Australia’s first airport resort: villas, pool, indigenous academy launching soon

Friday, December 1, 2023

Australia’s inaugural airport resort, the Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort, is set to debut on December 5 after a complete reimagination and integration of two existing airport hotels at Darwin Airport. The $30 million investment by the Airport Development Group (ADG) has resulted in a remarkable transformation, featuring new pool villas, suites, and bungalows capturing Darwin’s tropical environment.

The resort, part of ADG’s Darwin International Airport 2023 Master Plan, positions itself as a premium destination for leisure visitors, business travelers, and conference groups to the Northern Territory’s Top End. As the resort launches amidst expanding direct services into Darwin Airport, it features a range of accommodations, including family suites, freestanding bungalows, and 5-star tropical villas with private plunge pools.

Indigenous engagement is a key aspect of the resort’s redesign, with an Indigenous Training Academy established by ADG to mentor Aboriginal employees for the hotel, airport, and the wider Northern Territory tourism sector. The resort showcases extensive Indigenous art, including murals and a water tower mural known locally as the ‘Darwin Didgeridoo,’ providing a connection to Larrakia people and telling their story.

Guests can enjoy diverse dining options at the resort, including the new Splash Café and Cossie’s Poolside Bar & Bistro. The property is dedicated to different NT regions, each represented through color palettes, artwork, and landscaping, enhancing the visitor’s understanding of Aboriginal culture and the history of the Territory.

The Gurambai Cultural Experience will soon be introduced, offering guests an immediate appreciation of Larrakia culture through guided walking tours of the Rapid Creek Conservation Reserve. ADG’s commitment to Indigenous employment includes the establishment of an Indigenous Training Academy, offering qualifications in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Chris Chaffe, General Manager of Darwin Airport Resort, emphasizes the resort’s immersion in the Northern Territory’s unique lifestyle, ancient cultures, and stunning landscapes. He highlights the resort’s enriching Aboriginal art and themes, both inside and out, providing a reminder of its location on the lands of the world’s longest-surviving culture. The resort offers visitors a complete experience with an Olympic-plus size swimming pool, tropical gardens, and various dining options, serving as an ideal base for exploring the Top End and nearby attractions like Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks.

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