Sails in the Desert

This award-winning hotel offers a luxury oasis nestled below the MacDonnell Ranges and backing onto the banks of the Todd River.

The hotel’s 205 rooms vary in size and style, from contemporary rooms to premium suites and each features furnished balconies and all the mod-cons.

Take your pick from the three onsite restaurants and four bars at this family-friendly establishment, from Tali which serves up contemporary Australian outback cuisine to Tempo – a wine and tapas bar.

The hotel is located next to the Alice Springs Golf Course and the Alice Springs Desert Park is only a 15-minute drive away. Guests have free use of mountain bikes to discover this remarkable area of Australia and can return to the hotel in the heat of the day to relax in the heated resort pool, the spa or at the fully-equipped health club.

Desert Gardens Hotel is within the Ayers Rock Resort, a setting of magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs.

There are 218 air conditioned rooms with an outdoor sitting area, some of which overlook the desert with views of the Rock.  

Restaurant options at Desert Gardens Hotel include the Arnguli Grill and White Gums buffet Restaurant and there are about a dozen dining options throughout the Resort – you might like to wander over to Sails award-winning Kuniya, or cook yourself a BBQ at the Outback Pioneer.  You can also unwind in the pool or sip cocktails from the Bunya bar.

It’s is only a short stroll to the Resorts’ numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia’s best sunset, with the spectacular play of colours across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert.  

The scale and beauty of the Australian outback is truly awe inspiring. Longitude 131° allows you to really experience the magic of the country’s spiritual heart and discover the rich history and indigenous culture. Always in sight, Uluru dominates the sparse landscape of the Red Centre, and guests are rewarded with ever-changing views as the light dances across the rock face.

15 luxury tents are nestled among the rust-red dunes, their canopied roofs dotted across swathes of sand. Each tent is beautifully furnished and features floor-to-ceiling windows that open out onto a private deck with day bed, armchairs and a fireplace. Here you can gaze out across the ochre landscape, and really appreciate the beauty of this vast undisturbed wilderness.

Each tent is named after an explorer or pioneer and framed artifacts are displayed on the walls, complimented by colourful works of indigenous art.

Longitude 131° showcases the very best of contemporary Australian cuisine, complimented by an excellent selection of fine wines. Choose to dine in the Dune House or under the stars at Table 131, the ultimate dining experience.

Sunset drinks are served each evening and after dinner, the resident astronomer will regale guests with tales of the southern constellations.

Acquire some respite from the warm weather at Red Ochre Spa, located at the nearby Ayers Rock Resort. Return transfers to the spa are included and guests can relax with treatments inspired by nature.

There is so much to explore in this beautiful and spiritual land, and all your tours and excursions are included. Learn about the history of the sacred Uluru, explore gorges and visit the Field of Light solar installation, an international-acclaimed work of art. Blooming and glowing in the deepening darkness of the evening, small stems sway in the breeze to create a remarkable and enchanting scene.