1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

Redefining sustainable luxury in Australia's cultural capital with a landmark debut

MELBOURNE, Australia, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, proudly announces the official opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne. This nature-inspired property marks the brand's long-anticipated debut in Australia, redefining the future of luxury hospitality in the heart of one of the world's most forward-thinking cities.

Developed in partnership with Melbourne-based Riverlee, the hotel is set along 220 meters of uninterrupted Yarra River frontage in the revitalized North Wharf precinct. The building is a celebration of Melbourne's storied past and a blueprint for a more sustainable future, brought to life through biophilic design principles and a commitment to living in harmony with nature. The architectural centerpiece of the project is the restored Goods Shed No. 5, Melbourne's last remaining heritage goods shed from the city's shipping heyday. The hotel is also designed to foster connection, creativity, and community, buzzing from day to night with chef-led dining, wellness experiences, and a dynamic lineup of Happenings—from sound baths and DJ sets to zero-waste cocktail workshops.

"The opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne marks a powerful moment for our brand as we expand in the Asia Pacific region," says Barry Sternlicht, 1 Hotels Founder and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. "As we grow our global footprint, we're focused on markets that reflect our values—places where nature, culture, and innovation converge in meaningful ways. Melbourne is a city that not only understands the importance of sustainability, it celebrates it."

"At 1 Hotels, we've always believed that true luxury is rooted in purpose, impact, and authentic experiences," said Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. "1 Hotel Melbourne brings sustainability and style into harmony, with a focus on wellness, local connection, and day-to-night programming that creates a tangible sense of place. From the moment you arrive, you feel like you're part of the city."

"Through our partnership with 1 Hotels, we have reimagined this heritage waterfront site into a sustainable luxury destination that honors Melbourne's maritime past while setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship," says David Lee, Development Director at Riverlee. "This project perfectly embodies Riverlee's commitment to creating visionary developments that respect our city's past while building for its future."

Design Shaped by Nature and History

1 Hotel Melbourne's design narrative is anchored in the brand's nature-first ethos and commitment to biophilic design—an approach that taps into the untamed landscapes of Victoria, from the rugged cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the lush canopies of the Dandenong Ranges. Here, nature isn't an escape from the city—it's a dialogue with it, creating an urban sanctuary that blurs the boundary between built and natural environments, with a deep and immersive sense of place.

At the heart of the design is the site itself: the historic Seafarers wharf, in continuous use since 1855. Its centerpiece is the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5. Originally built in 1895, the shed was once a vital part of Melbourne's maritime economy, processing massive amounts of cargo before falling into disuse in the 1970s. More than 2,000 original elements have been salvaged, catalogued, and reincorporated, including bluestone pavers, steel trusses, timber doors, and window frames. The adjacent Malcolm Moore crane, a 1942 industrial relic and the last of its kind in Victoria, has been restored and repositioned as a sculptural tribute to the area's shipping past.

From the moment guests enter 1 Hotel Melbourne's soaring lobby—anchored by a dramatic rock wall constructed from split-faced granite, an industrial by-product that echoes Victoria's coastal geology—they are immersed in a story of regeneration and renewal. Reclaimed timber is a defining feature, with more than 4,500 square meters (the equivalent of 18 tennis courts) used in the hotel. The reception desk is made with repurposed elm trees from Melbourne's Metro Tunnel works. In the lounge, decommissioned railway bridges were transformed into a sweeping staircase. And in the signature restaurant, From Here by Mike, the original support beams from the Goods Shed have been repurposed as dramatic portals. Throughout the property, more than 7,000 plants bring Victoria's biodiversity indoors, reinforcing the hotel's biophilic approach.

The hotel features 277 tranquil guest rooms, including 36 suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame skyline or Yarra River views. Guest rooms feature walls made from discarded railway sleepers across Victoria and New South Wales. Guest room door numbers are displayed on reclaimed timber panels crafted from original subaquatic piers salvaged during the site's wharf restoration, featuring distinctive marine worm markings and accented with preserved moss above and below. Smart thermostats, energy-saving switches, and low-VOC materials reinforce the hotel's light-touch approach.

In addition to the rooms and suites, 1 Hotel Melbourne offers 114 hotel-branded homes. Residents in these luxury, waterfront homes will enjoy exclusive services such as chef-catered private dinners and in-residence spa treatments. The crowning jewel is the 18th floor penthouse designed by Riverlee founder Clement Lee OAM, in collaboration with Fender Katsalidis. Residents have access to a private outdoor terrace, lounge, library, and dining space with sweeping views of the river and the skyline.

The debut of 1 Hotel Melbourne also marks the launch of Regeneration: The Art of Renewal, a site-specific art program curated for the property by One Design Office in collaboration with DarkLab, a subsidiary of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Works have been commissioned from Vanessa Barragão, Jamie North, and Indigenous Australian artists Naminapu Maymuru-White and Yhonnie Scarce. The collection brings together Indigenous and contemporary perspectives on resilience, culture, and environmental healing through reclaimed and natural materials. From suspended glass eel forms to towering plant-infused concrete sculptures, it's a sensory journey.

Dining and Celebrations, Reimagined

1 Hotel Melbourne's food and beverage experiences are guided by the same philosophy that defines the property itself. Every detail—from the sourcing of ingredients to the design of the spaces—has been carefully considered to nourish guests and respect the planet.

From Here by Mike, the signature restaurant, marks the first hotel collaboration for renowned Australian chef Mike McEnearney, the force behind the acclaimed Sydney restaurant Kitchen by Mike and the author of two celebrated cookbooks. Known for his produce-driven cooking, low-waste approach, and menus that champion hyper-local sourcing, McEnearney has built a reputation for food that connects people and place. From Here by Mike's dishes are designed for sharing and range from Freshly Shucked Oysters with Pickled Daikon & Finger Lime Vinaigrette to Twice Baked Goat's Cheese Soufflé with Rosemary Cream. The beverage program includes a 40% local wine list with biodynamic selections and cocktails built around repurposed ingredients. The space itself is moody and textural—designed to reflect the raw beauty of the natural world.

Additional venues at 1 Hotel Melbourne expand on the brand's approach to conscious hospitality. Crane Bar & Lounge serves up botanical cocktails made with locally distilled spirits and a soundtrack of live DJ sets. Neighbours Café is a light, plant-filled space for barista-made coffee, nutrient-dense meals, smoothies, and power-packed energy shots. And then there's Upstairs, a cocktail bar hidden away on the first floor that trades in word-of-mouth magic. It's the kind of speakeasy-style place you hear about from a friend, where artfully crafted cocktails, elevated bites, and spontaneous conversations create a night to remember.

1 Hotel Melbourne is also set to become a go-to destination for gatherings that are both beautiful and low-impact, with over 1,000 square meters of flexible event space. The riverside Seafarers Event Space accommodates up to 900 guests and features expansive river views and cutting-edge AV capabilities. Additional meeting suites—including a boardroom and lounge—can be used individually or combined for larger functions. Spaces have been designed using biophilic principles and daylighting strategies, with reclaimed materials and lush greenery. The thoughtful programming includes locally sourced catering menus and zero-waste event planning in collaboration with the in-house sustainability team. The Certified Sustainable Gatherings program ensures each event aligns with 1 Hotels' sustainable mission.

Immersive by Nature

1 Hotel Melbourne's signature programming invites guests to connect deeply—with the city, with nature, and with themselves. The curated calendar of Happenings touches nearly every facet of the guest experience, from wellness and fitness to food, art, and culture. Days are filled with moments of movement and mindfulness—sunrise river runs, guided breathwork, tarot card readings, and experiences like a DIY salt-blending workshop. In the evening, the energy shifts with full moon sound healing sessions, seasonal tastings, wine and cheese pairings, and cocktail events that spotlight local makers and ingredients.

The calendar evolves with the seasons, from Wellness Month in August to Melbourne Fashion Week in October. Much of the programming is co-created with local talent—from chefs and herbalists to musicians and artists—ensuring a constantly evolving lineup that feels authentically Melbourne. It's all part of the brand's vision to make 1 Hotel Melbourne a true gathering place that's as welcoming to locals as it is to travelers.

Wellness is woven into every element of the 1 Hotel Melbourne experience. At the heart of the offering is Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living. The spa offers a range of all-natural treatments, as well as a stunning wellness area with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a Jacuzzi-style spa.

Guests also have access to The Field House Gym, a state-of-the-art fitness center outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, personal trainers, and a variety of movement and mindfulness experiences including yoga and meditation. The gym features locally sourced timber, Troldtekt acoustic panels made from certified wood, and Danish cement—materials selected for durability, performance, and low environmental impact.

Sustainability that Goes Beyond the Surface

At 1 Hotel Melbourne, sustainability is the foundation that guides every aspect of the property—not just within operational systems, but with the guest experience. While the hotel is on track to achieve LEED Silver certification with efficient systems like a 50kW solar array and 50kl rainwater harvesting, what makes this property unique is how sustainability becomes experiential.

Guided by nature, guests are immersed in greenery, texture, and tone that celebrate Melbourne and create an urban sanctuary where the city feels like an island retreat. Thoughtful details like shower timers and operable windows in 85% of the rooms make mindful living effortless, without compromise.

The sustainable ethos continues outside. The adjacent Seafarers Rest Park offers 3,500 square meters of native-planted green space. Created in accordance with the Yarra River Protection Principles, the park enhances biodiversity and public access to the waterfront while honoring the site's maritime history. It's part of a broader vision to make the North Wharf precinct a more livable, walkable, and inclusive destination. 1 Hotel Melbourne also invites guests to explore the city mindfully: The property is just steps from iconic arts, culture, and sporting venues and has direct access to Melbourne's free tram line. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron.

A New Kind of Stay

1 Hotel Melbourne is built on the idea that where you stay should reflect how you want to live: with style and purpose. It's not just about checking in, it's about tuning in to the city, to nature, and to what truly matters.

For more information, visit www.1hotels.com/melbourne or follow @1hotel.melbourne.

ABOUT 1 HOTELS
As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. With properties among some of the first to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, 1 Hotels is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South Beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River in February 2017; West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in June 2019; Sanya (China) in 2020; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; in 2023, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand's first European property; and Seattle and Melbourne (Australia) in 2025. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico). Additional information can be found at 1hotels.com.

ABOUT STARWOOD HOTELS
Starwood Hotels, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach (Miami) and Manhattan and now includes Brooklyn Bridge (New York City), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), Sanya (China), Toronto, San Francisco, Nashville, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property, the brand's first European property in Mayfair (London), Seattle, and Melbourne (Australia), with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York, with projects under development in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Brickell (Miami), and Maldives; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and now includes Manchester (UK) and Silicon Valley (California), with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Adelaide (Australia), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Leveraging its marketing, design, operational and technological expertise, Starwood Hotels is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world. Additional information can be found at starwoodhotels.com.

ABOUT RIVERLEE
Riverlee is a Melbourne based, privately owned property group specializing in development and asset ownership and management across the commercial, residential, and retail sectors. Established in 1993, Riverlee is known for delivering visionary projects that lead the industry, both creatively and commercially, while always honoring the region's heritage, environment, and community.

Redefining sustainable luxury in Australia's cultural capital with a landmark debut

MELBOURNE, Australia, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, proudly announces the official opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne. This nature-inspired property marks the brand's long-anticipated debut in Australia, redefining the future of luxury hospitality in the heart of one of the world's most forward-thinking cities.

Developed in partnership with Melbourne-based Riverlee, the hotel is set along 220 meters of uninterrupted Yarra River frontage in the revitalized North Wharf precinct. The building is a celebration of Melbourne's storied past and a blueprint for a more sustainable future, brought to life through biophilic design principles and a commitment to living in harmony with nature. The architectural centerpiece of the project is the restored Goods Shed No. 5, Melbourne's last remaining heritage goods shed from the city's shipping heyday. The hotel is also designed to foster connection, creativity, and community, buzzing from day to night with chef-led dining, wellness experiences, and a dynamic lineup of Happenings—from sound baths and DJ sets to zero-waste cocktail workshops.

"The opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne marks a powerful moment for our brand as we expand in the Asia Pacific region," says Barry Sternlicht, 1 Hotels Founder and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. "As we grow our global footprint, we're focused on markets that reflect our values—places where nature, culture, and innovation converge in meaningful ways. Melbourne is a city that not only understands the importance of sustainability, it celebrates it."

"At 1 Hotels, we've always believed that true luxury is rooted in purpose, impact, and authentic experiences," said Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. "1 Hotel Melbourne brings sustainability and style into harmony, with a focus on wellness, local connection, and day-to-night programming that creates a tangible sense of place. From the moment you arrive, you feel like you're part of the city."

"Through our partnership with 1 Hotels, we have reimagined this heritage waterfront site into a sustainable luxury destination that honors Melbourne's maritime past while setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship," says David Lee, Development Director at Riverlee. "This project perfectly embodies Riverlee's commitment to creating visionary developments that respect our city's past while building for its future."

Design Shaped by Nature and History

1 Hotel Melbourne's design narrative is anchored in the brand's nature-first ethos and commitment to biophilic design—an approach that taps into the untamed landscapes of Victoria, from the rugged cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the lush canopies of the Dandenong Ranges. Here, nature isn't an escape from the city—it's a dialogue with it, creating an urban sanctuary that blurs the boundary between built and natural environments, with a deep and immersive sense of place.

At the heart of the design is the site itself: the historic Seafarers wharf, in continuous use since 1855. Its centerpiece is the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5. Originally built in 1895, the shed was once a vital part of Melbourne's maritime economy, processing massive amounts of cargo before falling into disuse in the 1970s. More than 2,000 original elements have been salvaged, catalogued, and reincorporated, including bluestone pavers, steel trusses, timber doors, and window frames. The adjacent Malcolm Moore crane, a 1942 industrial relic and the last of its kind in Victoria, has been restored and repositioned as a sculptural tribute to the area's shipping past.

From the moment guests enter 1 Hotel Melbourne's soaring lobby—anchored by a dramatic rock wall constructed from split-faced granite, an industrial by-product that echoes Victoria's coastal geology—they are immersed in a story of regeneration and renewal. Reclaimed timber is a defining feature, with more than 4,500 square meters (the equivalent of 18 tennis courts) used in the hotel. The reception desk is made with repurposed elm trees from Melbourne's Metro Tunnel works. In the lounge, decommissioned railway bridges were transformed into a sweeping staircase. And in the signature restaurant, From Here by Mike, the original support beams from the Goods Shed have been repurposed as dramatic portals. Throughout the property, more than 7,000 plants bring Victoria's biodiversity indoors, reinforcing the hotel's biophilic approach.

The hotel features 277 tranquil guest rooms, including 36 suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame skyline or Yarra River views. Guest rooms feature walls made from discarded railway sleepers across Victoria and New South Wales. Guest room door numbers are displayed on reclaimed timber panels crafted from original subaquatic piers salvaged during the site's wharf restoration, featuring distinctive marine worm markings and accented with preserved moss above and below. Smart thermostats, energy-saving switches, and low-VOC materials reinforce the hotel's light-touch approach.

In addition to the rooms and suites, 1 Hotel Melbourne offers 114 hotel-branded homes. Residents in these luxury, waterfront homes will enjoy exclusive services such as chef-catered private dinners and in-residence spa treatments. The crowning jewel is the 18th floor penthouse designed by Riverlee founder Clement Lee OAM, in collaboration with Fender Katsalidis. Residents have access to a private outdoor terrace, lounge, library, and dining space with sweeping views of the river and the skyline.

The debut of 1 Hotel Melbourne also marks the launch of Regeneration: The Art of Renewal, a site-specific art program curated for the property by One Design Office in collaboration with DarkLab, a subsidiary of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Works have been commissioned from Vanessa Barragão, Jamie North, and Indigenous Australian artists Naminapu Maymuru-White and Yhonnie Scarce. The collection brings together Indigenous and contemporary perspectives on resilience, culture, and environmental healing through reclaimed and natural materials. From suspended glass eel forms to towering plant-infused concrete sculptures, it's a sensory journey.

Dining and Celebrations, Reimagined

1 Hotel Melbourne's food and beverage experiences are guided by the same philosophy that defines the property itself. Every detail—from the sourcing of ingredients to the design of the spaces—has been carefully considered to nourish guests and respect the planet.

From Here by Mike, the signature restaurant, marks the first hotel collaboration for renowned Australian chef Mike McEnearney, the force behind the acclaimed Sydney restaurant Kitchen by Mike and the author of two celebrated cookbooks. Known for his produce-driven cooking, low-waste approach, and menus that champion hyper-local sourcing, McEnearney has built a reputation for food that connects people and place. From Here by Mike's dishes are designed for sharing and range from Freshly Shucked Oysters with Pickled Daikon & Finger Lime Vinaigrette to Twice Baked Goat's Cheese Soufflé with Rosemary Cream. The beverage program includes a 40% local wine list with biodynamic selections and cocktails built around repurposed ingredients. The space itself is moody and textural—designed to reflect the raw beauty of the natural world.

Additional venues at 1 Hotel Melbourne expand on the brand's approach to conscious hospitality. Crane Bar & Lounge serves up botanical cocktails made with locally distilled spirits and a soundtrack of live DJ sets. Neighbours Café is a light, plant-filled space for barista-made coffee, nutrient-dense meals, smoothies, and power-packed energy shots. And then there's Upstairs, a cocktail bar hidden away on the first floor that trades in word-of-mouth magic. It's the kind of speakeasy-style place you hear about from a friend, where artfully crafted cocktails, elevated bites, and spontaneous conversations create a night to remember.

1 Hotel Melbourne is also set to become a go-to destination for gatherings that are both beautiful and low-impact, with over 1,000 square meters of flexible event space. The riverside Seafarers Event Space accommodates up to 900 guests and features expansive river views and cutting-edge AV capabilities. Additional meeting suites—including a boardroom and lounge—can be used individually or combined for larger functions. Spaces have been designed using biophilic principles and daylighting strategies, with reclaimed materials and lush greenery. The thoughtful programming includes locally sourced catering menus and zero-waste event planning in collaboration with the in-house sustainability team. The Certified Sustainable Gatherings program ensures each event aligns with 1 Hotels' sustainable mission.

Immersive by Nature

1 Hotel Melbourne's signature programming invites guests to connect deeply—with the city, with nature, and with themselves. The curated calendar of Happenings touches nearly every facet of the guest experience, from wellness and fitness to food, art, and culture. Days are filled with moments of movement and mindfulness—sunrise river runs, guided breathwork, tarot card readings, and experiences like a DIY salt-blending workshop. In the evening, the energy shifts with full moon sound healing sessions, seasonal tastings, wine and cheese pairings, and cocktail events that spotlight local makers and ingredients.

The calendar evolves with the seasons, from Wellness Month in August to Melbourne Fashion Week in October. Much of the programming is co-created with local talent—from chefs and herbalists to musicians and artists—ensuring a constantly evolving lineup that feels authentically Melbourne. It's all part of the brand's vision to make 1 Hotel Melbourne a true gathering place that's as welcoming to locals as it is to travelers.

Wellness is woven into every element of the 1 Hotel Melbourne experience. At the heart of the offering is Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living. The spa offers a range of all-natural treatments, as well as a stunning wellness area with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a Jacuzzi-style spa.

Guests also have access to The Field House Gym, a state-of-the-art fitness center outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, personal trainers, and a variety of movement and mindfulness experiences including yoga and meditation. The gym features locally sourced timber, Troldtekt acoustic panels made from certified wood, and Danish cement—materials selected for durability, performance, and low environmental impact.

Sustainability that Goes Beyond the Surface

At 1 Hotel Melbourne, sustainability is the foundation that guides every aspect of the property—not just within operational systems, but with the guest experience. While the hotel is on track to achieve LEED Silver certification with efficient systems like a 50kW solar array and 50kl rainwater harvesting, what makes this property unique is how sustainability becomes experiential.

Guided by nature, guests are immersed in greenery, texture, and tone that celebrate Melbourne and create an urban sanctuary where the city feels like an island retreat. Thoughtful details like shower timers and operable windows in 85% of the rooms make mindful living effortless, without compromise.

The sustainable ethos continues outside. The adjacent Seafarers Rest Park offers 3,500 square meters of native-planted green space. Created in accordance with the Yarra River Protection Principles, the park enhances biodiversity and public access to the waterfront while honoring the site's maritime history. It's part of a broader vision to make the North Wharf precinct a more livable, walkable, and inclusive destination. 1 Hotel Melbourne also invites guests to explore the city mindfully: The property is just steps from iconic arts, culture, and sporting venues and has direct access to Melbourne's free tram line. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron.

A New Kind of Stay

1 Hotel Melbourne is built on the idea that where you stay should reflect how you want to live: with style and purpose. It's not just about checking in, it's about tuning in to the city, to nature, and to what truly matters.

For more information, visit www.1hotels.com/melbourne or follow @1hotel.melbourne.

ABOUT 1 HOTELS
As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. With properties among some of the first to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, 1 Hotels is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South Beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River in February 2017; West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in June 2019; Sanya (China) in 2020; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; in 2023, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand's first European property; and Seattle and Melbourne (Australia) in 2025. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico). Additional information can be found at 1hotels.com.

ABOUT STARWOOD HOTELS
Starwood Hotels, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach (Miami) and Manhattan and now includes Brooklyn Bridge (New York City), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), Sanya (China), Toronto, San Francisco, Nashville, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property, the brand's first European property in Mayfair (London), Seattle, and Melbourne (Australia), with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York, with projects under development in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Brickell (Miami), and Maldives; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and now includes Manchester (UK) and Silicon Valley (California), with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Adelaide (Australia), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Leveraging its marketing, design, operational and technological expertise, Starwood Hotels is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world. Additional information can be found at starwoodhotels.com.

ABOUT RIVERLEE
Riverlee is a Melbourne based, privately owned property group specializing in development and asset ownership and management across the commercial, residential, and retail sectors. Established in 1993, Riverlee is known for delivering visionary projects that lead the industry, both creatively and commercially, while always honoring the region's heritage, environment, and community.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

• New framework brings together Aon's Risk Capital and Human Capital data with public sentiment analysis from Gallup to create a portfolio view of risk
• Creates further clarity into how risks compound across four megatrends, how resilience is built and activated and where targeted actions can most effectively influence performance

DUBLIN, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, announced today that it is releasing insights from a new, data-driven tool to help organizations build sustainable resilience and unlock growth: Aon's Resilience Quotient.

Developed in collaboration with Gallup, Aon's Resilience Quotient responds to a critical insight: in a time of increasing populism and fragmented sources of information, quantitative data alone is not enough to make long-term decisions. Combining public sentiment on global issues with risk and people data and analytics enables greater clarity and confidence to invest and grow amidst uncertainty and volatility.

By integrating Aon's proprietary Risk Capital and Human Capital analytics with the results of Gallup's World Poll covering 140 countries for more than 20 years, the firm's Resilience Quotient captures both objective conditions and subjective sentiment, revealing where sentiment signals hidden risks and potential opportunities to achieve greater resilience. This system-level view enables leaders to spot emerging risks sooner, prioritize resilience investments and move from reactive risk management to proactive decision-making.

"When making decisions around investment, workforce or managing geopolitical risk, a portfolio view is far superior to a siloed perspective," said Greg Case, president and CEO of Aon. "Understanding sentiment can be an opportunity signal or an early warning. Leaders who are limited to only some of the relevant metrics risk missing the signals that matter most. Aon's Resilience Quotient delivers an integrated view to help organizations act decisively, strengthen resilience and unlock sustainable growth."

Four interconnected megatrends – Trade, Technology, Weather and Workforce – are reshaping the global operating environment in ways that traditional models struggle to anticipate. Aon's Resilience Quotient provides a clearer view of the tradeoffs within these interactions: how trade volatility can amplify technology risk, how climate pressures influence workforce mobility and how sentiment can either reinforce resilience or heighten operational risk, even when the fundamentals appear strong.   

To illustrate the insights from its Resilience Quotient, the firm published three case studies addressing some of the most relevant and urgent issues facing the 2026 global economy:

• Realizing the Opportunity of AI: Securing Data Center Growth
  Data centers are the backbone of the digital economy and with nearly $1.3 trillion projected to be invested globally in data centers by 2030, their rapid expansion brings unprecedented risks. Aon's Resilience Quotient shows that resilience varies sharply at the sub-national level, often more than underlying risk. Within the U.S., Iowa emerges as the most resilient destination for data center development, combining very low overall risk with exceptionally strong trade and weather resilience.

  "Aon's Resilience Quotient shows that Iowa's resilience–risk balance is roughly twice the national median, demonstrating how governance quality, institutional confidence and preparedness materially shape long-term infrastructure outcomes," said Joe Peiser, CEO of Commercial Risk Solutions at Aon. "This underscores the opportunity for leaders who understand the combined effect of low risk, resilient trade and weather systems and a strong foundation of public trust — factors that ultimately determine where AI infrastructure can grow at scale."

DUBLIN, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, announced today that it is releasing insights from a new, data-driven tool to help organizations build sustainable resilience and unlock growth: Aon's Resilience Quotient.

Developed in collaboration with Gallup, Aon's Resilience Quotient responds to a critical insight: in a time of increasing populism and fragmented sources of information, quantitative data alone is not enough to make long-term decisions. Combining public sentiment on global issues with risk and people data and analytics enables greater clarity and confidence to invest and grow amidst uncertainty and volatility.

By integrating Aon's proprietary Risk Capital and Human Capital analytics with the results of Gallup's World Poll covering 140 countries for more than 20 years, the firm's Resilience Quotient captures both objective conditions and subjective sentiment, revealing where sentiment signals hidden risks and potential opportunities to achieve greater resilience. This system-level view enables leaders to spot emerging risks sooner, prioritize resilience investments and move from reactive risk management to proactive decision-making.

"When making decisions around investment, workforce or managing geopolitical risk, a portfolio view is far superior to a siloed perspective," said Greg Case, president and CEO of Aon. "Understanding sentiment can be an opportunity signal or an early warning. Leaders who are limited to only some of the relevant metrics risk missing the signals that matter most. Aon's Resilience Quotient delivers an integrated view to help organizations act decisively, strengthen resilience and unlock sustainable growth."

Four interconnected megatrends – Trade, Technology, Weather and Workforce – are reshaping the global operating environment in ways that traditional models struggle to anticipate. Aon's Resilience Quotient provides a clearer view of the tradeoffs within these interactions: how trade volatility can amplify technology risk, how climate pressures influence workforce mobility and how sentiment can either reinforce resilience or heighten operational risk, even when the fundamentals appear strong.   

To illustrate the insights from its Resilience Quotient, the firm published three case studies addressing some of the most relevant and urgent issues facing the 2026 global economy:

"Aon's Resilience Quotient shows that Iowa's resilience–risk balance is roughly twice the national median, demonstrating how governance quality, institutional confidence and preparedness materially shape long-term infrastructure outcomes," said Joe Peiser, CEO of Commercial Risk Solutions at Aon. "This underscores the opportunity for leaders who understand the combined effect of low risk, resilient trade and weather systems and a strong foundation of public trust — factors that ultimately determine where AI infrastructure can grow at scale."

• Workforce Transformation: AI Adoption and the Next Generation Workforce 
  The acceleration of AI adoption is transforming the workforce, but most organizations face a critical gap between the demand for AI skills and their readiness to adapt. The Resilience Quotient highlights how workforce engagement, trust and institutional preparedness are essential to harnessing AI's potential, making resilience the key differentiator between organizations that thrive through change and those that risk falling behind.

  "Aon's Resilience Quotient equips leaders to navigate rapid AI change with confidence," said Lisa Stevens, chief administrative officer at Aon. "These insights help create the conditions for early‑career employees to build the skills and confidence they need — so instead of losing a generation of talent, we cultivate one that is more capable and resilient than ever."

"Aon's Resilience Quotient equips leaders to navigate rapid AI change with confidence," said Lisa Stevens, chief administrative officer at Aon. "These insights help create the conditions for early‑career employees to build the skills and confidence they need — so instead of losing a generation of talent, we cultivate one that is more capable and resilient than ever."

• Rethinking Humanitarian Finance: A New Approach to Forced Migration
  Over 120 million people are currently displaced by conflict, climate and systemic crises, reshaping societies and economies worldwide. Aon's Resilience Quotient highlights Venezuela and Colombia to illustrate the tradeoffs between investing resources at the source of migration — supporting those facing institutional erosion, food insecurity and economic collapse — or directing investment to more stable countries like Colombia that are absorbing people fleeing unlivable conditions.

  "Forced displacement results from extreme weather and man-made disasters like conflict and economic failure," said Bridget Gainer, chief public affairs officer at Aon. "If we could leverage the forecasting and financial capability of insurance to better predict and more quickly mitigate the impact of this volatility, we could help create conditions that allow populations to remain and rebuild in their home countries."

"Forced displacement results from extreme weather and man-made disasters like conflict and economic failure," said Bridget Gainer, chief public affairs officer at Aon. "If we could leverage the forecasting and financial capability of insurance to better predict and more quickly mitigate the impact of this volatility, we could help create conditions that allow populations to remain and rebuild in their home countries."

"Resilience is not a single blueprint, it's the way systems mitigate, adapt and transform under pressure. Aon's Resilience Quotient functions as a pressure gauge, surfacing the trade‑offs and early signals that help leaders strengthen resilience where it matters most," said Joe Daly, managing partner at Gallup. "We're proud to collaborate with Aon to combine Gallup's global sentiment analytics with Aon's Risk Capital and Human Capital data, turning confidence into actionable insight."

New insights from Aon's Resilience Quotient suggest that going forward, resilience priorities will shift from static risk management to dynamic, localized strategies. As disruptions become more complex and frequent, organizations will need to tailor resilience investments to specific geographies, sectors and even sub-regional contexts. Aon's Resilience Quotient is supported with a real-time analytics and AI-enabled insights platform, built by Quantum Rise, providing deeper visibility into evolving risk and resilience signals as conditions change.

Aon and Gallup will join global decision-makers at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting to advance these critical discussions on restoring confidence and unlocking sustainable growth.

Learn more about Aon's Resilience Quotient and explore the case studies here.

About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.

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** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **



Aon's Resilience Quotient Cuts Through Uncertainty and Volatility to Help Businesses Move from Risk to Resilience and Growth