By Rama Gaind.
| This is the second of a three-part feature on Uluru, in the Northern Territory … not a far-away destination … but one that should be on everyone’s bucket list. |
Accommodation: Voyages Sails in the Desert, Yulara, Northern Territory. Photo: Rama Gaind
“Take only memories, leave only footprints” is a proverb that seamlessly blends with another where one needs to “believe you can and hold firmly onto your dreams”.
Stop thinking, guessing and start doing … make the time to visit the Northern Territory. Specifically, Uluru (which you have to explore), considered to be the spiritual heart of Australia. This region’s gem is Uluru/Ayers Rock and the surrounds, but it also offers visitors so much more.
You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation. Voyages Ayers Rock Resort is located only 20 kilometres from Uluru and six kilometres from the airport. The resort provides a variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Welcome: Lo and Bulou were all smiles on arrival at Sails in the Desert. Photo: Rama Gaind
You can choose from the premium Voyages Sails in the Desert, Yulara, (my comfortable hotel choice), the modern Desert Gardens Hotel, the refurbished and re-opened Outback Hotel and Lodge, the self-contained one and two-bedroom Emu Walk Apartments and the funky Lost Camel Hotel.
There’s also a large campground with powered and unpowered sites and cabins. In the Resort Town Square, you’ll find a selection of shops and cafes, a supermarket, bank and ATM, car hire, newsagency, hair salon, postal office and a Tour & Information Centre.
Sails in the Desert is conveniently positioned, putting you close to attractions and appealing dining options. A swish desert oasis, indulgent escapes await where soaring white sails shade more than 200 rooms and suites.
The five-star hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru’s raw natural beauty with a decidedly well-appointed outback holiday experience. Against a canvas of neutral tones and textures, the mystery, colour and wisdom of the local Anangu people is interwoven into every facet of the hotel’s modern design.
Breakfast: Samantha Fewings, chef de partie, at the Ilkari Restaurant. Photo: Rama Gaind
Sails comfort
Staying at the Sails in the Desert for a few days saw relatively dry weather, though daytime temperatures regularly exceeded 30 degrees Celsius. Coming indoors was a relief, and on check-in being served chilled lemon myrtle drinks were a welcome thirst quencher! Nothing matched the heart-warming greetings from Lo and Bulou, who were all smiles on arrival.
Relaxing made for an informative sojourn. Learning about immersive experiences in the heart of Australia’s red centre were unexpectedly enlightening. The hotel features a diversity of modern dining, bar and lounge options. Awakening the tastebuds with signature dining experience is a must. Relax and feast in the brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant or unwind after a day of exploring with cocktails and Indigenous-inspired cuisine in the Walpa Lobby Bar
Collection: Sheryl-Lee and Nic in Mulgara Gallery where you discover Australian and Indigenous arts and crafts. Photo: Rama Gaind
It was easy to cool off in the sparkling swimming pool lined with lush gumtrees, and lingering over unique Australian flavours paired perfectly with favourite regional wines.
Dining was a treat in the Ilkari (takes its name from the local Pitjantjatjara word for sky) Restaurant. Tantalising options were everywhere and Samantha Fewings, chef de partie, made sure everyone’s breakfast request was met immediately, including eggs cooked to perfection!
Discover the passion behind Aboriginal art at Sails in the Desert’s Mulgara Gallery.
Let Sheryl-Lee or Nic show you, even explain the origins, of the many arts and craft on display, opening a rare window into the world of Australian and Indigenous
hand-crafted glassware, pottery, textiles, metal and leather work.
Wiru benefits
Display: Mulgara Gallery is located in the foyer of Sails in the Desert. Photo: Rama Gaind
Another point of fascination at Sails in the Desert was the First Nation’s skincare brand said to rejuvenate the skin with Australia’s native ingredients. Mixing traditional custom with contemporary style makes an impact when it comes to hair and body care products.
Wiru Indigenous Skincare combines unique elements with distinctive artwork. It’s a significant business that requires a special range where certain components are the key, basing the formulations for the products around Indigenous botanical ingredients found in the local area. All of the hair and body care liquids and soaps are 100 per cent biodegradable, paraben free, sustainably sourced, GE free and have vegetable-based formulations.
The primary botanical used in the range is locally sourced wattle seed. Ground wattle seed is used for its mild exfoliating properties in the soap, and wattle seed extract is combined with wild quandong (desert peach) in the hair and body care liquids.
Hair and body: Wiru Indigenous Skincare. Photo: Rama Gaind
One realisation is clear-cut: connect with Mother Earth and there’s an abundance in rewards. Nature just is, and yet it always gives. We need to be more aware of its fragility and its abundance. The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth, and we need to look at it as a place where we belong.
Human connection with nature is important. As chairperson at The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra observes: “The land is my mother. Like a human mother, the land gives us protection, enjoyment and provides our needs – economic, social and religious. We have a human relationship with the land: Mother, daughter, son. When the land is taken from us or destroyed, we feel hurt because we belong to the land and we are part of it.”
FACT BOX
Visit Uluru
