A new era for luxury travel in Australia
The much-anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia’s first luxury conservation-based resort and Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ first development outside Dubai, welcomed its first guests today.
The A$125 million project, built on the same principles as Emirates’ acclaimed Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, combines the expectations of the high-end traveller with a commitment to broader social, ecological and environmental sustainability.
Located between two of Australia’s most prominent national parks and bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa features 40 individual secluded suites, and is fully integrated into its environment, supporting wide-ranging conservation practices. The resort occupies only two per cent of its 4,000 acre land, while the remaining area is dedicated as a wildlife reserve.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa’s combination of iconic location, understated luxury, privacy and outstanding conservation values is unparalleled in Australia. Heralding a new era of luxury travel in the country, the resort actively protects its surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife species while delivering the first-class standards and quality expected from luxury resorts.
“Since the opening of Al Maha a decade ago, we have built our businesses on the basis of being sustainable and environmentally aware; and leading in wildlife conservation, in particular the protection of endangered and threatened species. With the opening of Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in Australia, we are expanding our unique luxury conservation-based resort philosophy into a different country, a different continent and a different ecological environment.”
Wolgan Valley was selected by Emirates after an extensive research for a location that lent itself to world-class conservation-based practices. Australia is an important destination for Emirates, and Wolgan Valley is an outstanding example of the Dubai-based airline’s long term commitment to the country.
“Australia has a fascinating history, heritage, and of course unique wildlife; not to mention some of the most exciting landscapes in the world. We believe Australia has great potential and we are extremely proud that Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa will not only showcase a slice of Australia’s heritage, but will also contribute to the country’s prospects for developing this calibre of conservation-based, luxury tourism,” added His Highness.
Wolgan Valley is rich in historical significance. Charles Darwin was a visitor in 1836 and the property’s original homestead, which dates back to 1832, has been fully restored to its former glory, providing a fascinating glimpse of the region’s heritage for guests.
His Highness commented: “The feedback from the travel trade guests who visited Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa during the pre-opening phase is that it is truly unique in Australia. With its world-class facilities, we are already seeing strong local and international interest from both the leisure and business markets.”
Each suite in the resort has its own indoor / outdoor swimming pool, private verandah, separate living and sleeping areas, luxurious en-suite bathroom and double-sided fireplace.
The resort’s architecture is progressive in its sustainable philosophy but classic in its aesthetic approach. Its design, inspired by original Federation style, is reminiscent of traditional rural Australian homesteads.
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa incorporates the ‘Timeless Spa’ branded facility. Originally created at Al Maha, Emirates’ own luxury Spa brand is an integral part of the guest experience. The Timeless Spa concepts focus on natural products, and the provision of holistic treatments which revitalize the body and enhance relaxation.
A major focus of the guest experience at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is the quality of Australia’s finest produce – enhanced by the resort’s regional, seasonal and organic food philosophy.
Activities at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa will include guided walks to discover wildlife in its natural habitat, four-wheel drive safaris, mountain bike and horse-riding adventures through the spectacular landscapes, stargazing, heritage and Aboriginal interpretative tours, guided photographic excursions and visits to the Wollemi Pine Grove.
For more information, visit emirateshotelsresorts.com.
