Baillie Lodges to Steer New Vision for Longitude 131°

Acclaimed Australian desert camp Longitude 131° has joined the Baillie Lodges collection of luxury wilderness destinations, paving the way for additional investment and new experiences at the gateway to Uluṟu.

Baillie Lodges will take over the operation of Longitude 131° from November 1 under an agreement with the Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, aligning the iconic property with the group’s existing Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island.

Situated discreetly adjacent to the World Heritage-listed Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Longitude 131° offers 15 elevated luxury tents with unrivalled private views of Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) and the surrounding desert landscape.  Having established itself among Australia’s most celebrated luxury wilderness experiences, the property will now evolve further under the vision of James and Hayley Baillie.

James Baillie said the addition of Longitude 131° to the Baillie Lodges portfolio provided an exciting opportunity to enhance an extraordinary outback experience.

“We feel very privileged to be entrusted with its stewardship and to take Longitude 131° forward into its next decade,” Mr Baillie said. “It has incredible potential and we intend to invest in both the property and the experience to create an even deeper connection with the desert landscape and the indigenous culture.”

Mr Baillie said Longitude 131° would undergo an initial interior refreshment and product refinement in the first part of 2014 before embarking on a wider refurbishment and expansion in the future.

Plans include new interiors inspired by Indigenous heritage and the addition of outdoor lounges and fireplaces.

New premium canopy suites will be created with expansive lounge areas, fireplaces and a horizon pool facing Uluṟu, while a new dune-top retreat will have an infinity pool and a lounging and dining deck for enjoying sunsets and dinners under the stars.

Renowned South Australian architect and Southern Ocean Lodge designer Max Pritchard has been engaged as part of the new vision.

Other plans include an expanded program of experiences designed for longer-stay guests, enabling them to immerse in more of the spectacular desert landscapes and ancient indigenous culture of Central Australia.