Royal retreats

A Royal Favourite Reopens After Multi-Million-Pound Makeover

After the completion of a multi-million-pound makeover, Australia’s Longitude 131° reopened last to reaffirm its position as the ultimate in outback luxury.

Located near to Australia’s iconic and sacred Uluru, Longitude 131° has hosted some icons of its own in recent years including Prince William and Kate Middleton, while it was also the honeymoon destination of Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews.

Now, under the guidance of renowned architect Max Pritchard, the 15-year old property has been restyled and updated with new facilities such as a spa, bar, swimming pool, as well as a new private two-bedroom suite.

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Luxury tent views        
Luxury tent views        

Named Dune Pavillion, Longitude’s new star accommodation features floor-to-ceiling windows, vibrant indigenous artwork, and bespoke décor inspired by the iconic homesteads common of the region.

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Dune top arial   
Dune top arial   

Outside, an extended deck features a small private plunge pool with views of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Uluru, the 600-million-year-old red-hued monolith, and Kata Tjuta, the 36-domed rock formation.

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Longitude 131 kata tjuta.         
Longitude 131 kata tjuta.         

 The heart of the lodge, Dune House – now home to a chic bar, lounge, restaurant and outdoor terrace – has also received an update to bring it up to par with Longitude’s 15 ‘glamping’ tents, which were upgraded last year with verandas and eco-friendly fires.

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Longitude 131 Swag luxe    
Longitude 131 Swag luxe    

From the elevated Dune Top, you can enjoy a glamourous open air venue overlooking the mystical landscapes ideal for sunset drinks and canapes. Here, you can also cool off from the heat in a stylish new pool, relax on comfortable daybeds and refresh at a convenient ‘help-yourself’ bar.

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Main lodge swimming pool.            
Main lodge swimming pool.            

The new spa, named Kinara, meaning ‘moon’, features two retreats and offers a menu of treatments that use the Australian LI’TYA spa care range and locally-sourced natural beauty products like Salted Emu Bush.

Because Uluru is of deep cultural significance to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankuntjatjara Aboriginal peoples, or Anangu, the lodge also aims to honour the land and its traditional custodians with eco-conscious measures and providing guests with the chance to learn about the culture of the Anangu people.

See more images, read more and get the best rates for your stay at Longitude 131° here. 

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