Hotel: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
As if robots on cue from a central control room, wombats wander past villas at perfect moments.
As you observe from your private pool, kangaroos laze in the shade of trees, passing time.
This is quintessential Australia, a luxurious gift wrapped in the most pampering package.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley has long been one of Australia’s premier destinations. It is one place that any local of, or visitor to, Australia should experience. I’ve experienced it twice in the last six months, so I consider myself exceptionally lucky…
It is hard to think of another experience that showcases the picturesque Australian landscapes and unique wildlife quite as well as what Wolgan does.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley came about after Emirates requested more flight rights to Australia. The government at the time would only allow this if they invested significantly in the country. After five years of planning, Emirates opened the 1,600‑hectare Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in October 2009 with an investment of over $125 million.
An example of luxury sustainability, the resort takes up less than 2% of the 2,800-hectare conservation reserve, respecting the unique wilderness of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area in New South Wales.
It is around three hours drive from Sydney and bordering the Wollemi and Gardens of Stone National Parks. Alternatively, weather permitting, a scenic helicopter flight can have you there in less time.
You have a real sense of place from the moment you arrive. Should you drive, you leave your vehicle at the front gates of the property, then transferred to the resort in 4WDs (either shiny in one of a fleet of new Lexus or a Landrover Discovery) whilst the property is explained to you by friendly staff.
Your short drive will take you along a scenic dirt road surrounded by the stunning mountains, kangaroos, birdlife, wildflowers, a couple of creek crossings. It all just adds to the atmosphere and you know you’ve arrived somewhere special.
Check-in is completed in the gorgeous Main Homestead where you’re invited to enjoy a welcome drink (try the hotel’s own gin cocktail). The Homestead is also where you’ll find the two restaurants, bar and gift shop. It is adjacent to the beautiful main pool (which you probably won’t use), gym and spa (which I’m yet to try…).
Once checked in, you’re then shuttled in golf buggies to your villa. The villas are located in two rows – I prefer the front row, however, the views of the valley are better from those higher up – they’re just less private. Villa 17 is the most in demand for privacy, followed by 41. The majority of villas are one bedroom, and there are a small number of larger multi-bedroom villas for families or groups.
The Australian heritage-style villas themselves are exceptionally well designed. They’re now 12 years old, but intuitive design means they’ve held up very well over time. The lounge area is the first part of the villa you’ll arrive home to – the gorgeous stone double-sided fireplace the focal point.
To the right is your villa’s private pool which can be enclosed, or the bi-fold doors opened, which is great in summer. To the left is the bedroom area which has a massive bed and a large walk-in closet. My number one tip here is to make sure you get a firm mattress topper put on the bed – without it, the bed is far too soft and I didn’t sleep well the first night.
The bathroom is a vast space with a separate toilet area, walkthrough shower, double vanity and a large bath overlooking the valley. It’s a really beautiful space, and I like that they use the premium Australian brand Sodashi for amenities which is 100% natural and uses pure botanical extracts.
You also have access to a screened in porch at the rear of the villa where you can laze in the rocking chairs enjoying the views and wildlife.
In terms of what to do whilst on property, there is a plethora of included and paid options. All bookings through Sojourns Of include a Signature Wildlife and Sundowners Tour (not private, but totally fine) which really showcases the property and I highly recommend clients do take this option.
Each time I have visited I’ve had private horse rides (the horses are gorgeous and so well looked after) – these are available from 1.5 hours through much longer. On my most recent visit, I enjoyed the 2.5 ride. The instructor Liz is my recommendation (on a recommendation) and she’s wonderful at pointing things out as well as helping with your riding skills if you need it. The 2.5 hours gives you enough time to meander through the property, and also enjoy working the horses a little harder!
In terms of other activities, there is everything from tours of the property, guided hikes to a glow worm tunnel, mountain biking, archery, conservation activities, birdwatching, private campfire moments, stargazing, picnics – honestly, whatever you think you’d like to do in such a place, you can do it.
The property is just fantastic to either walk around or jump on the bikes at your villa and explore. There are plenty of easy routes, and it’s great to go down to the restored 1832 Heritage Homestead and have a look at how the first non-Aboriginal settlers lived in the valley. The 1832 Homestead highlights the Aboriginal, settler and agricultural history of the Wolgan Valley, giving guests a glimpse into the lives and conditions faced by early Australian settlers.
All your meals (and almost all your drinks!) are included in your room rate here. On my last visit, I ate most meals in the villa, however, breakfast and dinner are available in the Wolgan Dining Room in the Main Homestead, whilst lunch is served at The Country Kitchen. Of course, there are a number of private experiences the resort can arrange for you around the property – from Krug champagne picnics, to intimate dinners at the 1832 Homestead.
Your culinary experience is overseen by renowned Australian chef James Viles and is of a high standard. The restaurants champion local, seasonal produce grown in the property’s gardens, foraged from the reserve, and sourced from the best of the region’s specialty farmers and producers to create one-of-a-kind menus. I very much enjoyed the food on my most recent visit.
Service overall at the property definitely improved from my September to January visits. Given the mess of 2020 which started with the resort closing due to bushfires (and coming so close to being lost), then COVID forcing it to close and lose most of its staff (especially internationals), then border issues impacting recruitment options, there have been staffing issues. On my most recent visit, these seem to have been largely resolved, and the resort seems to be running very smoothly.
Sojourn Summary
This really is a special property. Even if you removed being enveloped in luxury and first-class Australian service, the location itself is super special. It’s just a breathtaking place to be, especially if you are lucky to have one of their magical sunsets one evening. I highly recommend this property to be on everyone’s Australian bucket list.
Sojourn Essentials
My sojourn rating: ★★★★★
Hotel’s own rating: ★★★★★
Hotel’s website: https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/wolgan-valley
Loyalty program: N/A
My room type: One-bedroom Heritage Villa
My dates: 20 September to 22 September, 3 January to 5 January
How I reserved: Virtuoso rates available when you book your sojourn with me (benefits include: Signature Wildlife and Sundowners Tour for 2 per stay; early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability). These special rates are available through select travel agents and are equivalent to the best available flexible rate at the hotel (which are generally room only).