Australia’s Sydney Set to Shine Brighter in 2026 as The Lands by Capella Reemerges as a Five-Star Heritage Luxury Powerhouse

Set to open in 2026, The Lands by Capella will transform a historic Sydney landmark into a stunning five-star luxury hotel and lifestyle destination.

Sydney is quickly cementing its reputation as Australia’s ultimate luxury hospitality capital. With a surge of high-end hotel openings and major global hospitality brands setting their sights on the Harbour City, the transformation of Sydney’s accommodation scene is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024, the city welcomed the stylish Eve Hotel, a modern sanctuary that blends contemporary elegance with the urban pulse of downtown Sydney. Soon after, the colorful and creatively designed 25 Hours Hotel is set to debut in the artistic enclave of Paddington, introducing an edgy and playful brand of luxury to one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

However, the most eagerly awaited addition to Sydney’s luxury portfolio is The Lands by Capella—a bold and visionary project announced by Capella Hotels. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026, this landmark development is poised to redefine what luxury means in Sydney and beyond. Capella, a brand already celebrated for its exceptional service and refined aesthetic, has set its sights on an extraordinary new location: the former Department of Lands building.

Perfectly positioned just steps from the existing Capella Sydney, The Lands will be housed within a historic sandstone masterpiece that spans an entire city block. Located at the convergence of Circular Quay, Macquarie Street, and George Street, this iconic heritage site represents a vital chapter in Sydney’s architectural and cultural history. The building, with its grand facade and palatial interiors, forms part of the prestigious Sandstone Precinct—a pair of magnificent buildings that celebrate the city’s colonial past while shaping its future in luxury travel.

What sets The Lands by Capella apart from other luxury projects is its ambitious multi-use vision. This isn’t just another hotel—it’s a fully immersive lifestyle destination. Encompassing over 10,000 square metres, the development will feature a curated mix of high-end retail boutiques, cutting-edge culinary experiences, and expansive public and private event spaces. One of its most anticipated offerings is its rooftop dining concept, which promises to deliver panoramic views of Sydney’s skyline while offering a menu as elevated as its setting.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. The Lands will also be home to The Sandstones Club by Florence Guild, an exclusive new venture from the creators of Melbourne’s award-winning Freyja restaurant. Florence Guild is renowned for crafting sophisticated, experiential spaces that bring together art, gastronomy, and community. Their Work Clubs—known for fusing productivity with social engagement—combine restaurants, cocktail bars, retail corners, event programming, and boutique-style lounges. Bringing this model to Sydney within the heritage walls of The Lands is expected to generate an entirely new kind of urban hub—one that attracts not just travelers, but also creatives, entrepreneurs, and city dwellers seeking connection and inspiration.

As construction progresses behind the scenes, Capella has remained tight-lipped about the finer details of the project, fueling excitement and speculation across the hospitality and travel industries. Industry insiders anticipate that The Lands will feature Capella’s signature blend of bespoke service, artisanal design, and immersive guest experiences, but elevated with a distinctly Sydney flair rooted in the history and energy of its surroundings.

With its targeted opening in early 2026, The Lands by Capella is poised to become a cultural and commercial landmark for Sydney. More than just a place to stay, it promises to be a destination in its own right—a fusion of past and present, tradition and innovation, elegance and energy. As the luxury market in Australia continues to evolve, projects like this are setting a new standard, not only in design and experience but also in how travelers interact with the soul of a city.

Sydney’s ascent as a global luxury hub shows no signs of slowing down, and with the upcoming arrival of The Lands by Capella, the city is preparing to enter a new golden era of hospitality.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/australias-sydney-set-to-shine-brighter-in-2026-as-the-lands-by-capella-reemerges-as-a-five-star-heritage-luxury-powerhouse/