Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

Nestled in a private valley and protected by soaring bush escarpments, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley takes design, conservation, relaxation and ultra-luxury to an unprecedented level. The 7,000-acre resort is located between two national parks in the World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains, a mere 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney on Australia’s Great Dividing Range, and is one of the world’s leading examples of carbon neutral conservation. Australia’s unique history, environment and wildlife are both honoured and celebrated with One&Only style and a comprehensive menu of wildlife adventures, wellness activities, spa experiences and the finest food and wine.

The pioneering history of the region can be explored in the meticulously restored 1832 Heritage Homestead, an original settler’s farmhouse built by European farmer William Walker in 1832 and visited by Charles Darwin in 1836, when he was a guest of the Walker Family. The impressive “living museum” was restored under the UNESCO Burra Charter, staying true to the craftsmanship of the time, and is open for guests to explore.

From the moment guests arrive, they are transported to an unforgettable and distinctively Australian bushland experience. With a nod to traditional rural Australia, guests at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley indulge in one of 40 stand-alone villas inspired by Australian Federation architecture, but including every modern amenity. Each villa boasts a separate living and bedroom area, spacious walk-in closets and a double-sided fireplace, as well as its own private indoor/outdoor temperature controlled pool and a scenic wrap-around verandah, allowing guests to drink in the spectacular landscape of the resort’s wildlife reserve between the Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park. There are 36 Heritage Villas, spacious one-bedroom king villas for two guests with an internal area of 83 square metres, three two-bedroom Wollemi Villas, with an area of 200 square metres and the grand Wolgan Villa accommodating up to six guests, with three bedrooms, a kitchen, an internal area of 245 square metres, and a wraparound verandah with a 4m x 7m swimming pool built into the deck.

The grand Main Homestead continues honouring the region’s heritage and is the centre of the resort, with two dining destinations, a bar and the wine cellar. Architects Turner + Associates and designers Chhada Siembieda have created a stunning ode to Australia’s natural colour palette, with timber and sandstone sourced within a 100km radius of the resort, creating a serene and natural welcome for guests looking to exhale and step away from urban life upon arrival.

When it’s time to dine, guests can “eat and drink local” with the region’s best produce, complemented with herbs and vegetables picked straight from the resort’s Kitchen Garden. The resort’s impressive culinary philosophy means food is sourced regionally, taking in the highly fertile regions of Orange, Mudgee and the Hunter Valley. The seasonally changing menus feature such local specialties as venison from Mandagery Creek Farm and organic hand-made cheeses from Jannei Goat Dairy, and showcases the range of local artisan producers who work closely with the resort chefs to create truly memorable menus.

Guests can dine on breakfast delights at the Main Homestead, a providore lunch at The Country Kitchen and a three-course a la carte menu with matching wines each evening in the Wolgan Dining Room. The resort also offers a variety of bespoke dining experiences from poolside dining to gourmet picnics and al fresco barbecues at the 1832 Heritage Homestead. Foodies will love the opportunity to tour the organic Kitchen Garden, recreated on the site of the original homestead plot.

Those seeking relaxation in nature can head to One&Only Spa, where the founder of Australia’s premium Sodashi chemical free skin care range, Megan Larsen, worked closely with the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley spa team to develop a menu of spa therapies highlighting the native Australian ingredients. Spa treatments are based on the knowledge and wisdom of ancient philosophies and natural healing traditions and guaranteed to create bliss. Spa goers can indulge in a plethora of restful, rejuvenating and invigorating treatments including the Mountain Aromatherapy Massage and Sole to Soul treatment, whilst reclining in one of six treatment rooms. Each room features its own changing area, bathroom, shower and indulgent Japanese-style soaking tub, along with floor-to-ceiling views of the ever-present escarpments.

There is also a wealth of nature-based activities to tempt even the most urban guest to explore the great outdoors. Wolgan Valley and the Blue Mountains were made for riding and there’s no better way to explore its beautiful hills, creeks and ridgelines than on horseback. There is a beautifully equipped stables, housing nineteen horses gentle enough for even the beginner rider. Those seeking adventure need only check in with their personal retreat adventure guide who will recommend activities and adventures specific to each guest’s needs; from wildlife drives and nature walks, nocturnal night safaris, mountain biking, star gazing, hiking or join in the conservation work on the property. Children are also well catered for at the resort, with Wolgan Rangers program specially designed to educate and foster a love of the outdoors amongst younger guests. For those who prefer a sports regime, there is a tennis court, a 25 metre infinity pool, the One&Only Fitness Centre featuring state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym®, a plunge pool, sauna and steam room. Complimentary Yoga sessions are available on weekends and will be conducted on the resort’s breathtaking outdoor Yoga Deck surrounded by the wilderness. Perfect your practice with rolling mountain backdrops and the freshest fresh air.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley has proudly maintained its carbon-neutral certification for ten consecutive years since opening, from the internationally accredited Greenhouse Gas Certification Scheme, Toitū (previously known as carboNZero). Additionally, the resort was again recognised as a Silver Partner of the NSW Government Sustainability Advantage Program, was awarded Bronze Benchmark status by EarthCheck, and Virtuoso’s Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award 2019, all in acknowledgement of the resort’s commitment to business sustainability. This has been achieved through a combination of initiatives, including energy management; large-scale rehabilitation of forestry; protection of existing vegetation; waste management and operational practices such as ongoing commitment to the removal of single use plastic throughout the resort.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a rich habitat for unique native fauna, and guests regularly encounter wallabies, kangaroos and wallaroos, as well as a range of nocturnal marsupials including wombats and possums. Its low-lying grasslands and woodland areas are home to many of Australia’s unique bird species, giving guests the chance to observe parrots, kingfishers, honeyeaters, finches and waterfowl in the wild. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley works closely with the University of Western Sydney with its field research and monitoring of the local wombat population, and recently helped to create a new website and app, “WomSAT”, which aggregates wombat sightings for researchers to analyze. Wombat sightings are common around the resort and guests are encouraged to share their own ‘research’ with the resort’s trained conservation team.

To support the regeneration of the landscape following the 2020 bushfires in the Blue Mountains, habitat restoration work has been stepped up at the resort with several ‘Habitat Recovery Areas’ identified as a source of environmental data for the field guide team continue to monitor the recovery. The parts of the landscape that were impacted have made a rapid recovery and wildlife biodiversity and ecosystems have essentially been preserved. As a conservation resort, the resort team has built a seedbank with the help of guests and colleagues, of over one million seeds representing 25 native species over the past 10 years. These seedlings are now playing a vital role in repopulating areas of damage.

Sustainability not only guides the management of all operations at the resort, but shapes and is at the heart of the guest experience. From the moment guests leave their cars at the gate, they are transported to a wilderness sanctuary where passionate and knowledgeable custodians, each with a deep personal love and respect for conservation and sustainability, create unforgettable nature experiences in the Australian bush.

A love of nature and heritage and true sense of place permeates Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, creating a unique experience for local and international guests alike. As part of the One&Only collection, the resort offers an unparalleled commitment to the finest holiday experiences on every possible level. One&Only resorts are known the world over for creating memorable experiences through a distinctive style and personality borne of each local culture, genuine hospitality and an injection of irresistible energy. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is the first One&Only Nature Resort delivering the hallmarks of excellence found in all One&Only resorts around the world, set in a unique Australian wilderness environment of breathtaking natural splendor.

For reservations or more information, please visit oneandonlyresorts.com.