Darwin Airport Resort was only launched in December 2023, but it is already winning acclaim in the accommodation industry, having won a trio of titles in the Hospitality NT Awards for Excellence 2024.
The Resort, which was launched following a $30 million upgrade and integration of the adjacent Novotel and Mercure hotels, won awards for:
- Best Superior Accommodation
- Best Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel
- Best Overall Accommodation Hotel
The hotels are owned by Airport Development Group (ADG), which also owns Darwin Airport. ADG’s visionary $30 million investment in the project has produced a remarkable transformation of the hotels involving the progressive refurbishment of existing rooms and the creation of new pool villas, suites, and bungalows, perfectly capturing Darwin’s tropical environment.
Central to the integration of the hotels is a stunning new reception and lounge area, which overlooks a new 61-metre, one million-litre swimming pool, one of the largest hotel pools in Australia. Complementing the vast pool are poolside cabanas, a children’s aquatic playground, new poolside dining, and extensive planting of trees and tropical greenery.
A feature of the resort is the diversity of rooms available to guests in its 423-room inventory. The refurbished Novotel and Mercure hotel rooms boast sleek new interior designs, while guests can also choose family suites, freestanding bungalows, and new 5-star tropical pool villas with their own plunge pools.
Capturing their connection to Larrakia country, each villa is named after a leading Territorian, with their story outlined for guests to read.
Guests are immediately immersed in Darwin’s tropical environment with the striking Indigenous mural painting that covers the 41-metre water tower in front of the hotels. Nicknamed the ‘Darwin Didgeridoo,’ the massive art piece gives visitors a memorable first connection to Darwin’s Larrakia people and tells their story. Two other striking Indigenous murals were commissioned as part of the redevelopment.
ADG has also established an Indigenous Training Academy to develop and mentor Aboriginal employees for the hotel, airport and the wider Northern Territory tourism and hospitality sector.
The project included upgrades to the hotels’ food and beverage offerings. Guests can now enjoy all-day dining and refreshments at the new Splash Café and the laid-back Cossie’s Poolside Bar & Bistro.
Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort General Manager Chris Chaffe said recognition in the Hospitality NT Awards for Excellence was a powerful endorsement of the visionary project’s impact on the Northern Territory tourism and hospitality sector.
“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.”
