The much-anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia’s first luxury
conservation-based resort and Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ first development
outside Dubai, has welcomed its first guests.

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. Wolgan Valley is Emirates’ first luxury
resort in Australia.

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 of 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.

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.

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.

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.