Luxury in the desert is not a myth. After a weekend at Longitude 131 the luxury tented pavilion camp in the Central Desert it exists! This property offers all the amenities and experiences you would expect of a luxury all-inclusive lodge at an icon of the Australian desert.
The lodge offers 15 luxury accommodations spotted throughout the dunes overlooking Uluru from your bed and your private terrace. From arrival into Ayers Rock Airport and after clearing the NT health checks, being met outside (due to COVID) by a couple of the Longitude team is a welcome site before heading to the property. On arrival to the secluded property you’re met by an astonishing view from the Dune House sweeping across the desert to the site of Uluru, as though it is your own private backyard.
Heading out for our first activity in the evening we ventured inside the national park to a viewing area for sunset and informal drink and canape. This was the first experience of a tourist site and how empty they are at the moment, which really does designate to being a great time to visit before the summer heat sets in.
From our sunset drinks we headed to a real highlight, as the sky darkens we meandered through ‘The Field of Light’ taking the longer route offers an easy walk but a surreal desert experience. Following this stroll we end the evening with dinner at Table 131 with a sky full of stars and beautiful dinner in a remote dune setting.
An early start the next morning offers a quick breakfast watching the sunrise over the rolling dunes before heading to Kata Tjuta for a walk in between some of the big red domes that form soaring rock walls and a surprisingly green valley of trees that offers an amazing contrast to the red of the rocks and clear blue skies. After this short adventure we’re back at the lodge late morning with the rest of the day to relax and take advantage of the facilities and views offered from various outlooks. Late in the after you can opt to head out again and experience the rock up close for a leisurely dusk walk and drinks in a cool retreat called Kantju Gorge.
Again getting an early start you can opt to walk a few kilometers around the base of Uluru or take on the full circumnavigation with a guide and some fascinating Aboriginal Stories being passed on along the way.
The mix of short experiences hosted by the lodge guides and on property facilities, places to sit back and watch the world go by in your luxury pavilion, in the Dune House, on the Dune Top or by the pool. There is place for everyone and view from everywhere. To get the most out of your stay I’d suggest 3 nights and adding on some additional options such as a helicopter tour, with pick-up from the property it offers that extra special experience. A visit to the cultural centre within the national park (not currently open due to COVID) and also a relaxed sundowner from the Dune top bar all really offer memories that you’ll savor for years to come.
Save $400* on your stay at Longitude 131 and enjoy a helicopter flight to view majestic Uluru – call Anywhere Travel on 1300 130 464 to book.
