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17 Jul 2026
qualia on Hamilton Island has been selected for 50 Best Discovery, the curated global guide from the organisation behind The World's 50 Best rankings for restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards.
Selection for 50 Best Discovery is determined by votes cast by the expert Academies responsible for creating The World's 50 Best global and regional rankings.
Set on the northern-most tip of Hamilton Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, qualia is one of Australia's most iconic luxury lodges. Conceived as a sanctuary rather than a resort, qualia comprises just 60 private pavilions, complemented by The Beach House and The Residence, two exclusive-use retreats. Combining barefoot luxury with intuitive, personalised service and a distinctly Australian sense of hospitality, qualia offers guests a private world of sensory perfection on the doorstep of one of the world's greatest natural wonders.
Guests can explore Whitehaven Beach (crowned Lonely Planet's Best Beach in the World 2025) by boat, seaplane or helicopter, take in the breathtaking beauty of Heart Reef by helicopter, or experience the exclusive Journey to the Heart, the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience available only to Hamilton Island guests. Award-winning dining at Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach celebrates the seasonal best of Australian produce under Executive Chef Joshua Hingston, while experiences such as the Cultural Island Discovery with Ngaro man Robbie Congoo offer a deeper connection to Country and the landscapes of the Great Barrier Reef.
"We are honoured to be included in 50 Best Discovery alongside some of the world's most exceptional hospitality experiences. Nearly two decades after qualia first welcomed guests, this recognition is a testament to the enduring appeal of this extraordinary place, our privileged position in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and, above all, the dedication of our passionate team, whose commitment to creating deeply personal experiences continues to resonate with guests from around the world," said Rebecca Hamey, General Manager, qualia.
qualia continues to earn international acclaim for its enduring approach to luxury hospitality. Its selection for 50 Best Discovery builds on a remarkable run of global recognition, including Condé Nast Traveller's coveted Triple Crown in 2026, with honours in the publication's Gold List, Readers' Choice Awards and Spa Awards, as well as the award of a MICHELIN Key in 2025.
A highly curated global guide, 50 Best Discovery helps discerning travellers discover exceptional restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards around the world. More than 3,000 Academy members, including respected travel journalists, hoteliers and experienced travellers, vote for the venues featured on the platform. As an extension of the globally recognised The World's 50 Best family of brands, 50 Best Discovery showcases exceptional hospitality experiences selected by the industry's leading experts.
For more information on 50 Best Discovery, please visit:
www.theworlds50best.com/discovery
Read more about the selection criteria here:
www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/about.html
qualia Media Contact
Caroline Denyer
Communications Manager
Hamilton Island Enterprises
cdenyer@hamiltonisland.com.au
Images
Images are available here.
About qualia
qualia is one of Australia's most iconic luxury lodges, offering an intimate expression of Australian luxury in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Comprising just 60 private pavilions, alongside the exclusive Beach House and Residence, qualia combines barefoot luxury, personalised service and extraordinary access to the Whitsunday Islands. Guests enjoy award-winning dining, holistic spa experiences and immersive encounters with the Great Barrier Reef, including Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef and Journey to the Heart. A proud member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, qualia has been recognised with a MICHELIN Key, inclusion in Fodor's Finest, and Condé Nast Traveller's Triple Crown, with honours in the publication's Gold List, Readers' Choice Awards and Spa Awards.
qualia.com.au | @qualiaresort | #qualiaresort
50 Best Media Contact
Erica Schecter, Director of PR, 50 Best
50BestPR@wrbm.com
For media centre access, please visit:
mediacentre.theworlds50best.com
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About 50 Best Discovery
50 Best Discovery is an in-depth collection of city guides featuring more than 3,500 venues across more than 800 cities and towns worldwide. Designed to showcase both renowned establishments and lesser-known hospitality gems, the platform spans restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards through travel guides, features and video content. 50 Best Discovery operates as an extension of the annual The World's 50 Best rankings of restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards, though is not itself a ranking.
About William Reed
50 Best Discovery is owned and organised by William Reed, which also publishes The World's 50 Best Restaurants, The World's 50 Best Bars, The World's 50 Best Hotels and The World's 50 Best Vineyards, together with a range of regional rankings. William Reed is entirely responsible for the organisation of the awards, the voting system and the lists.
