An indigenous inspired refurbishment design
Ayers Rock Resort lies at the gateway to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park, in Australia’s Northern Territory. The resort lies hidden from view to those visiting the national park precinct.
Everything about the resort reflects sensitivity to the environment and respect for the area’s traditional Aboriginal owners. This resort is an architectural achievement and the refurbishment by Reward Hotel Project needed to respect this.
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Indigenous Land Corporation and manages tourism and resorts on its behalf. Voyages offers unique experiences and cultural immersion in spectacular locations around Australia including Ayers Rock Resort in the Northern Territory. One of the key responsibilities of Voyages is to promote and sustain eco-tourism, protecting pristine sites for many years to come.
Voyages works collaboratively with local communities to assist them in exercising sustainable environmental tourism practices, respecting and supporting the local indigenous cultures and offering employment and training opportunities to the local and broader Australian and Torres-Strait Islander indigenous communities. Profits from all business activities are re-invested in the indigenous and resort experiences and through the various training and development programs in place around Australia.
Ayers Rock Resort provides a variety of accommodation options for every possible taste and budget including the newly renovated self-contained Emu Walk Apartments. The renovation, completed in March this year, has elevated Emu Walk Apartments to a new level of sophistication while celebrating its heritage: Presenting a modern indigenous-inspired design.
Reward Hotel Projects completed the successful renovation of Emu Walk Apartments, as an industry leader in the fit-out and refurbishment of Australia’s leading hotels, they were chosen to lead this project and to deliver innovative and cost effective solutions. The refurbishment included complete new joinery and loose furniture, new kitchens, new flooring, a refresh of the bathrooms and new lighting.
Not only does Reward Hotel Projects transform hotels but it focuses on delivering the highest quality solutions while maintaining the highest standard of client service, with “one promise, one focus and one reward”.
The renovation features Australia’s Red Centre, showcasing indigenous design elements throughout the well-equipped separate kitchen, living and bedroom areas. Images of native flora are featured in the carpet while Indigenous designs are woven into cushions displayed throughout the apartments.
An enormous reproduction of an artwork by regional indigenous artist Japanangka or Raymond Walters looks over an open dining area and fully-equipped kitchen, transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary reminder of this unique destination.
The inspired transformation the Emu Walk Apartments further adds to the revitalisation of Ayers Rock Resort and the total refurbishment of the five-star Sails in the Desert hotel and new Uluru Meeting Place conference facility which opened in November 2012.
“This significant further capital investment of just over $7 million demonstrates Voyages’ commitment to ensuring that Ayers Rock Resort offers a complete range of quality accommodation that meets our guests’ needs now and for the future”, said Voyages chief executive officer Andrew Williams.
All 63 apartments have undergone a total internal refurbishment, with 40 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom apartments, all offering fully-equipped kitchens, laundry with washer/dryer and a separate dining and living area ideal for families or larger groups.
“Emu Walk Apartments are always very popular with families as well as couples or friends travelling together and we know that this investment into the property will be very well received,” said Ray Stone, Voyages executive general manager sales, marketing and distribution.
A new reception space has also been designed to improve the overall guest experience, allowing for an easier and quicker check-in and check-out process.
The Emu Walk Apartments are centrally located to dining and touring opportunities across the resort and right next to the hub of the resort, Town Square, featuring a mini supermarket and specialty shops.
This remarkable resort offers an incredible experience for its guests and the transformation has been celebrated on TripAdvisor with comments such as “excellent apartment” and a “memorable stay in a wonderful place”.
Peter White is the general manager at Emu Walk Apartments and he is delighted with the results. He said, “We are proud to offer modern and well-appointed apartments for our guests to relax in during their visit to Uluru. Reward Hotel Projects have completed an outstanding product that has exceeded guest expectations.”
And according to Peter the guest reaction has been “one of complete satisfaction at the size, amenities and style of Emu Walk Apartments”.
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