasis with the all accoutrements of inner city convenience. It continues the white brick fabric and Porphyry paving of the James Street precinct, Brisbane’s modish retail boulevard boasting high-end boutiques, bars and restaurants amid hanging gardens (also designed by local practice Richards & Spence). Design inspiration cues include Miami, Palm Springs, Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City. Embracing the Queensland capital’s hot, steamy climate, the great outdoors is welcomed in. Breezy archways and architectural stairwells, open-air corridors, plus rooms with balconies and operable windows flank the focal pool terrace where outdoor dining cabanas surround the al fresco Hellenika restaurant serving modern Greek fare with robust taverna-style flavours. Gazing indoors, pastel-hued rooms with tactile cork floors, sisal matting and daybeds merge seamlessly with marble-finished en suites. It’s a modern day Babylon.

Seen: archdaily, dezeen, Wallpaper*, We Heart

Accolades: Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2019, Wallpaper* Best Urban Hotels 2019

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 175 rooms, including 9 suites (27-49m2) (291-527 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2018 • architecture & interior design: Richards & Spence • bathroom amenities: Grown Alchemist • parking possible on-site (charged) • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk