Desert resort visited by Royals made even more swanky

Desert resort visited by Royals made even more swanky
By Anne Majumdar


Baillie Lodges has transformed its luxury desert camp Longitude 131° with the addition of stylish new balconies on each of its 15 tents, creating contemporary outdoor living areas which are designed to enhance the property’s views of Uluru.

Designed by Max Pritchard – the architect behind Baillie Lodges’ acclaimed Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island – each balcony has been styled with modern day beds, armchairs and EcoSmart fireplaces, extending the luxury of Longitude 131° outdoors while providing guests with a new perspective on the surrounding desert landscape.

Central to the new concept is a bespoke luxury swag for two, a modern reinvention of the traditional Australian bushman’s bedroll.  Unfurled at nightfall in front of the fireplace, it gives guests the option of sleeping beneath the southern stars while still enjoying the resort’s renowned comfort and style.

Baillie Lodges Managing Director James Baillie said the balconies were part of a wider vision to reaffirm Longitude 131° as the “most exclusive luxury retreat” in Australia’s Red Centre.

“Our aim is to take the property to new levels of luxury, while at the same time enhancing its connection with Uluru and the desert environment,” he said.

“The new balconies and luxury swags create a whole new level of intimacy, completely removing any barrier between the visitor and the landscape at Australia’s spiritual heart.”

The swags are offered as part of a new evening service in which guests are served port, Cognac and other digestifs by firelight, along with a savoury treat prepared by the lodge chef.

This marks the latest in a string of enhancements by Baillie Lodges since taking over Longitude 131° in late 2013, which include a multi-million dollar refurbishment that introduced features including new fabrics, designer furnishings, ceramics, Indigenous artworks and the group’s signature “Baillie Bed”.

The camp hosted their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Longitude 131° during their visit to Uluṟu in April 2014. Oprah Winfrey also stayed there during here high profile tour of Australian in 2010.

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