Sails in the Desert: Breakfast, Pool, Rooms & More Guide

You’re planning a trip to Uluru and you’ve heard about a five-star resort with white sails and a swimming pool under desert skies. But before you book, there are a few things the glossy brochures don’t make obvious – like whether breakfast is actually included, and whether that pool is heated when the desert chill sets in. This guide walks through exactly what Sails in the Desert offers, what you’ll pay for, and what reviewers wish they’d known before arriving.

Number of rooms: 228 ·
Pool type: Heated outdoor pool ·
Star rating: Five-star ·
Amenities: Tennis court, day spa ·
Location: Yulara, Northern Territory

The table below distills the essential facts for planning a stay at this five-star property.

Is breakfast included at Sails in the Desert?

This is the single most common pre-booking question, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you’d expect from a five-star resort. The official website does not explicitly state that breakfast is bundled into standard rates. According to a TripAdvisor feature page (guest review site), at least one guest reported that breakfast was “a good quality buffet included in the deal”, but that is not universal policy.

Understanding the breakfast package

• Breakfast is served at Ilkari Buffet (SingleFlyer (independently published travel blog))
• A 2017 report priced breakfast at AUD 40 per person; a more recent YouTube review says AUD 48 per adult and AUD 24 for children aged 5–15, with under‑5s free (YouTube review (personal travel vlog))
• Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

All-inclusive vs. breakfast-only options

• The resort does not advertise all-inclusive packages on its public rate pages; package details are only available at booking
• Guests should confirm directly with the hotel whether their rate includes breakfast – and if not, ask about adding it as an extra

Is the pool at Sails in the Desert heated?

Yes. Multiple sources confirm the resort’s outdoor swimming pool is heated – a welcome detail for guests visiting during the cooler winter months (June–August), when desert nights can drop below 5 °C. The Telegraph (leading UK travel media) describes rooms “arc[ing] around a heated, shaded pool”, while TripAdvisor reviews call it “an expansive gumtree lined heated swimming pool”.

Pool amenities and hours

• Outdoor pool open year-round (heated)
• Surrounded by gum trees for shade (kimkim (bespoke travel specialists))
• Poolside loungers and towels provided

Heated pool details

• Temperature is managed by the resort; exact degrees not published
• Pool hours are typically early morning to evening (no official closing time posted)

The implication: for travellers who prioritise swimming regardless of season, the heated pool is a genuine differentiator compared to many outback lodges that offer only unheated plunge pools.

How many rooms are at Sails in the Desert?

The resort has 228 guestrooms and suites – a fact confirmed by The Telegraph, Expedia, and the official Ayers Rock Resort website. Rooms are described as “lavishly appointed” with modern amenities: air conditioning, free internet access, and comfortable beds (Agoda (online accommodation booking)).

Room types and suites

• Desert View rooms – overlooking the resort gardens
• Red Centre Suites – more spacious with separate living area
• Each room includes ensuite bathroom, minibar, and tea/coffee facilities (Expedia amenity list)

Occupancy and capacity

• Standard rooms accommodate up to 2 adults + 1 child (on request)
• Suites can fit a rollaway bed for families
• Total guest capacity roughly 400–500, depending on configuration

The trade-off: 228 rooms means the resort feels large enough to offer multiple dining venues and amenities, but it also fills up quickly during peak seasons (April–October). Early booking is recommended.

What dining and food options are available at Sails in the Desert?

Dining at the resort revolves around three main venues plus room service. The flagship restaurant showcases modern Australian cuisine, often featuring local ingredients such as kangaroo, barramundi, and bush tomatoes.

On-site restaurants and menus

• Ilkari Restaurant – buffet breakfast and dinner with seafood, salad, and dessert stations (YouTube review)
• Walpa Lobby Bar – light meals, cocktails, and live music
• Mangata Bistro & Bar – casual all-day dining

Cuisine types and dietary options

• Modern Australian with international influences (SingleFlyer)
• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available on request
• Special dietary needs should be communicated at booking

Room service and bar options

• Room service available during restaurant hours
• The Walpa Lobby Bar is open late, offering wines from the region

What are the reviews and location details of Sails in the Desert?

Sails in the Desert consistently earns high marks from guests. On TripAdvisor it holds a rating of around 4.5 stars, with praise for the rooms, staff friendliness, and the heated pool. However, some reviews note that pricing can feel steep – a YouTube review mentioned AUD 350 per night in busier periods, without breakfast included.

Guest ratings and feedback

• TripAdvisor: 4.5/5 (as of 2025)
• Booking.com: 8.5/10
• Agoda: consistently high marks for comfort and beds (Agoda user comments)

Address and map location

• Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara NT 0872, Australia
• Located 20 minutes from Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ)
• Adjacent to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park entrance (kimkim)

Contact information

• Phone: +61 2 9021 5000 (reservations) – listed on the official Ayers Rock Resort website
• Email via the resort’s website contact form

The pattern: reviews are overwhelmingly positive on comfort and location, but the cost landscape – particularly whether meals are included – creates the main friction point for budget-conscious travellers.

The table below captures the key specifications that matter for booking decisions.

Clarity check: what’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• Number of rooms: 228 (The Telegraph)
• Pool: heated outdoor (TripAdvisor)
• Star rating: five-star (Expedia)
• Location: Yulara, near Uluru (kimkim)
• Amenities: tennis court and day spa (Expedia)

What’s unclear

• Whether breakfast is included in standard rates – official site is silent; guest reports vary
• Exact year the resort opened – not prominently posted by the operator
• Full details of all-inclusive packages – only available via direct inquiry
• Free cancellation policy – depends on booking platform
• Pet policy – no clear statement found in public materials

“Indulgent escapes await at Sails in the Desert, where soaring white sails shade 228 lavish guestrooms and suites.”

– Official Ayers Rock Resort website (promotional copy)

“Sails in the Desert hotel features an expansive gumtree lined heated swimming pool.”

– TripAdvisor review snippet (guest feedback)

For travellers weighing up a stay at this Uluru landmark, Sails in the Desert delivers luxury in the red centre, but the fine print around meals and extras means you’ll need to confirm your rate’s inclusions at the time of booking, or budget an extra AUD 48 per adult per day for breakfast.

Those interested in the resort’s amenities can find a detailed overview in this detailed Sails in the Desert guide.

Frequently asked questions