The Calile Hotel

The Calile cuts a dramatic form across Brisbane’s skyline, its self-described “soft brutalist” building of white curves and arches designed to celebrate the balmy weather and tropical vibe for which this part of the country is known. Locally based architectural studio Richards and Spence crafted breezy hallways with open-air nooks to link the 175 guest rooms, which come in a trio of pastels: blush, eggshell blue, and mint. Textural touches complement the calming colors, from timber paneling and cork flooring to sisal mats and brass trim. All accommodations sport scallop-shaped balconies — be sure to book one that overlooks the 30-meter pool, which is lined with palm trees, striped jade-green umbrellas, and covetable cabanas. You’ll be spending a lot of time here, or wandering through the ground-floor boutiques by local brands like Baasike, Dion Lee, and Love Stories. Step out, and you’re on James Street in the heart of Fortitude Valley, an everbuzzy suburb at the city’s fringe packed with achingly cool restaurants, bars, and gourmet grocers. But don’t miss the hotel’s own eatery, Hellenika, which — like its highly awarded sister restaurant on Queensland’s Gold Coast — dishes up mod-Greek dishes such as veal dolmades and orzo pasta with spanner crab. — 61-7/3607-5888; thecalilehotel.com; doubles from US$160