AIRPORTS can be some of the most boring places to have to kill time, with very little in the way of entertainment.
Just as dull are airport hotels, which typically tend to offer nothing more than a bland room in a strategic location for a late arrival or an early departure.
Booking.comThe resort is set among tropical gardens next to a wetlands[/caption]
Guests can book private villas with their own plunge pools
The Darwin Didgeridoo is an indigenous art piece at the resort
However, that could all be set to change, with one of the world’s first “airport resorts” now open in Australia.
The luxury accommodation option has opened just over the road from Darwin International Airport, in Australia’s Northern Territory and is much more than just a well-situated bed for the night.
Instead, guests checking into the Mercure Darwin Airport Resort will have access to one of the biggest swimming pools in the country, as well as beach cabanas and private plunge pools.
The hotel is built among tropical gardens and has views overlooking Rapid Creek wetlands.
Following a $30 million (£16m) refurbishment, it has much more glamorous bedding options that your typical airport accommodation.
The 423-room resort has private villas with their own plunge pools, outdoor decks, king-sized beds and luxurious bathrooms.
Family suites and freestanding bungalows are also in place for people using the resort as their main accommodation, rather than just somewhere nice to stay near the airport.
Given that it’s only a 15 minute ride to Darwin city centre, it’s easy to see people doing that so they can make the most of the resort’s facilities.
Outside there’s a 60 metre-long pool, which is one of the biggest in all of Australia, as well as a kids’ pool area with slides and fountains for youngsters to splash around in.
New dining options have also been included in the renovation, with the Splash Cafe and Cossies Poolside Bar and Bistro offering meals both indoor and outdoor.
Guests also have access to an outdoor barbecue area.
All rooms have en suite bathrooms, and private balconies or patios.
As well as luxury accommodation, the hotel aims to offer an insight into Australia’s indigenous culture.
It’s built on the traditional lands of the Larrakia Nation and each villa has been named after a leading Territorian with their story included on the walls.
There’s also a commissioned indigenous art piece that can be found outside by the pool in the shape of a 41-metre tower known as the Darwin Didgeridoo.
WA Today wrote: “A striking feature is the 41-metre water tower, featuring an Indigenous mural by local artist Tony Lee.
“Officially called the Water Tower Welcome to Country Project, it’s affectionately known as the “Darwin Didgeridoo” and tells three distinct Dreaming stories, including the Rainbow Serpent and the creation of the stars.”
Guests can also book the Gurambai Cultural Experience during their stay.
This involves an hour-long walk through the Rapid Creek Conservation Area, guided by Larrakia guides.
A night in the resort starts from £99 for two in a superior room with queen bed.
However, a pool willa with extra large double bed, private pool and garden view will cost around £283 per night.
Accor, who run the hotel, said on their website: “Mercure Darwin Airport Resort offers stylish accommodation where guests can relax in lush tropical surroundings.
“It is adjacent to the stunning pools and wetlands of Rapid Creek. Located 300m from the Darwin Domestic and International Airport, the resort is perfect for both leisure and business travellers.”
Meanwhile, these are some of the best airport accommodation options in the world.
And this airport has been transformed into a 60’s style hotel.
Booking.comRooms at the airport resort start from £99 for a room for two[/caption]
Booking.comPoolside cabanas can be enjoyed by guests staying at the resort[/caption]
The resort has one of the biggest swimming pools in all of Australia