> > by Rachael Oakes-Ash
The much anticipated first Emirates Australian resort, Wolgan Valley, opened in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area in October 2009. The property has lived up to its ‘six star’ $125million hype with forty free standing suites, each with a private terrace and plunge pool and the Sodashi inspired Timeless Spa.
ECO-CREDIt’s official, the resort is the first carboNZero™ certified hotel and the first carbon neutral resort in the world. Why? Because the resort has planted 175 indigenous plants in the valley and renewable energy sources provide 35% of the property’s electrical supply. Plus food and supplies are sourced within a 160-kilometre radius and both solar power and heat recovery are extensively utilised. Enough said.
ROMANCE FACTOR
The resort lets the landscape do the talking with prehistoric sandstone cliffs, deep valley gorges and expansive bushland that provides a remote and intimate setting for couples inspired by nature. Personal fi eld guides lead couples through nature safaris, private chefs create cuisine for night time dining and personal plunge pools are built especially for two.