Sails in the Desert

In the heart of Australia's Red Center, Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a decidedly premium outback holiday experience. Soaring white sails crown Ayers Rock Resort's Sails in the Desert hotel, shading 228 beautifully-appointed rooms and suites.

In a destination where one of the world's oldest cultures still thrives, the mystery, color and wisdom of the local Anangu people is interwoven into every facet of resort's modern design.

This hotel features an expansive gumtree lined swimming pool and a diversity of modern dining, bar and lounge options. Relax and feast in the brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant or let time tick by as you enjoy cocktails, music and Indigenous-inspired cuisine in the Walpa Lobby Bar, or curl up on one of the daybeds and enjoy a casual lunch and cocktail by the pool.

Sails in the Desert Resort’s Mulgara Gallery takes you on an exploration through the unique styles and breathtaking stories of Indigenous art. Find each of your senses lulled into complete relaxation as you give in to one of the Red Ochre Spa's treatments.

Your stay includes an Indigenous Activities Program, complimentary return Ayers Rock Airport transfers, in-room WiFi and free use of the Resort shuttle bus service.

Superior Rooms
Natural tones are complemented by Indigenous artwork, artifacts and decorative pieces that surround you with the magic and mystery of local Anangu creation stories. Step out onto the balcony or patio and listen to the desert day transform to night before curling up in the pure luxury of one of Sails in the Desert’s ‘Ahh’ Beds. Rooms are configured with either twin Queen beds or one King bed. Interconnecting rooms, cots, roll-away beds and wheelchair accessible rooms are on request and subject to availability (charges may apply). 

Terrace Rooms
Woven into the fabric of the carpet, dotted along cushions and splashed across walls the very real presence of the living cultural landscape outside is obvious in every facet of this luxurious room.

Style and comfort from within flows onto the terrace that begs you to stretch out on the lounge under the towering white gums. Your stay in a Terrace Room is inclusive of delicious buffet breakfast daily at Ilkari Restaurant. Rooms are configured with two Queen beds for a maximum of 4 guests or one King bed to which a roll-away bed can be added on request (charges apply). Cots are on request and subject to availability.

Deluxe Suites
Featuring a separate living area, spacious bedroom and multiple balconies, the Deluxe Suite offers a modern neutral palette accented by colours and textures from Anangu creation stories and the desert landscape outside.

Luxurious features such a spa bath and, of course, Sails in the Desert’s aptly named ‘Ahh’ Bed, are complimented by local Indigenous artwork and artifacts. Your stay in a Deluxe Suite is inclusive of delicious buffet breakfast daily at Ilkari Restaurant. Rooms are configured with one King bed and ensuite bathroom with spa bath. Rollaway bed and cot are subject to availability.

There are 101 Things to do around Ayers Rock from Harley Tours, to sky diving and helicopter tours to Aboriginal bush walks/talks and Art Workshops - Here’s some recommended tours.

Sounds of Silence Dinner
Ditch the typical dinner for an evening of dining under the stars. Your Sounds of Silence experience starts on the dune top with canapes and sparkling wine as you watch the sun set over Uluru with the didgeridoo playing in the background. As darkness falls, join your table of fellow explorers for a delicious three-course bush tucker inspired buffet. Then sit back and relax as our resident star talker takes you through the Southern Night sky and points out the Southern Cross, signs of zodiac, galaxies and planets.

Field of Light Uluru
As darkness falls and Uluru is thrown into silhouette, Field of Light illuminates. As far as the eye can see gentle rhythms of color light up the desert. The critically acclaimed Field of Light Uluru by the internationally celebrated artist Bruce Munro is on display and due to popular demand, has now been extended indefinitely.

The exhibition, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in local Pitjantjatjara is Munro’s largest work to date. Overwhelming in size, covering more than seven football fields, it invites immersion in its fantasy garden of 50,000 spindles of light, the stems breathing and swaying through a sympathetic desert spectrum of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white.

Camel Tours
Another great way to explore the great Central Australian desert is from the back of a camel. Camels, ideally suited to the hot, dry climate of Australia's interior, were imported in the 19th century and remained the principal means of outback transport until railways and roads were established. Today there are an estimated 200,000 one-humped, dromedary type camels in the wild. Only a few are still used by humans, mostly for touring the desert.

Ride high above the desert surrounds and explore this central Australian region just as the early pioneers did - on a camel. Join Uluru Camel Tours on an unforgettable journey through red dune country with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as a stunning backdrop. Uluru Camel Tours, home to over 60 friendly camels, is an award-winning owner operated tour business located at the Resort showcasing 25 years of passion of all things camel.

The Camel Farm is open all year round for visitors to come and have a short ride and explore the camel museum and saddlery. The Ayers Rock Resort free shuttle bus stops at the Camel Farm. All tours include free return transfers to your accommodation.

Desert Awakenings Tour
Experience the tranquillity of the pre-dawn land under a canopy of stars. Watch the amazing transformation of colors and life as the desert awakens with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. In the company of your expert guide, Desert Awakenings is designed to introduce you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region.

Watch the distant domes of Kata Tjuta come into view and enjoy a traditional Aussie breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, tea, coffee and homemade damper with golden syrup in the open air. After breakfast your guide will explain the natural history of the region, and as the daylight reveals the myriad of animal tracks in the sand an insight into what activity took place during the night.

Once the sun is up, enjoy a guided tour at the base of Uluru. First stop is Kuniya where you'll take a short walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole. A visit here will help appreciate its cathedral like proportions and why it is such a powerful and spiritual place for visitors and Anangu (local Aboriginal people) alike. Your guide will explain some of the rock paintings and stories from the creation period as told by the Anangu people. Next stop is the Cultural Centre, a vibrant and engaging place of learning where the local lore of the Anangu is explained in detail.