Longitude 131 resort, Uluru: Luxury in the heart of Australia

Scattered over a series of low-rise dunes facing Uluru, Longitude 131's 15 luxury "tents", designed by Australian architect Philip Cox, opened in 2003. Of course, they're not really tents; they're hotel rooms made to look like tents.

That's not to say they're not gorgeous. This is "tented accommodation" par excellence – luxurious residences with all mod cons, stunning views of Uluru through floor-to-ceiling windows and that raised roof look which brings to mind either the circus or a desert harem in a 1920s silent movie.

For the first 10 years, though, they had no balconies. In early photographs they look weirdly truncated, like luxury cars with their bonnets sheared off. The effect is especially noticeable since the multi- multimillion-dollar renovation by Baillie Lodges added new balconies complete with daybeds, armchairs and a modern take on the fireplace set in a stone and rosewood bench.

Designed by Max Pritchard, the architect who was behind the design of Baillie Lodges' Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, the balconies meld seamlessly into the previous design., as if they've always been there.

The balconies have also allowed guests the opportunity to sleep out under the stars – and there are plenty of them out here - – without all the worries of ants (honey or otherwise), snakes and assorted wandering wildlife. After an alfresco dinner in the desert at Table 131, you can now snuggle up under a bespoke luxury swag for two – a modern reinvention of the traditional Australian bushman's bedroll – and gaze at the constellations above.

Unfurled at nightfall in front of the fireplace, the swags are offered as part of a new evening service which includes stylish decanters of port, C cognac and Baileys along with a selection of after-dinner snacks.

Baillie Lodges M managing D director James Baillie said the balconies were part of a plan to "take the property to new levels of luxury".

He added:"The new balconies and luxury swags create a whole new level of intimacy, completely removing any barrier between the visitor and the landscape at Australia's spiritual heart."

Rates at Longitude 131 are from $1350 per a person per a night twin share (minimum two-night stay) and include all dining, open bar, in-suite bar, signature experiences and return Ayers Rock Airport transfers.

For more information and reservations, contact Baillie Lodges on 02 9918 4355 or reserve@baillielodges.com.au. See also www.longitude131.com.au