The Darwin Airport Resort, a result of a collaboration between the Airport Development Group (ADG) and Accor, Australia’s largest hotel group, has garnered recognition in the hospitality sector, securing three prestigious titles at the 2024 Hospitality NT Awards for Excellence. Following a comprehensive $30 million renovation, which included the merger of the adjacent Novotel and Mercure hotels, the resort received accolades for Best Superior Accommodation, Best Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel, and Best Overall Accommodation Hotel. The extensive renovation project involved an overhaul of the existing facilities and the addition of luxurious amenities such as pool villas, suites, and bungalows, all designed to complement Darwin’s tropical ambiance. A key feature of this integration is the impressive new reception and lounge area that offers views of the newly installed 61-meter, one million-liter swimming pool, ranking among Australia’s largest hotel pools. This area is further enhanced by poolside cabanas, a children’s aquatic playground, new poolside dining options, and lush tropical vegetation. The resort boasts a diverse range of accommodations within its 423-room inventory. The upgraded rooms in the Novotel and Mercure hotels feature modern interior designs, while guests also have the option of choosing from family suites, standalone bungalows, and exclusive 5-star tropical pool villas equipped with private plunge pools. The villas pay homage to the local Larrakia country by naming each after a notable Territorian, whose stories are shared with guests. The resort also engages guests with the local culture through prominent Indigenous artwork, including a 41-meter mural on a water tower, aptly nicknamed the ‘Darwin Didgeridoo,’ and other commissioned pieces, enriching guests’ connection to the Larrakia people. Furthermore, ADG has initiated an Indigenous Training Academy aimed at training and mentoring Aboriginal employees across the hotel, airport, and broader Northern Territory tourism and hospitality sectors. Enhancements were also made to the hotels’ culinary offerings, with new venues like Splash Café and Cossie’s Poolside Bar & Bistro providing guests with all-day dining and refreshment options. Chris Chaffe, General Manager of Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort, expressed that the accolades from the Hospitality NT Awards for Excellence affirm the transformative impact of the renovation on the Northern Territory’s tourism and hospitality landscape. “The project was a first for Australia, it was bold and exciting, and the results have been outstanding,” said Mr Chaffe. “There are more elements to come in the property’s evolution, but it was wonderful for the team to be able to celebrate these awards so soon after the relaunch. “The extensive renovations have enhanced the resort’s aesthetic appeal and significantly improved the guest experience. With lush tropical gardens, contemporary interiors, and upgraded amenities, the resort now offers a sanctuary that harmoniously blends comfort with Darwin’s tropical environment. “The hotels provide a warm and authentic introduction to the Top End, and the integration of Indigenous art, culture and employees into the project gives a real taste of the Larrakia nation. “I am very proud of the team and am confident that the success of the hotels will provide a very welcome boost to Northern Territory’s tourism sector, which is still to recover fully to 2019 visitor levels.”
Darwin Airport Resort Wins Big at Hospitality NT Awards
