When thinking of prestige, is there anything better than a Michelin star?
Although Australia is neglected by the star system due to the lack of a Michelin Guide for our nation (we’ll stick with our Australian Good Food Guide hats), we’ve lucked out in the ‘key’ department.
Yes, the Michelin keys. The system was launched last year, but 2025 marks the expansion of the awards from 15 countries to a global scale. The keys are essentially star equivalents – the recipients are noted as the crème de la crème of the hotels included in the Michelin Guide. Inspectors consider excellence in architecture, interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and contribution to the setting or neighbourhood.
And, like the Michelin stars, hotels can earn up to three keys – one for “a very special stay,” two for “an exceptional stay,” and three for “an extraordinary stay.”
35 Australian hotels were awarded Michelin keys in the awards announced on October 8, but only one hotel was awarded the coveted three keys, of only 143 in the world. The Lizard Island Resort on Lizard Island, QLD is a deserving awardee– an exclusive luxury resort, surrounded by 24 white-sand beaches and providing direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, and now the proud owner of three Michelin keys.
Luckily, this kind of quality is available right here in WA. Two hotels were awarded one Michelin key for “a very special stay.” The Michelin Guide confirms that the two stays go above and beyond in comparison to competitors in their price range, with exceptional service and personality to go with it.
They were the Empire Spa Retreat, Yallingup, and Como The Treasury, Perth CBD.
Empire Spa Retreat
With six different options for accommodation, including a luxury villa or farmstead, the Empire Spa Retreat offers many different experiences that all live up to the hype.
The farmstead is a gorgeous home-away-from-home, with high-end amenities that truly fit the definition of elegant. A private patio meets landscaped gardens, with the breathtaking views best taken in from the outdoor soaking tub.
That’s not even mentioning the spa retreat options. The spa packages are a tranquil escape where nature meets relaxation. Think facials, massages, sound therapy, and body treatments. Luxurious services are tailored to your needs, while the ambience of the outdoors provides both a peaceful getaway and an experience you won’t forget.
Plus there’s a winery located within the Retreat. The Estate is nestled on bushland that sees 12 acres dedicated to vine. They boast a focus on high-quality wines, rather than overall yield–and it’s clearly worked, with the award-winning varietals found here.
Their Michelin key legitimises the massive praise they’ve received as the first port of call for luxury accommodation in the Margaret River Region.
Como The Treasury
A five-star hotel in the city centre is practically the basis for the word ‘staycation.’ 48 contemporary rooms and suites are found in the historic State Buildings, right amongst the action of the CBD.
Handcrafted furnishings meet oversized windows and stone tiling, where old-world grandeur embodies the stay promised by the Michelin key.
Como The Treasury is also known as a key player in Perth’s dining scene, as the hotel is home to restaurants Wildflower (a three-hat recipient in the Australian Good Food Guide), Post, and the tea house Cape Arid Rooms. Top-quality dining is easily accessible, and a must if you stay.
This October, Como The Treasury marks its 10 year anniversary, and hosting all kinds of events to celebrate, like limited-edition menus in their restaurants, night markets, and COMO Conversations with experts in the design industry.
A very special stay indeed.
