Tented Luxury Achieves Five-Year Milestone

The idea of pitching luxury tents in the middle of the Australian desert was dismissed more than 10 years ago as nothing more than that, an idea and a bit of a crazy one to boot.

Fast forward to June 10 2002 and this “crazy idea” had taken shape in the form of the $8.6 million creation of Longitude 131°, Australia’s first-ever luxury tented eco-resort with unrivalled views of Uluru.

This year Longitude 131° celebrates its fifth birthday, proof, if any were needed, that the desire to experience true luxury, in environmentally-sound accommodation and a truly unforgettable location, is still as strong today as it was five years ago.

Just nine kilometres from Uluru, Longitude 131° has set new standards for eco-tourism in Australia, with 15 luxurious tented sanctuaries on the border of the spiritually powerful, dual world heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Anticipating a desire by travellers to leave a minimal tourism footprint on their environment, and the need for a product to showcase the spectacular beauty of Uluru, the vision behind Longitude 131° was also to create a benchmark in environmental best practice that would serve as a model for both Voyages and other developers in the future.

But after just 16 months of operation, the harsh realities of operating in remote wilderness struck home. A bushfire devastated Longitude 131° in late October 2003, reducing four of the 15 “tents” to charred skeletons, closing the property for eight months.

However, it would take more than a fire to close the property, and the decision was taken to rebuild, just as the desert environment around Longitude 131° would regenerate after a bush fire.

Now, celebrating its fifth year of operations, Longitude 131° is continuing to attract visitors worldwide to experience the very heart of Australia – in style, luxury and with minimal impact on the environment.

Each elevated, five-star tent is as unique as its surroundings, paying homage to Australian pioneers who have a distinct relationship with the deserts of Central Australia. No expense has been spared to ensure the quality of room inclusions and guest comfort levels. Few properties can match the solitude and privacy offered by the location.

Almost 13,000 guests have stayed at Longitude 131° since it opened in June 2002, with the property averaging occupancy levels of around 70%. Gourmet food and wine has been enjoyed in vast quantities, with more than 1250 dozen oysters washed down with more than 7000 bottles of sparkling Australian wine.

Voyages Hotels and Resorts chief executive Chris Tallent said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating five years of operations at Longitude 131° which to this day remains an iconic property for Australian and international visitors alike. It is testament to the exceptional quality of the product that Longitude 131° continues to be held in such high regard by today’s travellers.”

*Prices include additional 10% savings and are per person based on two sharing an inside, twin-bedded cabin and include all meals, on-board entertainment, on-board gratuities and port taxes.

Report by The Mole