Capella Hotels and Resorts Creates Unprecedented Luxury Travel History as Global Travellers Crown It the World’s Best Hotel Brand for Fourth Consecutive Year, With Capella Kyoto Expanding Its Cultural Legacy Across Asia

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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July 9, 2026 11:02 PM

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Capella Hotels and Resorts has once again reached the highest level of global recognition after travellers worldwide voted the luxury hospitality brand the world’s best hotel brand for the fourth consecutive year. The achievement highlights Capella’s growing influence in the luxury travel sector, where personalised experiences, cultural connections and authentic destination storytelling are becoming defining factors for modern travellers.

The recognition, awarded by readers of Travel + Leisure, represents a significant milestone because it comes directly from international guests who have experienced Capella’s service philosophy across its carefully selected portfolio of only ten properties. The achievement becomes even more notable with the addition of Capella Kyoto, which opened in March 2026 and further strengthened the brand’s presence in one of the world’s most culturally important destinations.

Unlike traditional luxury hospitality models focused only on premium facilities and exclusive services, Capella Hotels and Resorts has built its reputation around creating meaningful connections between guests and destinations. Each property is designed to reflect the heritage, traditions and communities of its location, allowing travellers to discover a destination through local stories, cultural experiences and personal interactions.

The latest recognition also celebrates the outstanding performance of individual Capella and Patina properties across Asia-Pacific. Hotels in Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and Japan achieved major honours, while sister luxury brand Patina Hotels & Resorts reached a historic milestone after Patina Osaka was named both the World’s No. 1 Best Hotel and the Best Hotel in Asia.

Capella Ubud Strengthens Indonesia’s Luxury Resort Leadership Through Community Connection

Among the celebrated properties, Capella Ubud once again secured the title of Indonesia’s No. 1 Resort, marking its third victory after previous successes in 2020 and 2024. The achievement reflects the resort’s long-term commitment to the local community and its deep relationship with Keliki Village, where it has operated for eight years.

Located within Bali’s natural landscape, Capella Ubud has created an experience that blends luxury accommodation with the traditions and cultural identity of the surrounding area. The resort’s approach focuses on becoming part of the destination rather than simply operating within it.

A major part of its success comes from its strong connection with local residents. Families from Keliki Village, including members from different generations, have become an important part of the resort team. This relationship has created employment opportunities while preserving the connection between the property and the community that surrounds it.

Beyond hospitality, Capella Ubud has invested in education and environmental conservation initiatives. Its English for Brighter Future programme has supported 85 young people by providing language skills and learning opportunities designed to improve future career prospects.

The resort has also supported environmental efforts through partnerships focused on restoring firefly habitats in nearby Taro Village. These conservation activities demonstrate how luxury tourism can contribute positively to local ecosystems while creating meaningful experiences for visitors.

As Capella Ubud celebrates its eighth anniversary, the resort is entering a new stage of development. The focus is shifting from protecting existing traditions to encouraging guests to actively experience them. Visitors can now participate in activities such as planting, harvesting and learning directly from local communities, creating a deeper understanding of Balinese culture and rural life.

Capella Sydney Celebrates Heritage Transformation With Second Consecutive Top Honour

In Australia, Capella Sydney has maintained its position as the No. 1 City Hotel in Australia and New Zealand for the second consecutive year. The achievement reflects the success of a carefully planned restoration project that transformed Sydney’s historic former Department of Education building into a world-class luxury hotel.

The redevelopment took seven years and focused on preserving the architectural importance of the heritage structure while introducing modern hospitality standards. Since opening in 2023, Capella Sydney has become recognised for its combination of historic character, contemporary design and highly personalised guest experiences.

The property represents Capella’s wider philosophy of respecting the identity of each destination. Instead of replacing historical elements, the hotel integrates them into the guest experience, allowing visitors to connect with Sydney’s past while enjoying modern luxury.

The brand’s commitment to heritage preservation continues through The Lands by Capella, located in the former Department of Lands building opposite Capella Sydney. This project follows the same approach of restoring significant historical spaces and transforming them into meaningful hospitality destinations.

Patina Osaka Creates Japanese Luxury Hospitality History

The success of Patina Osaka marks another important chapter for the group. As the second property under the Patina Hotels & Resorts brand after Patina Maldives, the Osaka hotel introduces a new urban expression of luxury while maintaining a strong connection with Japanese culture.

Patina Osaka’s achievement as both the World’s No. 1 Best Hotel and Best Hotel in Asia represents a historic moment, as it becomes the first Japanese hotel to receive the highest recognition in the history of these awards.

The honour reflects Japan’s increasing importance in global luxury travel and highlights the changing expectations of international visitors. Today’s travellers are searching for more than elegant rooms and premium facilities. They want experiences that provide cultural understanding, emotional connections and opportunities to engage with local communities.

Patina Osaka represents this new generation of luxury hospitality by acting as a gateway to Osaka’s culture, creativity and traditions. The property focuses on creating experiences that allow guests to participate in the energy of the city rather than simply observe it.

Capella’s Global Success Reflects the Future of Luxury Travel

The continued success of Capella Hotels and Resorts and Patina Osaka demonstrates a major shift taking place across the luxury hospitality industry. Travellers are increasingly choosing brands that provide authenticity, personalised service and meaningful connections with destinations.

Modern luxury is no longer defined only by exclusivity. Instead, it is shaped by experiences that create lasting memories, preserve cultural heritage and support local communities. Hotels that successfully combine exceptional service with responsible tourism practices are becoming the leaders of the next generation of travel.

Through its destination-focused properties, Capella continues to strengthen its position as a global luxury hospitality leader. Its repeated recognition by international travellers reflects a commitment to creating journeys where architecture, culture, people and place come together.

With its expanding portfolio and continued focus on authentic experiences, Capella Hotels and Resorts is redefining what modern luxury travel means, proving that the most memorable journeys are built not only around where guests stay, but also around what they discover, experience and feel.

Roland Fasel, President, Capella Hotel Group, says, “Capella and Patina are brands with distinct identities built on the same belief: that a hotel should genuinely reflect the place it is in and the people who live there. Capella does this through cultural immersion, craft and design rooted in place. Patina does it through creative connection, wellness and a spirit of exploration — bringing guests together with the local creative communities that give each destination its character. Our vision has always been to build brands that are purposeful, and hotels that last.”