How The Calile Became One of the World’s 50 Best Hotels: Catherine Malouf on Legacy, Lifestyle, and Leadership

When The Calile Hotel in Brisbane opened in 2018, few could have predicted that this debut project would soon land a coveted spot on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list. Not once, but two years in a row. For Catherine Malouf, one of the family members behind the project, the success of The Calile was never about chasing accolades. It was about creating a hotel that felt true to its place, its people, and its purpose.

I recently had the joy of staying at The Calile during a trip to Australia and sitting down with Catherine to learn more about her journey. From returning to the family business after a two-decade break, to helping lead a bold new hotel concept grounded in lifestyle, local culture, and intentional design. We talked about the signature spaces, the brand values, and why taking risks (like building a massive pool) was exactly the right move. She also shared how Brisbane’s local pride, creative community, and evolving guest expectations helped shape what she describes as an “urban retreat.” A hotel that not only reflects its location but actively uplifts it.

How did you first get into hospitality and what led you to join the family business?

I always wanted to work in the family business. It actually began with my great-grandparents, who emigrated from Lebanon in 1892 with nothing and gradually built a commercial real estate business in Brisbane. But when I approached my dad after finishing university, he said, “What would you do, answer the phone?” That was my cue to go out and build my own career. I started humbly in hospitality at the Regent Hotel in Sydney, which was the hotel at the time. I worked back-to-back shifts in the events department and quickly fell in love with the energy, the people, and the pace of it all.

Over the years, I moved into sales and marketing, worked in HR, and eventually followed my then-husband’s career around the world, from Johannesburg to Italy to the U.S., raising our children along the way. After our marriage ended, I moved back to Brisbane in 2012 at a difficult time in my life. I hadn’t worked in two decades. So, I turned to my family and said, I need a job. That led to working closely with my brothers in property development and, eventually, to the creation of The Calile.

How did the idea for The Calile first come about?

This vibrant area, the James Street precinct, wasn't always like this. My family, along with a few other long-standing Brisbane families, gradually transformed it into a true destination, with more than 140 shops, restaurants, and office spaces. My brothers took a risk in opening the James Street Market in 2002, which really took off and became the anchor that helped rejuvenate the area.

We held a significant landholding that included what was then a car park and a mix of underutilized buildings. The site had the potential to become...an office block, apartments, something else entirely. But the more we looked at what was missing from the area and considered how to energize it further, the idea of a hotel started to make sense. Brisbane hadn’t seen a new hotel built in over 20 years, and we felt there was a real opportunity to introduce something lifestyle-led and truly different in the urban setting.

Our family has always focused on creating places where people genuinely want to spend time. A hotel felt like a natural next step, not just somewhere to sleep, but a space that would activate the street at night, support surrounding businesses, and reflect both the climate and cultural spirit of Brisbane. The Calile was never just about filling a gap. It was about creating something intentional, and lasting, something that could elevate the entire precinct.

How did you decide to make a massive pool a defining feature of the hotel?

With the idea that the hotel would become another anchor for the neighborhood, we knew it needed a focal point that truly embraced Brisbane's climate, and an impressive pool could be just that. A lot of people told us not to bother. The thinking was that city hotel pools rarely get used and would be a waste of valuable space. But the design focus went against the grain and looked to Brisbane’s weather that called for something immersive. It brought the indoors out, creating a space where guests relax.

We didn’t want to follow the traditional business hotel model. We wanted the hotel to feel more like a resort in the middle of the city. I think we were the first to use the term "urban resort" in this context. At the time, the idea of blending a resort-style experience with a city hotel wasn’t common, especially not in Brisbane. That mindset became central to The Calile’s identity.

A risk that paid off. The pool is a very popular hang out at The Calile.

The pool became the heart of that vision. It’s now one of the most photographed and talked-about parts of the hotel. More importantly, it creates a sense of ease and vibrancy throughout the property. It invites people to slow down, gather, and feel like they’re on holiday. Even now, guests often tell us they feel transported to a tropical destination, even though they’re right in the heart of Brisbane.

I love the open flow of the hotel rooms and how user-friendly it is...the ability to open the space between the sleeping area and the bathrooms is so innovative. How did you come up with that?

We thought carefully about how people actually use hotel rooms. One of the first things we prioritized was the need for functional storage and a simplified layout. There had to be enough room to open two suitcases comfortably, since most people travel in pairs. That led us to the idea of a long shelf with open hanging space above it, which makes the room feel more expansive and easier to navigate.

Signature guest room at The Calile (image: The Calile)

Another feature was the sliding mirror that separates the bathroom from the sleeping area. It gives guests privacy without compromising light or flow. We didn’t want the bathroom to feel like an afterthought. A large vanity was essential, not just as a place to drop a toiletry bag, but somewhere you could actually sit, spread out, and get ready with ease. We included a magnifying mirror and took lighting seriously. After we opened, we realized the lighting wasn’t quite right for makeup, so we went back and added an extra light to every room. Guest feedback continues to shape how we refine the experience. We’re not just designing for aesthetics, we’re designing for how people actually live in the space.

Speaking of aesthetics, I love the color palette of the property. What was the inspiration?

The soft pinks and greens, combined with natural textures and tones, create a calming, elegant atmosphere that feels uniquely Australian. We didn’t want anything too moody or dark, we wanted the palette to reflect Brisbane’s subtropical light and energy. That philosophy carried through to the architecture as well. We worked with bold materials like concrete brick, but softened them with curves: rounded brass balconies, arched public spaces, even curved shower walls. It was important that the building feel open and welcoming, not cold or severe.

When we first opened, the landscaping hadn’t fully grown in yet, but now the mature greenery makes the entire structure come alive. That connection to the natural environment, and the sense of softness it brings, both visually and emotionally, has become a defining part of The Calile’s personality.

It all comes together so seamlessly, the design, the atmosphere, the guest experience. No wonder The Calile was named one of the World's 50 Best Hotels two years in a row. That’s a huge honor for a first-time hotel project. What was that moment like for you?

It was a total pinch-me moment. When they first reached out, we honestly thought it might be a prank! But once we looked into it properly and saw the level of global recognition involved, we realized how significant it was. Our goal had always been to create the best hotel in Brisbane, not necessarily to be ranked among the world’s best. So when we were named number 12 in the world and the best hotel in Oceania in the inaugural year, it was surreal.

I went to London for the announcement event and remember everyone back at the hotel was watching live at 5am, cheering us on. And then to be invited back the following year and make the list again, it felt like validation that what we’re doing truly resonates. People connect with the sense of place, the detail, and the experience. We’ve had so many guests tell us that they’ve never stayed anywhere quite like it, and that’s really the ultimate compliment.

You’ve created more than just a hotel, it’s a cultural hub. Tell us about how you connect with the community.

When we opened, there was such goodwill from local businesses and creatives who wanted to be involved. That led to initiatives like our Friends of Calile loyalty program, which connects guests with our local retail and hospitality partners through special offers. It’s reciprocal, our neighbors also get benefits for sending their VIPs or staff to the hotel.

Lobby bar at The Calile (image: The Calilie)

We also started Calile Culture, a platform for creative events and partnerships with institutions like the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian Dance Collective. We’ve hosted everything from rooftop dinners with artists to dance performances and author talks. We want the hotel to be a space where guests and locals can engage with Brisbane’s creative energy in an authentic way.

That sense of community became even more important during the COVID lockdowns. With international borders closed, more Australians discovered The Calile for the first time. That unexpected shift helped build a strong domestic following and deepened our local relationships, even as the rest of the world was standing still.

Let’s talk about your leadership style and how you've brought that into The Calile.

I make it a point to be visible and approachable. I present the brand at staff inductions, walk the floor regularly, and spend time talking to team members so they understand who we are as a family and as a brand. We started small, with about 60 staff when we opened. Now we have close to 200 people on rotation, and we still want every team member to feel part of something bigger.

We’ve created a culture that reflects our family values: humility, excellence, and respect. Our people know that this isn’t just a business, it’s a legacy project. The building will be here long after we’re not, so we want everyone involved to feel proud of it and responsible for maintaining its standards.

How do you support your team, especially women in the workplace?

I’m passionate about making sure our workplace is flexible and inclusive, particularly for women. When we were hiring for our senior HR role, I specifically advocated for a female candidate. She’s brought empathy, professionalism, and emotional intelligence to the team, and it’s changed the culture in a really positive way.

We’re mindful of the demands that come with hospitality, especially the long hours and irregular shifts. If someone needs support, we do our best to accommodate. That’s why I think people stay with us. They know we care. We celebrate tenure, too. At our last dinner, we had 80 years of combined service around the table.

What advice would you give to women pursuing leadership in hospitality?

Hospitality isn’t easy. It demands a lot of you. But it’s also one of the most rewarding industries, especially if you love people. If you’re passionate and present, the opportunities will come.

Catherine Malouf with Emily Goldfischer on the roof of The Calile

Coming back to work in my fifties after two decades away wasn’t easy. I had doubts about whether anyone would take me seriously. But here I am. I believe women are natural leaders in hospitality. We bring empathy, communication, and intuition, exactly what this industry needs. I’d love to see more women stepping into leadership, knowing they absolutely belong there.

And finally, what’s your favorite spot in the hotel?

The rooftop garden. It’s peaceful and personal. We have grapevines from a cutting off the vine from our childhood family home. I still pick leaves and use them to make a Lebanese dish my mum taught me. From the rooftop, you can look down over the pool and across the city. It’s a perfect view of everything we’ve built, our community, our team, our legacy.

The rof garden at The Calile (image: The Calile)