Caroline Clements

Sal Salis

  • Where:
  • Why:A treat while on the Western Australia leg of a research trip for a book about the best places to swim in Australia.
  • When:October 2017 (the last week of the season before they close until March).
  • Who:Me and my co-author @helloscruffalo.
Sal Salis Turquoise Bay in Ningaloo Reef – the snorkeling capital of Australia.

Turquoise Bay in Ningaloo Reef – the snorkeling capital of Australia.

Sal Salis Kicking back in the afternoon sun on the hammock outside our tent.

Kicking back in the afternoon sun on the hammock outside our tent.

Sal Salis The hotel sits along a coastline with mind-blowing beaches that look like this. The water is clear and warm and made for coral reef adventures. This is paradise.

The hotel sits along a coastline with mind-blowing beaches that look like this. The water is clear and warm and made for coral reef adventures. This is paradise.

Highs & Lows

  • The isolation - this place is extremely remote. You leave your car at the car park nearby, are met by a host to take your bags, and make the 700 metres pilgrimage over the dunes to your luxury tent – bliss.

  • The biggest swimming pool out front is the beach. The water is crystal clear and warm, and sand is so white. The reef here rivals the Great Barrier Reef and is World Heritage Listed. This could be the snorkelling capital of Australia.

  • Daily activities available to all guests include snorkelling, kayaking, hikes and whale watching, to places you might not otherwise access. Put you name down on the board in the communal area and guides will take you there.

  • The camp’s environmental credentials means Sal Salis has a minimal footprint in this natural environment.

  • The only low here is the tide, but you can work around it.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 48/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Wild bush luxury on one of Australia’s best beaches. Where the outback meets the reef.

  • Vibe

    Relaxed, Australiana beach vibes with luxury trimmings.

  • Location

    Totally off the grid in the arid North Western peninsula of Ningaloo Reef in WA. The closest town of Exmouth is 80 kilometres away. There is no phone reception.

  • Rooms

    15 luxury tents.

  • Music

    On Human Spectacle by WA band Methyl Ethel

  • Year Opened

    Sal Salis reopened as luxury accommodation in 2016, when more tents were added, the lodge was extended and the kitchen was upgraded.

  • Designed By

    Not sure...

  • Health & Wellness

    No, but the ocean and beach are right on your doorstep and lots of activities to do (snorkeling, kayaking, hiking).

  • Restaurant

    A communal dining area where all guests eat together. A stay at Sal Salis is inclusive of all meals, cooked by in-house resident chefs. The food and drink are Western Australia-sourced, using the best of Australian bush cuisine. Locally caught fish features regularly.

  • Bar

    Yes, in the communal lounge area there is an open bar where you can make yourself a drink at any time. The selection is mostly Western Australian beers, wine and spirits.

  • Minibar

    Not in the tent, but there is an open bar in the communal area.

  • Children

    Are welcome and can be accommodated for, but tents are built for couples.

  • Price

    The very top end for camping.

  • Website

    Visit website

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