Thursday, October 1, 2009

Emirates' Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa heralds new era of luxury travel in Australia

Emirates' commitment to Australia has been further cemented with the opening today of the much-anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, the country's first conservation-based luxury resort and Emirates Hotels & Resorts' first development outside Dubai.

The completion of this AU$125 million project represents a significant investment in the Australian tourism industry, as well as in local communities surrounding the resort. Six years in the making, it required extensive coordination with local, state and federal governments and underlines the importance of the Australian market to Emirates globally.

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."

His Highness continued: "The project wasn't without its challenges, but we hit all our key milestones and delivered on our promise to have the project completed by October 1 this year."

The resort demonstrates the Emirates Group's commitment to broader social, ecological and environmental sustainability both in Australia and across the world. Built on the same principles as Emirates' acclaimed Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, the resort is fully integrated into its environment and supports wide-ranging conservation practices focusing on endangered species protection.

"Since the opening of Al Maha a decade ago, Emirates airline has built its 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," His Highness added.

Located between two of Australia's most prominent national parks and bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Wolgan Valley was selected by Emirates after an extensive research for a location that lent itself to world-class conservation-based practices.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is the only Australian resort in recent history to receive permission to be built adjacent to a World Heritage Area.

His Highness said: "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." 

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."

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa features 40 individual secluded suites, each with 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, star gazing, heritage and Aboriginal interpretative tours, guided photographic excursions and visits to the Wollemi Pine Grove.


Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa:

Tel.: +61 2 9290 9733 – Fax: +61 2 6350 1801

Street Address: 2600 Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley, Lithgow 2790 NSW, Australia
Postal Address: PO Box 390, Lithgow 2790 NSW, Australia
Visit www.wolganvalley.com - Email: info@wolganvalley.com

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