Escape for a Break

Exotic and spoiling self-catering apartments for 2-6 people, in the heart of downtown Darwin

In a city of characterless brand hotels and drab motels, these hip havens spread between 3 different residential complexes are as welcome as the owners are welcoming. Tropical Darwin, with its verdant palm-filled gardens, aquamarine bay, exotic Asian markets and Aboriginal art galleries, is right on your doorstep, but you need hardly step outside. Moya and Peter have succeeded in bringing the city’s sultry atmosphere, melting-pot flavours and languid vibe right into their handful of apartments through stylish design and colourful attention to detail.

When you arrive you’re greeted with a softly lit apartment, ambiant music and incense wafting through the air, plus a welcome package of goodies to get you started, including cold champagne, icy beers, tropical fruit, fresh bread, and scrumptious jam. There's smart contemporary décor, original art on the walls, and thoughtful touches like expresso machines, iPod docking stations and local magazines. Superbly located smack-bang in the city centre, with shops, restaurants, bars and pubs a short stroll away, they make an ideal base to take in the sights, do some shopping, and test out the nightlife while you acclimatise and recover from jet-lag. And they allow split-stays so you could take a side trip to Kakadu, Kununurra or Katherine.

Highs

• Very spoiling set-ups: champagne, super-comfy beds laden with plump pillows and top quality linens, luxe organic toiletries, top quality fittings and hi-tech Miele kitchens. Most have access to a pool or rooftop spa
• Ceiling fans, bird cages and big palm-filled patios reflect the city’s tropical vibe and laidback outdoor lifestyle
• Stylish East-West décor in individually-decorated apartments successfully incorporates contemporary furniture with fine art collected by the discerning owners
• Accommodation to suit everybody: the 1-bedroomed Pintu Merah makes a romantic nest for 2 or ideal work base; the larger apartments are good for families or friends, with 1-3 bedrooms, BBQs, baby cots and highchairs

Lows

• The absence of room service, concierge and daily housekeeping won’t suit travellers who like their hands held, but Peter and Moya are a phone call away near Moonshadow Villas
• Although all apartments have parking, some might struggle to accommodate a high-top 4WD, although other car parks are a short stroll away
• 3-night minimum stay required