Clare Valley’s Watervale Hotel Crowned World’s Best For Third Consecutive Year, Fuelling Tourism Growth In South Australia!

Accommodation Abudhabi introduces

For the third year in a row, The Watervale Hotel, located in Clare Valley, Australia, has again been awarded the prestigious world’s best hotel title in the LuxLife Travel and Tourism Awards. This new award proves what the hotel has been doing, offering the best gastronomic experience in the world and prestigious dining with an embraced sustainability.

Located in the heart of Clare Valley, the Watervale Hotel has garnered global attention by consistently being recognised for its culinary excellence. In 2024, the hotel was awarded the titles of Best Epicurean Experience Hotel & Restaurant and Best A La Carte Dining Experience, adding to its previous wins in 2023 and 2024. The awards are a reflection of the hotel’s commitment to offering not just a meal, but an immersive dining experience that attracts tourists from all corners of the globe.

Chef Nicola Palmer and Sommelier Warrick Duthy, the partners behind this success, have built a dining philosophy based on the belief that fine dining should be a sensory journey from farm to plate. With its focus on using locally sourced, organic produce and wild meats, Watervale has transformed from a 170-year-old hotel into one of Australia’s top culinary destinations.

Since first receiving international recognition, the Watervale Hotel has seen an increase in visitors from places as far away as Luxembourg and Los Angeles. Tourists now plan entire trips to South Australia around dining at this Clare Valley gem. The hotel’s philosophy of providing a complete epicurean experience, where guests engage directly with chefs, participate in wine and gin masterclasses, and savour seasonal, organic dishes has made it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts worldwide.

Warrick Duthy explains that their concept is based on offering more than just a meal. Guests at the hotel are invited into the kitchen to witness the preparation of their dishes and take part in immersive experiences that highlight the region’s wine culture. The combination of an interactive dining experience and breathtaking views of Clare Valley has made the Watervale Hotel a prime destination for those seeking to connect with both the region’s rich heritage and its progressive sustainable food practices.

One of the standout features of the Watervale Hotel is its commitment to sustainability. The hotel works closely with Penobscot Farm, which exclusively supplies its kitchen with organic and biodynamic produce. From seasonal fruits and vegetables to grass-fed, free-range meats, the hotel’s commitment to ethical sourcing is evident in every dish served. Notably, the hotel also uses wild meats like kangaroo, camel, and goat, which help to maintain the ecological balance of the Australian outback.

Warrick highlights that sustainability is not just a trend but a core value of the business. The hotel ensures that compostable waste is returned to the soil, and guests can even take home eco-friendly souvenirs as part of their immersive experience. The ethical practices of the Watervale Hotel resonate with many tourists who seek out destinations that align with their eco-conscious values.

The recognition of the Watervale Hotel as a global leader in dining has had a significant impact on South Australia’s tourism sector. As more travellers discover the Clare Valley, many are extending their stays to explore the region’s other attractions. South Australia’s natural beauty, from the Flinders Ranges to the Eyre Peninsula, is now paired with an elevated culinary experience at Watervale, making the state an even more appealing destination for international tourists.

Tourists are increasingly combining their Watervale dining experience with wine tours across Clare Valley, visits to the Whyalla cuttlefish breeding grounds, and excursions to the Flinders Ranges. For many, the hotel has become the gateway to an unforgettable South Australian adventure. According to Warrick, the Watervale Hotel has become an epicurean gateway to broader regional experiences, drawing a diverse range of travellers to South Australia.

Looking ahead, the Watervale Hotel has exciting plans to continue expanding its services for guests. In addition to the culinary masterclasses and tours, new private dining experiences are set to launch, allowing guests to enjoy an intimate and personalised meal with the chef. These exclusive dining options will further elevate the hotel’s status as a leading culinary destination.

Moreover, the hotel is introducing new wellness packages that combine the relaxing environment of Clare Valley with holistic food experiences. These packages will cater to guests seeking both physical and gastronomic nourishment, enhancing the overall tourism experience in the region.

The ongoing success of the Watervale Hotel has firmly placed Clare Valley on the global tourism map. What was once a small town known primarily for its rolling vineyards and tranquil charm is now a recognised destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable culinary experience. As the hotel continues to rack up accolades, it will undoubtedly continue to drive tourism in South Australia, encouraging more visitors to discover the region’s wonders.

To summarize, the Watervale Hotel continually champions sustainable dining, hospitality, and immersive experiences which guarantees the hotel’s status as an international icon for years to come. The hotel’s dominance in sustainable Australian tourism and epicurean hospitality makes it an indelible landmark to the Clare Valley as more and more tourists come to the region to experience its unparalleled offerings.