Home » News » Triple treat for newly launched Darwin Airport Resort as accolades rain down at Hospitality NT Awards

23 May, 2024

Triple treat for newly launched Darwin Airport Resort as accolades rain down at Hospitality NT Awards

Darwin Airport Resort, launched in December last year, is already winning acclaim in the accommodation industry, having won a trio of titles in the Hospitality NT Awards for Excellence 2024.

The resort, which was launched after a $30 million upgrade and integration of the adjacent Novotel and Mercure hotels, won awards for: Best Superior Accommodation, Best Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel and Best Overall Accommodation Hotel.

The hotels are owned by Airport Development Group (ADG), which also owns Darwin Airport. ADG’s investment has transformed the hotels and involved the progressive refurbishment of existing rooms and the creation of new pool villas, suites and bungalows, capturing Darwin’s tropical environment.

Central to the integration of the hotels is a new reception and lounge area, which overlooks a new 61-metre, one million-litre swimming pool, one of the largest hotel pools in Australia. Complementing the vast pool are poolside cabanas, a children’s aquatic playground, new poolside dining, and extensive planting of trees and tropical greenery.

Room diversity a big feature

A feature of the resort is the diversity of rooms available to guests in its 423-room inventory. The refurbished Novotel and Mercure hotel rooms boast sleek new interior designs, while guests can also choose family suites, freestanding bungalows, and new 5-star tropical pool villas with their own plunge pools.

Capturing their connection to Larrakia country, each villa is named after a leading Territorian, with their story outlined for guests to read.

Guests are immediately immersed in Darwin’s tropical environment with the striking Indigenous mural that covers the 41m water tower in front of the hotels. Nicknamed the ‘Darwin Didgeridoo,’ the massive art piece gives visitors a memorable first connection to Darwin’s Larrakia people and tells their story. Two other striking Indigenous murals were commissioned as part of the redevelopment.

Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort general manager Chris Chaffe said recognition in the Hospitality NT Awards for Excellence was a powerful endorsement of the visionary project’s impact on the Northern Territory tourism and hospitality sector.

A Darwin Airport Hotels Mercure Pool Villa.

“The project was a first for Australia, it was bold and exciting, and the results have been outstanding,” Chaffe said.

“There are more elements to come in the property’s evolution, but it was wonderful for the team to be able to celebrate these awards so soon after the relaunch.

“The extensive renovations have enhanced the resort’s aesthetic appeal and significantly improved the guest experience. With lush tropical gardens, contemporary interiors, and upgraded amenities, the resort now offers a sanctuary that harmoniously blends comfort with Darwin’s tropical environment.

Training Academy to develop Indigenous talent

ADG has also established an Indigenous Training Academy to develop and mentor Aboriginal employees for the hotel, airport and the wider Northern Territory tourism and hospitality sector.

The project included upgrades to the hotels’ food and beverage offerings. Guests can now enjoy all-day dining and refreshments at the new Splash Café and the laid-back Cossie’s Poolside Bar & Bistro.

“The hotels provide a warm and authentic introduction to the Top End, and the integration of Indigenous art, culture and employees into the project gives a real taste of the Larrakia nation,” Chaffe added.

“I am very proud of the team and am confident that the success of the hotels will provide a very welcome boost to Northern Territory’s tourism sector, which is still to recover fully to 2019 visitor levels.”

Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort is managed by Accor, Australia’s largest hotel group.

The million-litre massive pool at Darwin Airport Resort.

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

accor Mercure Darwin Airport Resort novotel