Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

Location

The resort is bordered by two national parks and occupies just one per cent of the 7,000 acre conservancy reserve it sits in, exuding a feeling of solitude and peacefulness throughout. The area and its abundant wildlife - including kangaroos, wallabies and wombats - can be experienced on foot at your own pace via criss-crossing nature trails, on horseback or by mountain bikes. It achieves all this while being just a two and a half hour drive from Sydney.

Accommodation

Inspired by the luxury of acclaimed Dubai-based Al Maha Resort & Spa, this homestead-style resort is spread out at the foot of towering sandstone cliffs. Each of the 40 freestanding villas showcases authentic, Federation-style architecture with warm, earthy tones and wooden decks that present stunning views of the valley. Refresh yourself with a dip in your villa’s private pool before curling up in front of the fire on an oversized sofa, making the most of the view with the high-power binoculars provided.

Dining

The resorts multiple dining options offering both outstanding local and international cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local, organic farmers and suppliers. Menus are refined yet unpretentious, and guests can expect freshly baked bread and pastries for breakfast along with locally sourced cold cuts, compotes and cheeses. In the evening, the Wolgan Dining Room transforms to offer six-course fine dining either on the verandah or, in the winter, by the log fire. The Country Kitchen brings the same artisan treatment to farmhouse favourites – perfect for a light lunch.

Facilities

The resort is perhaps best known for the understated luxury of the Timeless Spa. It’s the perfect place to indulge in a range of treatments developed from natural ingredients or make use of the fully-equipped gym, tennis courts and outdoor swimming pool. The hotel also puts on more rugged organised pursuits such as Aboriginal interpretive tours, nature walks, wildlife spotting - this is one of the best places in Australia to see wombats - and horse riding trips. Alternatively, sit back and just enjoy the view.