Longitude 131: What to expect
Outdoor bed at Longitude 131
Full disclosure, I stayed at Longitude 131 at the heart of Uluru in the Northern Territory of Australia a couple of years ago before it was part of the World of Hyatt program through Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It was just after the pandemic only a couple of weeks after it had reopened, and I felt very fortunate to be able to visit this special spot.
My international travels were on hold due to the border closures but thankfully the border between Queensland and the Northern Territory was open. I took this opportunity to revisit the red center of the country on my own terms. I had stayed in a campervan back when I was married to my ex. It was his idea, and it was a fun enough experience.
For my first post-divorce trip I thought I’d treat myself and bring along one of my best friends who had never visited the place. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
The reason that I am writing about it now is because I do have some experience with this unusual property and there are very specific things to know about this part of the world.
What’s great about Longitude 131
The location
If you look at the property website it is immediately obvious how special this location is and its proximity to Uluru. There is no closer accommodation to Uluru by a longshot. It’s a wonderful place to experience true solitude and feel connected to a very spiritual site. Your tent will likely have a direct view of Uluru right from your balcony, it feels like you have it all to yourself.
View of Uluru from the outdoor balcony of our tent.
The service
Longitude 131 has catered to royalty and even Oprah (!) in the past. They know how to create a fully immersive experience with beautiful food and thoughtful surroundings.
The tents
Better equipped than some hotel rooms that I’ve stayed at (not Hyatt hotels, of course) the tents are unbelievably comfortable and luxurious. You wouldn’t think that such an eco friendly lodge would have such a luxurious bathroom and shower. And the air conditioning/heater unit makes the tent so comfortable. It feels like a proper room and is beautifully furnished with artifacts and homewares that fit the theme of an outback cattle station.
The activities
Because you are essentially sequestered on the property when you stay there, Longitude 131 has an entire menu of activities both paid and free to do during your stay there. We did a guided walk around Uluru and my friend did a camel ride. There was sunset viewing of the rock with canapes. They really keep you busy during the day that there was one day where I skipped the evening canapes for a bit of rest.
A few helpful tips before you stay at Longitude 131:
· The minimum booking is 2 nights but 3 would be best to be able to experience all the different activities that they have on offer.
· The time of year that you visit is going to have a HUGE impact on your experience and not just because of the weather, but because of the flies. High summer (Dec/Jan in the southern hemisphere) they will completely cover your shirt. You’ll want to get one of those hats with nets. I went in August both the first and second time I visited Uluru. The first time there were many flies and the most recent Longitude 131 stay there weren’t any at all. So, it can be a grab bag.
· Your shoes will be covered (and possibly ruined) by the red dirt in the area. Bring an older pair.
The shoes I brought covered in red dirt.
· Make room in your luggage for beautiful souvenirs. You’ll be able to purchase some of the homewares made by the local indigenous communities and other luxury items that you enjoy at the property. I came away with a woven basket, the wool throw blanket and a CD of the ambient music playing in our room.
Is there room service at the Longitude 131?
There is not room service at Longitude 131, but all the food at the restaurant is included and they provide plenty of opportunities for snacks. Also, on certain evenings they give you the opportunity to have your outdoor area prepared for sleeping under the stars and enjoying an alcoholic beverage or smores near the fireplace.
It’s especially sweet that when we left they gave us a take away bag with a packed lunch for our travels. I still have the branded mini reusable lunch tote.
One of many included meals you’ll have during your stay at Longitude 131.
Is there a Globalist breakfast at Longitude 131?
No, because the food is already included for this property when you stay here.
Points or pay?
Because this is a part of World of Hyatt through Mr. & Mrs. Smith, you’re not able to use points for this property.