Longtitude 131 is quintessential Australian luxury unmatched by anything else in the world. Each one of the 16 tented pavilions in the resort is equally luxurious, with views of the sandstone 600-million-year-old monolith. After arriving in our room, our jaws sit open for a good 20 minutes as we gaze outward at the rock, more beautiful in reality than any photograph can do justice.
As we move our eyes away from Uluru, we take in the modern furnishings of the room that blend seamlessly with the Indigenous art on display. The contrast of the luxury with the red soil and wild natural beauty outside us is remarkable. We have our own balcony, as does every room, with an ethanol fireplace and an outdoor bed. We’re told many visitors spend the night out here under the stars and although we meant too, we fell so heavily into our king-size bed inside after a day of exploring, we completely forgot our plan.
During the day we are faced with a great range of options – to do very little or to do a lot. Being as remote as we are, I feel forced to switch off and slow down. It’s a place for reflection and relaxation.
We join a tour to Kantju Gorge at sunset, where we witness the most vivid light display as the day transforms to night. Respecting the local custom in peace of the gorge, we all remain quiet and subdued.
There are many other things to do and it’s all inclusive – so tour, dine and drink to your heart’s content. At night we go to Table 131, which is a highlight. We dine to the noises of the animals in their natural habitat, and the sound of a didgeridoo under twinkling stars. It’s a premier outback dining experience that specialises in contemporary Australian cuisine paired with Australian wines.
We visit in the winter, so the air is brisk and fresh and the in-room climate control a must, but surprise touches like finding a hot water bottle left in our beds after we return from dinner are a distinctly five-star touch. We only stay a couple of days, but if we did it again we’d love to stay longer. This is definitely a bucket-list trip, guaranteed to create unforgettable memories.
www.longitude131.com.au
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