One of Australia’s most incredible luxury camps gets $2.5 million revamp

As Longitude 131 progresses into its third decade of operation, it’s just unveiled a pleasing new look to its interior design.

But it is worth remembering how forward-thinking the architecture was in the first place.

The luxury camp that is Longitude 131.

Planned to be a minimal impact luxury stay right next to World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with cinematic views of Uluru, to maintain the fragile environment surrounding it, the whole resort was fabricated off-site and put together like a jigsaw puzzle, with strictly adhered-to roads and walkways the guidelines for construction, heavy vehicles forbidden and any sand removed taken by hand.

With a blueprint by renowned Australian architect Philip Cox, the guest tents were designed to “float” above the ground but be discreet to the eyes of anyone viewing the terrain from afar.

The Dune House, the larger social area of the resort, was indeed built into the side of the sand dune to maximise natural insulation and reduce energy needs with solar panels and thermal and acoustic fabric ensuring comfort.

Updated interiors and a view from the bed.

Since opening in 2004 as a Voyages property, it has established itself as a coveted classic of the global luxury lodge category. It has been the backdrop for photos of celebrities such as Nicole Kidman and royalty – the current Prince and Princess of Wales were guests.

But of course, it’s attracted plenty of the rest of us not-so-photographed folk, who head there for the all-round exemplary experience it provides, especially since Baillie Lodges took it over and added new balconies with day beds, armchairs and EcoSmart fireplaces under a renovation by another great Australian architect, Max Pritchard.

Kangaroo Island-born Pritchard created Baillie’s famed Southern Ocean Lodge on KI, the original design dictating that lodge’s rebirth after being destroyed by fire.

Longitude 131’s $2.5 million glow-up marks 10 years of Baillie Lodges operating the property, which it took over management of in November 2013.

Each of the 15 luxury guest tents has new joinery in Tasmanian Blackwood for the built-in Baillie Bed, robe and in-suite bar, new tretford floor rugs and stylish new Amelia tub chairs in leather.

Bathroom of one of the Dune Pavilions.

A starring feature is a newly acquired artwork by Anangu artist Carlene Thompson from the Ernabella Arts Community, entitled Kalaya Ngura – Emu Country – which depicts the artist’s family’s country near Kanpi in the Western Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. It’s on display in the Dune House complementing Pierre and Charlotte Julien dining tables in American Oak as well as new rugs and upholstery.

The 2024 works complete a trio of significant works and capital investment in Longitude 131 by Baillie Lodges.

See baillielodges.com.au