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4 December, 2023

Novotel and Mercure set to open Australian first airport resort in Darwin

Edited by Travel Weekly

Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort is set to become the perfect tropical oasis for touring the Northern Territory’s Top End following a $30 million reimagination and dramatic integration of the adjoining hotels.

The hotels are owned by the Airport Development Group (ADG), which also owns Darwin Airport located on the lands of the Larrakia Nation, the traditional custodians of the greater Darwin area.

ADG’s visionary $30m investment in the project has produced a remarkable transformation of the hotels, with the progressive refurbishment of existing rooms and the creation of new pool villas, suites and bungalows perfectly capturing Darwin’s tropical environment with Indigenous engagement at the core of the redesign.

Previously, the two hotels had separate receptions, but now a combined reception area has been opened, along with a new Olympic-plus sized/one million litre swimming pool, poolside cabanas, children’s aquatic playground, and new poolside dining, set in extensive tropical landscaping.

A feature of the resort is the diversity of rooms available to guests as part of the 423-room inventory. New-look Novotel and Mercure hotel rooms boast sleek interior designs, and guests can also choose family suites, freestanding bungalows, and new 5-star tropical villas with their own plunge pools.

Darwin Airport Resort – new look Novotel Room. (Supplied)

Capturing their connection to Larrakia country, each of the villas is named after a leading Territorian, with their story outlined for guests to read and the hotels are planning to introduce the Gurambai Cultural Experience to give guests an immediate appreciation of Larrakia culture. Moreover, a priority of the hotel operation is to employ as many Indigenous staff as possible, and to achieve that goal ADG has established an Indigenous Training Academy to deliver nationally recognised qualifications in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Darwin Airport Resort general manager, Chris Chaffe, says that guests arriving at the resort will be immediately immersed in the Northern Territory’s unique lifestyle, ancient cultures and stunning landscapes.

“Integrating and recognising Larrakia Indigenous culture and heritage has been an integral component of the project,” he said.

“The new resort is enriched with Aboriginal art and themes, inside and out, providing an appropriate reminder that this pioneering world-class resort is on the lands of the world’s longest-surviving culture.

“Visitors wanting to explore the Top End will be able to enjoy a complete resort experience, including one of the largest city hotel swimming pools in Australia.

“The resort is the perfect base for Top End getaway. It’s an easy 15-minute drive to the city centre and just over an hour’s drive to Litchfield National Park, one of the Top End’s most popular attractions. It is also very convenient for flights to Territory destinations such as the Tiwi Islands, Katherine, Kakadu and West Arnhem.”

Individually designed and decorated Resort Bungalows are ideal for longer stays, with a veranda and additional space to relax and enjoy the tropical experience, while two-bedroom apartments are available for family stays.

The resort now offers two poolside dining options with the new Splash Café joining the laid-back Cossies Poolside Bar & Bistro, which is situated in tropical gardens and showcases the Territory’s famous barramundi as well as grills, salads, pizzas and burgers.

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