Darwin Airport Resorts, Australia’s first airport resort, is embarking on a massive upgrading program with new villas and executive suites, a refurbishment of existing rooms, and the launch of a Californian ‘boho’ style poolside restaurant.
Darwin Airport Resorts is owned by Airport Development Group (ADG) and managed by Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator.
ADG has invested $41 million to integrate the three hotels – Novotel, Mercure and ibis – into a visionary resort destination that reimagines the concept of an airport hotel.
The massive transformation linked the three hotels around a centralised area that includes a 65-metre lagoon style pool – one of the largest hotel pools in Australia – a consolidated reception and lounge area and the alfresco Splash Café.
A feature of the hotel redevelopment has been the inclusion of extensive Indigenous artwork and theming, along with an Indigenous Training Academy, to reflect the property’s connection to Larrakia Country.
New Rapid Creek Villas
Eight new Rapid Creek Villas have been constructed – three 2-bedroom and five 1-bedroom villas – with private parking.
The spacious, contemporary-style villas are up to 49 sqm in size, featuring king-size beds (which can be split into two singles), a lounge area, kitchen facilities, and a large, covered deck that fronts the bush, complete with a daybed for relaxing and enjoying the tropical evenings.
The villas overlook tropical bushland in the Rapid Creek Conservation Reserve (known as Gurumbai in the Larrakia language), which features Darwin’s only natural freshwater creek. A self-guided walking trail has been established in the reserve, featuring information about bush tucker, medicinal plants, and the area’s cultural and environmental significance.
New Executive Suites
As part of a full refurbishment of accommodation in the Novotel, five Executive Suites have been created offering all the comforts of a Novotel hotel with a resort-style vibe. The stylish suites offer 55sqm of space with king sized bed, a large lounge and entertaining area, 55″ Chromecast TV, double glazing, and either views of the lagoon pool or the airport.
Launch of Poolhouse Bar & Kitchen
Darwin Airport Resorts’ popularity with both guests and Darwin locals has seen the creation of the Poolhouse Bar & Kitchen, with Californian ‘boho’ theming and Top End Northern Territory influences to complement the tropical climate.
The restaurant can seat up to 170 diners, inside and outside (under shelter), overlooking the lagoon pool, children’s playground, beer gardens and dramatic murals by Larrakia artists.
The menu has been curated by head chef Laurence Lochouarn (aka Loulou), a French-born chef who has worked around world, including in Michelin-starred restaurants and most recently as head chef of Darwin’s legendary Char Restaurant.
The Californian-style concept was created to capture the essence of Darwin’s tropical lifestyle. Dishes emphasise local seafood with Californian twists such as Humpty Doo barramundi with Corn Mash, Fresh Slaw and Smoked tomato picante.
Local Darwin beers, tropical-inspired cocktails and a wine list designed to complement the food and climate will make the venue a favourite for sundowners.
Graduates and trainees from ADG’s Indigenous Training Academy will work extensively in front and back of house roles in the Poolhouse Bar & Kitchen.
Hotel website
Darwin Airport Resorts
2 Henry Wrigley Dr
Eaton, 0820
Australia
+61 8 8920 3333
Source: hospitalitynet.org
