WHERE:
Sails in the Desert is the only 5-star accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort. Its soaring white sails crown 228 spacious rooms and suites, comprising a low-rise, unpretentious yet luxury resort.
WHY:
The resort is 5-star comfort, but there are plenty of gum trees around and throughout, giving it a nice ‘bushy’ feel. The colour and lore of the local Anangu people is interwoven into the resort’s design, with natural, neutral tones and textures. My room had an en-suite bathroom with complimentary Wiru amenities made from Australian botanical ingredients; a comfy robe; firm king-sized bed with plump pillows; a private balcony looking out over the heated pool; free in-room WiFi; air-conditioning/heating; HD TV; 24 hour in-room dining service; a safe for my valuables; and a nightly turndown service, which always makes me feel pampered.
EAT:
Is there such a thing as too much choice at breakfast?
For a sweet tooth like me, the large assortment of pastries was irresistible, but there was also freshly cut, dried and preserved fruits, homemade granola and bircher muesli, vanilla coulis and raspberry coulis ‘croissant puddings’ (I managed to resist), as well as eggs, sliced meats and vegetables. (Okay, I admit I did have a pineapple colada smoothie featuring banana, coconut cream and pineapple). Ayers Rock Resort includes seven different separate accommodation offerings (including Sails in the Desert) and guests are welcome to make reservations at any of the 10 restaurants, cafes and bars.
For dinner, we chose to visit Arnguli Grill & Restaurant in the Desert Gardens Hotel next door – I had a standout meal of mushroom risotto preceded by grilled haloumi with spinach, hazelnut, asparagus, pomegranate molasses and smoked tomato vierge. It was hard to select from the trio of desserts but I went with the white chocolate mousse with Baileys, rosella gel, caramelised macadamia and a fluff of pink fairy floss on top – honestly one of the best desserts I’ve eaten anywhere in the world.
TREATMENT TIME:
Unfortunately my visit didn’t allow time for a visit to the Red Ochre Spa. But if yours does, I’d go for the Desert Awakening – described as a nourishing foot soak, followed by a full body exfoliation, and a body moisturisation, flash facial, eye reviver treatment and foot massage. Mmmm…
WE LIKE:
The Gallery of Central Australia (GOCA) is housed within Ayers Rock Resort only a short walk from Sails in the Desert. Don’t miss this wonderful little art gallery dedicated to showcasing art from Indigenous communities. Often these communities are too far off the beaten track to get much foot traffic.
