Longitude 131° is a luxury resort located just outside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, within 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) direct line of sight to Uluṟu, and a short driving distance of Yulara, in the Northern Territory, Australia.[1]
Longitude 131° consists of 15 guest suites (tents) and the main communal Dune House which houses the lodges restaurant, bar, library, lounge areas and boutique and is designed in a tent-style with uninterrupted views of Uluṟu. It takes its name from its location on longitude 131°. Due to its remote location, Longitude 131° provides transfers to connect with all Ayers Rock Airport flights. Road access is via Yulara, located a short distance away; however, access to the resort is restricted to resort vehicles. Opened in June 2002 as part of Voyages Hotels & Resorts, Longitude 131° was acquired in 2013 by Baillie Lodges and is affiliated with the Luxury Lodges of Australia and Unique Lodges of the World.[2]
The resort opened in 2002 and was devastated the following year by the 2003 bush fires. Fire damaged most of the tents as well as the resort clubhouse.[3] The resort was extensively rebuilt and reopened. The new buildings used prefabricated structures and light-weight machinery which minimised impact on the delicate ecology; at the time, in a vital stage of regeneration.
The resorts unique location and design has won it a number of awards including the 2013 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice,[4] the 2011 American Express Centurion Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards for Top Eco Friendly Resort and 2010 Travel+Leisure World’s Best Hotels Top 500, Australia & South Pacific Region.[5]