We understand that no one aims to come in second place; there is no recognition for mediocrity. We at Five Star Alliance understand better than anyone the importance of offering the most luxurious resorts in the world, so we notice what’s going on in the industry, and it matters to us, because it matters to you. We work hard to offer you the best in the industry, and we’d like to welcome you to our second blog series where we feature the best and most luxurious resorts in the world. But don’t take our word for it. These resorts have been recognized as the best in the business and have made the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012.

The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012 is the eighth of their annual lists, and the hotels chosen by their team of editors and experts are the best for service, food, location, rooms, leisure facilities, ambiance and design.

The Shangri-La Hotel Sydney in Sydney, Australia is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for food. This luxury hotel is perfectly located in between the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge in the center of the historic rock district. Its guest rooms are some of the most spacious in all of Sydney, and the hotel offers 80 Horizontal Club rooms for business travelers which offer upgraded amenities, complimentary refreshments, a private lounge, and free suit press. The Shangri-La Hotel Sydney has a world-class selection of restaurants and bars to satisfy every appetite. The Altitude Restaurant has an incredible chef, Steve Krasicki, who’s sure to dazzle you with his incredible dishes.