Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, refurbished: Between rock and a star place

The multimillion-dollar refurb of Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta sees its tented accommodation and guest spaces refreshed and updated in a collaboration between architects Max Pritchard Gunner – the team behind Baillie Lodges' award-winning Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island – and owners James and Hayley Baillie.

But sure to set luxury-loving hearts aflutter is the new premium suite, the Dune Pavilion, a modern take on the Australian homestead, and the only accommodation to give views of both World Heritage-listed Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

It's accompanied by the Dune Top, a glamorous open air venue just begging for sundowners. Daybeds and a "help-yourself" bar have been added to the pool area, and the outdoor dining Table 131° has been remodelled to include a central campfire.

The main guest lounging and dining areas are accessed via a dramatic new entrance, revealing Uluru through floor-to-ceiling glass in the guest hub, the Dune House, which has its own reception, bar, lounge, restaurant and expanded outdoor terrace.

Vibrant ceramics and art works from nearby Indigenous communities feature throughout; in the bar there are more than 500 hand-painted tiles by 19 artists from Ernabella Arts Community in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands.

Another welcome addition to Uluru's most luxurious digs is Spa Kinara, offering a menu of signature treatments using the Australian LI'TYA range and locally sourced botanicals.

Rates at the resort start from $1400 a person a night (based on a two-night stay) and include all dining, open bar with champagne, premium wines and spirits, in-suite bar, signature experiences and return Ayers Rock Airport transfers.

Phone +61 2 9918 4355. See longitude131.com.au