Touch of class at Ningaloo

SOAKED in shore-line luxury, the award-winning Novotel Ningaloo Resort is more than a match for its stunning surroundings.

THE aquatic wonders of Exmouth have long attracted visitors from around the world and the town now has a magnificent beachside resort to match its stunning natural environment.

The four-star Novotel Ningaloo Resort offers the option of luxury accommodation that was once missing at the popular coastal destination.

The resort is right on the shore of Exmouth Gulf and is just metres from the marina and canals.

The resort has 44 one, two and three-bedroom bungalows and apartments and is expected to eventually accommodate 600 guests.

It has already made its mark in the tourism industry, winning the New Development category at the 2007 WA Tourism Awards and the Australian Hotels Association award for WA's best regional accommodation hotel/resort.

To give the complex an authentic Exmouth feel, the architects used a blend of non-traditional building materials.

Corrugated aluminium cladding is a new take on corrugated iron and provides far greater resistance to climatic conditions, while rammed earth has been used extensively and reflects the rich colour of the North-West soil.

With contemporary room designs that combine luxury with a beach-house feel, it's impossible not to slip into holiday mode at the Novotel Ningaloo.

The resort is an ideal base to explore the many and varied attractions around Exmouth.

The area is justifiably world famous for its diving and snorkelling around Ningaloo Reef, the biggest fringing coral reef in Australia.

Fishy friends

The waters of Ningaloo Marine Park are home to a staggering array of marine life, including whale sharks, whales, turtles, dugongs, sea snakes, manta rays and sharks, and there are many diving charters available in town.

The secret is out as far as fishing goes and there are countless options for the keen angler, whether from a boat or shore.

From the many kilometres of unspoiled coast, fishers tangle with bruising giant trevally, high-leaping queenfish, feisty spangled emperor, plucky golden trevally and even the fabled bonefish.

Boat anglers head out wide to tackle spanish mackerel, tuna, sailfish and marlin.

Visitors should take time to explore the spectacular gorges and red-rock canyons of Cape Range National Park.

On the western side of Cape Range, the Ningaloo coast is an endless rolling postcard, with countless pristine sandy beaches and magnificent bays to explore.

The resort is the perfect way to unwind after a big day taking in all the natural wonders of the region.

It has a huge swimming pool and magnificent bar and lounge with ocean views.

Mantaray's restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a sumptuous dinner as you watch the sun go down.

Guests also have use of a gymnasium and 24-hour room service.

Offering a luxury holiday experience in a magical natural environment, the Novotel Ningaloo Resort is steadily building a reputation as one of WA's tourism gems.