We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Sails In The Desert

Yulara Drive Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara, Northern Territory 0872 Australia
Enter dates to see prices
Traveler (2732)
Room & Suite (557)
Dining (146)
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

View prices for your travel dates

Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View all

About

#2 of 5 hotels in Yulara
Location
4.6
Cleanliness
4.1
Service
4.1
Value
3.4
Travelers' Choice
In Australia's Red Centre, the five star Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a decidedly luxurious outback holiday experience. Soaring white sails crown Ayers Rock Resort's Sails in the Desert hotel, shading 228 luxury five star rooms and suites. Discover the passion behind Aboriginal art at Sails in the Desert's Mulgara Gallery. Then be lulled into complete relaxation by one of the Red Ochre Spa's package treatments. Sails in the Desert hotel features an expansive gumtree lined heated swimming pool and a diversity of modern dining, bar and lounge options. Choose Sails in the Desert for an outback holiday with a unique style and modern luxury.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Bar / lounge
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Free airport transportation
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Fence around pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Special diet menus
Poolside bar
Free shuttle or taxi services
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Facial treatments
Full body massage
Massage
Salon
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Ironing service
Show more
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Iron
Flatscreen TV
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Show more
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese
See what other travelers are saying
  • kylie m
    1 contribution
    Mixed Bag
    Overall we enjoyed out stay, however a few issues did sour our experience. The not so good. 1. No acknowledgement on arrival at reception desk by a staff member who made eye contact then retreated to a back room. 2. Refurbished room 214, a terrace room costing nearly $700 for the night had a window that let in security light all night, no black out blind. Avoid this room. 3. No privacy on the terrace from the unit next door, you can walk up to the adjoining room sliding door and peer in. I would not book a terrace room, waste of money. 4. Room service tray not collected, covered in ants the next morning. 5. Pool bar advertised to close at 5:30pm, was closed at 5:00pm. 6. Mini bar has no alcohol stocked. Now to the good. 1. All bar and restaurant staff pleasant and helpful. 2. The supplied toiletries were of good quality. 3. Bed, lounge and bathroom in the room were nice. 4. Pool was clean. Would I stay again, yes but in a cheaper room.
    Date of stay: February 2020
    Written February 6, 2020
  • Diedre_11
    501 contributions
    An oasis in the desert!
    This hotel is very well run and well set out. Pros are the large rooms and just renovated bathrooms; lots of room for storage and a good size bed (rooms serviced daily). Cons are the high prices of food and beverage and no shade around/over the pool, which is kept quite cold. They can't help it but the flies are terrible! Guests should be given a flynet as they step off the aircraft! The dining room has a $75 buffet each night (not a good price for what is offered) and people not wanting the buffet are seated near the bar or in the area off the lobby - not as nice as being in the restaurant - needs re-thinking. Would definitely stay here again.
    Date of stay: February 2020
    Written February 24, 2020
  • Roslyn v
    Gold Coast, Australia151 contributions
    Outstanding Staff
    We booked our 3 night stay here in June last year and after 6 solid days of driving, with only overnight stays, we were looking forward to seeing Uluru and relaxing at Sails Resort. The young Englishman man who came to take our bags when we pulled up was friendly and helpful, even put our water in fridge for us, a great start. Lobby was appealing and bright. Reception and book in was Good, room 105. Room 105 is a disabled room. It is the room behind the large green tank, so no outlook and on the end of the row so everyone walks past and just under the laundry, no privacy. WORST ROOM in the hotel I would think. We did ask to change but we’re informed no other rooms available, so much for booking ahead for a nice room. Stephanie looked after us in the bar area and could not have been nicer, she put a smile on our faces but be aware light meals cease at 17.30😳 only tapas after that or a full buffet meal in the restaurant-nothing in between unless we walked to Town Square, about 5minutes and raining the night we arrived. First morning housekeeping came knocking at 8.30am, surely there were other rooms checking out could be done first-after all our driving we looked forward to a lazy start. Breakfast seems a shamble, the staff were lovely and did their best but we waited for well over half an hour for our breakfast to be cooked after arrival at the restaurant, we ordered cappuccino but cancelled as they still did not arrive, all seems like organised chaos. More disappointment-Field of lights cancelled due to bad weather, nothing can be done there, we just have to tackle travel agent for refund. Being able to stay so close to The Rock and The Olgas was wonderful and overall very comfortable. The staff were great, very obliging, Mariah in reception was lovely, I could not get everyone’s names but they were all fantastic, including room service girls. For us it was a once only experience, looked forward to for a long time and while I realise the cost of bringing everything in would be expensive, I felt everything priced for a captive audience, only the staff improved my rating.
    Date of stay: March 2021
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4766Reviews72Q+A100Room tips
Traveler rating
  • 1,794
  • 1,753
  • 812
  • 245
  • 163
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
  • More
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
Annette R wrote a review Today
3 contributions1 helpful vote
If you would like to see Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the Olgas (Kata Tjutas) without being willing to pay the top end rates for Longitude the Sails in the Desert is your only choice and they know it. Arriving tired from Sydney the check-in already was difficult as the reception was unable to confirm my pick up time for the next morning with the tour operator. I had to go to the booking center in the village to do so myself. Further I could not find my room due to the completely misleading signs. Staff was hoity toity and not helpful at all. The porters had their pleasure watching me shoving around my heavy suitcase looking for my room. The room was spacious but most impractical, e.g. with a sofa you could not sit on, a dirty carpet where tiles would be much cleaner and cooler and a lot of wasted space on a huge terrace no one will ever use due to the heat and the flies. The bathroom was modern and ok. I stayed for 3 nights but could only have breakfast once due to the early departure of my tours. The breakfast at Ilkari was ok, service was average. I also had lunch twice at Walpa which was also average at the most. Staff in general was not very eager to work. The whole place was rather dirty and unkempt and unlit at night making you wandering around in the dark looking for your room. Hallways are just open to the desert. There are no doors, walls, fences or gates. Every uninvited visitor be it human or wildlife can just come in. How could one feel comfortable in such a place? At check out the reception refused to give me a receipt although my account was settled in full. I would have liked to have my bag stored for a few hours to stroll once more through the village, but they do not have a room to store bags. They just put your luggage on the road outside in front of the hotel. Impossible! As a matter of fact when the bus to the airport left there was a bag missing. So I took my bag and a seat in the lobby. As an added attraction before departure there was a fire alarm. So I went outside in front of the entrace, some other guests also did, some of the employees came out as well, others did not. It was a whole chaos with no organization at all. There were no instructions, no evacuation, nothing. The Yulara fire brigade arrived within 10 min, they are located close by. This is not the way however I expect any hotel to deal with an emergency. I left with the next AAT Kings transfer bus to Yulara airport. Sitting at the airport waiting for my flight was still better than spending more time at Sails in the Desert. Also I forgot my walking pole in my room ( yes, my own fault) which the maid must have noticed minutes after I left when I still was in the lobby, but no one cared. In Europe this would be a 3 star hotel maximum. The location is no excuse. I have been in other remote places and things were just running smoothly and staff was much more welcoming and friendly.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
MonB643 wrote a review Sep 23
Auckland, New Zealand57 contributions19 helpful votes
The whole resort is set up to cater to the tourists, starting with the shuttle bus which picks you up from the airport, it was on time and organised to take people to the different accomodations. At Sails we had a very spacious room and bathroom with plenty of room for two people (could sleep up to 4 as there were two beds). The beds were comfortable and there were nice toiletries in the bathroom. Staff at the hotel and resort as a whole were very helpful and friendly. We ate at the breakfast buffet which was good and had drinks at the lounge bar and the pool bar. Bathroom facilities in the lounge and pool area were very clean. The pool area was relaxing with plenty of shelter from the sun. It was a short walk to the town square which had an IGA, post office, gift shops (essential to buy your fly net) and a restaurant. It's easy to get around the resort and to the different activities with the buses collecting you from the main entrance, including the shuttle back to the airport.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: You can stock up on breakfast foods at the IGA (5 min walk away) if you don't want to pay for the...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Jenny B wrote a review Sep 19
2 contributions
Fabulous resort. Friendly helpful staff, gorgeous grounds, excellent accommodation and delicious food - what more could you want? An experience to remember. The guided tours are definitely recommended.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Sarah C wrote a review Sep 7
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia6 contributions2 helpful votes
Brilliant from start to finish. From the airport pick up, welcome drink, spacious room, perfect location. Great place for relaxing and knowing nothing is too much trouble for the staff. Highly recommend staying here.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Voyages Travel Centre, General Manager at Sails In The Desert
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you for your feedback! We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay with us! We hope to be able to welcome you back one day soon!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
649ic wrote a review Sep 7
New York City, New York431 contributions833 helpful votes
We spent a night here on the way to Longitude 131 as we wanted to not be caught with a big loss in case our flight here was cancelled or delayed. We were expecting a pretty crappy hotel but it was better than that, at least in the top suites. We had a deluxe suite with a connecting room (rooms 263 and 267). It had several terraces, a really nice bathroom and living room and the bedroom was decent. The connecting twin room was fine as well. Everything had been recently renovated. The TV's never worked; something with the satellite. People occasionally answered the telephones. Good AC and water. The grounds are pretty and look like a typical kibbutz guesthouse. The swimming pool was unheated and quite cold. The dinner and breakfast buffets were a pleasant surprise; they were really good. There is no gym here -- a big disappointment because a place like this certainly could support one. The hotel offers a courtesy shuttle from the airport, which is about a ten minute ride. The hotel is 5 minutes walk from a small town square with shopping, art gallery, supermarket and various amusements such as a theater with hourly programs during the day, but for some reason the lunch cafe and ice cream kiosk close at 2pm and the ticketing office opens at 10, which makes no sense to people going on day trips that need a ticketing office in the morning and a cafe or a treat when they return. There is an overlook for nice views of the Rock at sunset and we went to the evening drone show which was meh. It probably makes more sense if you are "high" when you watch it because none of us understood its exceedingly slow story line. I wouldn't want to spend more than a day or two here because I think you'd go bonkers with boredom after a day of the buffets and no gym, but for what it is as a stopover, it was fine. It's also fine if this is the place you are going to use as a base for exploring the area.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
57lesley2015 wrote a review Sep 3
Sydney, Australia50 contributions50 helpful votes
OMG a must when you visit Uluru. Stayed in a terrace room and the space in side and the outdoor area was amazing. Very comfortable beds, a toilet problem was rectified at lightening speed. The buffet breakfast was so plentiful and scrumptious. Short walk to shops for any necessities. When we arrived we were greeted with a small drink and towel to freshen up before we had even checked in! When we departed via coach to Alice Springs, our baggage was looked after and we did not have to worry about anything. Would not choose anywhere else if I came here again.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Everything is perfect.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Voyages Travel Centre, General Manager at Sails In The Desert
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you for your enthusiastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing stay in one of our terrace rooms and that you found the space both inside and outside to be wonderful. It's great to know that you had a comfortable stay with us, and we're glad that any issues were promptly resolved. Our buffet breakfast and the short walk to nearby shops seemed to have added to your enjoyable stay. We're delighted that you appreciated our warm welcome and the assistance with your baggage upon departure. We look forward to hosting you again if you return to Uluru in the future.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
carinkle wrote a review Aug 2023
bahamas1 contribution1 helpful vote
Lovely hotel, all staff are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. The food at both restaurant and bar is very good and the specialty drinks were a treat with native ingredients starring. Transport was spot on. Completely satisfied with everything about the stay. Hope to return soon and stay longer
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Plan to stay at least 3 days and definitely try the specialty cocktails.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from Voyages Travel Centre, General Manager at Sails In The Desert
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you for your feedback! We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay with us! We hope to be able to welcome you back one day soon!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
241cathyg wrote a review Aug 2023
West Nowra, Australia102 contributions12 helpful votes
+1
The service is amazing, Sails in the Desert provide a complimentary airport pick up & return shuttle service, the drivers were helpful, informative & friendly. Check in was busy but still didn’t take very long. We had a superior king room & it was spacious, comfortable & clean. The outdoor areas are well maintained & the pool dining area was very popular. The staff are extremely helpful & friendly & made our stay a really pleasant experience. There are free activities and they can also assist with tours. I would definitely stay here again.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Rosebond wrote a review Aug 2023
Melbourne, Australia43 contributions35 helpful votes
The room was spotless and comfortable....THe restaurant was huge and had a variety of food for the buffet dinner menu, the Bar was great to have a quiet drink and light lunch and coffee.... Pool was lovely although we only sat around it in the sunshine and warmth .... activities are varied and can recommend the Sunrise tour along with the Professional Helicopter ride over the area...Ghecko Cafe also serve great pizza and food...and loved the Dot painting.... highly recommend Sails in the Desert...
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Simon W wrote a review Aug 2023
24 contributions39 helpful votes
This was a great hotel and we all enjoyed staying here ( family of 4 with 2 kids aged 9 and 10) - the breakfast is not to be missed! After a full day walking in the national park it was a great place to rest - the air conditioning was good and the beds comfortable.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Plenty of parking available
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Voyages Travel Centre, General Manager at Sails In The Desert
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you for choosing our hotel for your family stay. We're delighted to hear that you all enjoyed your time here, especially the breakfast. It's great to know that our hotel provided a comfortable place to rest after a full day of exploring the national park. We appreciate your positive feedback about the air conditioning and comfortable beds. We hope to welcome you and your family back for another enjoyable stay in the future.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Previous
123456
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Yulara area.
PRICE RANGE
$259 - $407 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sails in the desert ayers rock hotel yulara
LOCATION
AustraliaNorthern TerritoryRed CentreYulara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
232
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

SAILS IN THE DESERT - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews (Australia/Yulara)

Frequently Asked Questions about Sails In The Desert
Which popular attractions are close to Sails In The Desert?
Nearby attractions include Maruku Arts (0.10 miles), Wintjiri Arts + Museum (0.1 miles), and Red Desert Reptiles (1.0 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Sails In The Desert?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Sails In The Desert?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Sails In The Desert?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Sails In The Desert?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Sails In The Desert?
Conveniently located restaurants include Kulata Academy Cafe, Arnguli Grill & Restaurant, and Sounds of Silence.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Sails In The Desert?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Sails In The Desert have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Sails In The Desert offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Sails In The Desert have airport transportation?
Yes, Sails In The Desert offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Sails In The Desert located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.09 miles away from the center of Yulara.
Does Sails In The Desert offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.