Darwin Airport Resorts strikes gold at national hotel awards

Australia’s first-ever airport resort has earned national recognition, with Darwin Airport Resorts taking home Best Marketed Hotel (Accommodation) at the Australian Hotel Awards for Excellence.

Competing against top performers from every state and territory, the resort’s win was announced at a glittering ceremony on the Gold Coast, where Director of Sales & Marketing Nadee Wicks accepted the award on behalf of the team.

The category recognises “venue excellence” and is judged on a comprehensive set of criteria, including marketing strategy, campaign implementation, digital communication, and the quality of branding and collateral. For Darwin Airport Resorts, the award is a major endorsement of its bold positioning as a new style of airport accommodation.

A pioneering resort experience just steps from the terminal

Just a five-minute walk from Darwin Airport’s terminals, the resort delivers a distinctly Top End experience.

Celebrating Indigenous culture and the region’s tropical character, the property emerged from the amalgamation of Novotel, Mercure and Ibis into a single integrated resort.

It is a transformation made possible by a $41 million investment from owners, Airport Development Group (ADG).

The redevelopment linked all three hotels around a central hub featuring a 65-metre lagoon-style pool — one of the largest hotel pools in Australia — along with a consolidated reception and lounge, the alfresco Splash Café, and the newly opened Poolhouse Bar & Kitchen.

The resort also offers luxury Pool Villas and the newly launched Rapid Creek Villas, which overlook the tropical bushland of the Rapid Creek Conservation Reserve (Gurumai in the Larrakia language).

A self-guided walking trail introduces visitors to the area’s cultural significance, local history, and native bush tucker and medicinal plants.

Honouring Larrakia Country through design and training

A standout of the redevelopment is the extensive use of Indigenous artwork and theming throughout the resort, reflecting its connection to Larrakia Country. The property also launched an Indigenous Training Academy, reinforcing its commitment to meaningful cultural representation and long-term employment pathways.

Poolhouse Bar & Kitchen elevates the offering

Strong demand from both travellers and Darwin locals led to the creation of the Poolhouse Bar & Kitchen, a vibrant dining venue featuring Californian boho theming blended with Top End influences. Seating up to 170 guests, the restaurant is helmed by chef Laurence Lochouarn, whose global career spans Michelin-starred kitchens and leadership at Darwin’s iconic Char Restaurant.

Celebrating a win for the Territory

Director of Sales & Marketing Nadee Wicks said the award reflects the innovative thinking behind the resort’s marketing approach.

“We’re incredibly proud to see our resort recognised on the national stage. This award reflects the creativity, consistency, and connection behind every campaign we’ve delivered; all designed to showcase the unique charm of the NT and redefine the airport hotel experience. It’s a win for our entire team and for Territory tourism.”

General Manager Raymond Bragg said the vision behind the resort was always ambitious — and intentionally unlike anything else in the Australian market.

“This is a truly pioneering development. There has never been anything like Darwin Airport Resorts in Australia; in fact, there are very few examples of an airport ‘resort’ anywhere in the world. We’ve redefined the concept of airport accommodation.”

Mr Bragg said the team worked hard to educate the market as the idea of a tropical resort beside an airport terminal was “new and unusual”.

“It gives visitors to the Top End an immediate taste of their destination — the tropical climate, our Indigenous legacy — and we’re perfectly placed for those heading to Kakadu, Litchfield or Arnhem Land. Locals are embracing the dining and leisure offerings too, which is exactly what we hoped for.”

“With an outstanding chef, an adventurous menu, and a warm tropical ambience, the new restaurant is a major drawcard. Our goal has been to create a world-class resort experience without having to leave the airport.”

Read: New era for Darwin Airport Resorts in AccomNews HERE