Review: Sails in the Desert Resort, Ayers Rock/Uluru, Australia

WHAT’S IT LIKE In the Australian outback, you truly are in the middle of nowhere. Thank goodness there are free airport transfers to the resort, which is one of the top choices in the area. Guests enter an airy, spacious, glass-enclosed lobby that is more vertical than wide, but still has room for a gift shop and café. Dining swings to the right, and most guests take their meals here as there are few other options around besides a nearby shopping area. Guests typically bunk here for at least two nights to allow them to do the sunrise and sunset activities with plenty of time for relaxing by the pool or on their terrace.

DINING Ilkari restaurant handles breakfast and dinner, which includes a lavish breakfast buffet, but many guests have arisen early to take a tour so the spread stays open a bit later so they can get a bite when they return. Australian specialties blend well with international favorites on the lunch and dinner menu, which also includes occasional pan-Asian selections like noodle bowls, spicy curries, and Outback meats like kangaroo and crocodile. The Walpa lobby bar also offers bistro items like Thai green curry, beetroot salad with quinoa, and spaghetti Bolognese. Crocodile and thick Angus burgers are popular with curious carnivores, and can also be ordered by the pool bar.

It’s wise to reserve some of the package experiences like the elegant sunset dinner tours that come with drinks included and unlimited meals overlooking Ayer’s Rock from a raised platform. These are exceptionally romantic and incredible, despite being very expensive. They are known as the Sounds of Silence, which is served buffet-style, and the pricier a la carte Tali Wiru offering. Champagne, didgeridoo entertainment, and astrology sessions are part of the experience. A small town square, within walking distance of the hotel, has a variety of cafes and affordable dining and shopping spots.

AMENITIES A modern gym is at guests’ disposal, but most seem to want to relax when they return from a tour during the day. And the large swimming pool and swaying palm friends provide plenty of outdoor space to nap or play. Near the lobby is the Red Ochre Spa, which utilizes local organic products in its beauty and massage treatments. While it may seem that this area is all leisure, but the resort has a full conference center with ample space for social functions and corporate events. ROOMS Surrounding the central courtyard, rooms face into the pool area and gardens. Many rooms have their own terraces with sun loungers to enjoy the fresh air. Soft carpeting custom designed for the hotel features aboriginal patterns and work from an Australian landscape artist Fred Williams. The Seven Sisters decorative pillow atop each of the duvet-coated beds makes a great first impression. A desk doubles as a side table, and flat-screen cable TV faces the bed.

Alarm clocks are ideal for those early morning tours, and power outlets everywhere keep devices charged after snapping so many photos. Closets hide minibars, coffeemakers, safes, and slippers, and bathrooms hold a fine selection of locally produced toiletries including face wash, body scrub, and sunscreen crafted from aboriginal ingredients from the region. Most notable is the artistic, aboriginal wood carving handmade by local Anangu artists, which is a hallmark throughout the property, and also found in rooms.

CONCLUSION This Accor property sees plentiful visitors from all corners of the globe and is solid upscale and fairly priced option by Ayer’s Rock.