Hamilton Island’s private luxury adults-only retreat qualia has been named among the best resorts in the world in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking No. 2 in Australasia and the South Pacific and the highest-ranked Australian resort in the category
With an overall satisfaction score of 98.58 per cent, qualia placed just behind Six Senses Fiji, with the regional top 10 also including Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, The Brando, Southern Ocean Lodge, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and Longitude 131°.
Now in their 29th year in the UK, the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards are voted for by readers, reflecting their experiences of hotels, resorts and destinations around the world.
“We’re fortunate to have wonderfully loyal guests, so recognition that comes directly from the people who have experienced qualia means a great deal,” said Rebecca Hamey, General Manager, qualia.
“What brings people back is the combination of privacy, intuitive personalised service and our place in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Every stay can be different, but it’s our team who make it feel genuinely personal.
“To be ranked alongside some of the world’s most respected resorts by Condé Nast Traveller readers is something the whole qualia team can be incredibly proud of.”
The result adds to a significant year for qualia, which received Condé Nast Traveler’s inaugural Triple Crown, recognising hotels that have appeared across its Hot List, Gold List and Readers’ Choice Awards since their inception. qualia also retained its MICHELIN Key for a second consecutive year.
qualia was also recognised in the Condé Nast Traveler US 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, placing No. 7 in Australia and the South Pacific.
Described by Condé Nast Traveler as “an island resort that’s so cinematic, it belongs in a Bond blockbuster”, qualia sits on the northernmost tip of Hamilton Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Complimentary experiences include private beach drop-offs and guided nature walks. Dining spans Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach, while wellness experiences include Spa qualia and a bespoke collaboration with Fluidform founder Kirsten King.
