Sails in the Desert

A wonderful contemporary sanctuary shaded by soaring white canvas

Sails in the Desert offers a cool setting to rest, revive and relax in between explorations of Australia’s crimson centre.

Just 20 kilometres from Uluru, Sails in the Desert is located at the gateway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Gain insight into traditional Anangu lifestyles at the Cultural Centre before following raised platforms within the reserve to an array of different viewpoints looking out onto the towering monolith. As a guest at the Ayers Rock Resort complex, you are invited to experience a number of free activities such as guided native garden walks, bush yarns with a local storyteller and didgeridoo workshops. A stay at Sails in the Desert provides indigenous locals with employment and contributes directly to the Mutitjulu Foundation, which funds projects for local Aboriginal communities to improve their health, education and social participation.

Accommodation is in comfortable air-conditioned rooms, each equipped with a minibar and ensuite bathroom supplied with bathrobes and toiletries. Natural colours and Aboriginal culture inspire the hotel’s decor, with original artworks displayed throughout the property and showcased in the impressive Mulgara Gallery.

Sails in the Desert is home to the casual Ilkari Restaurant, specialising in natural flavours from the finest Australian produce. Signature dishes are enlivened by Indigenous flavours whilst a superb breakfast menu is available. There are also two other casual dining options during the day, the Walpa Lobby Bar and Pira Pool Bar, that both serve drinks and light snacks. Picky eaters need not fear – there are plenty of other dining outlets in the vicinity of this hotel if onsite options don’t tickle your fancy, including gourmet meals under vast desert skies at the open-air Tali Wiru restaurant. The unforgettable four-hour Sounds of Silence experience is another popular option, which begins with cocktails and canapés at sunset.

A free shuttle bus conveniently departing every 20 minutes (check local timetables at your hotel) takes you to the Town Centre or other hotels in the resort complex. The peaceful Red Ochre Spa offers a range of treatments from facials and massages, perfect after a long day on your feet exploring Uluru and its fascinating surrounds. There is also a beautiful gum-fringed swimming pool at Sails in the Desert, where you can cool off on a warm afternoon.