> > by Rhonda Bannister
It’s difficult to hide your inner Nicole Kidman when standing on the homestead’s verandah at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Blue Mountains. Definitive images of the Australian outback that made Nic’s film, Australia, such a voyeuristic experience for bush-deprived people like myself are all pervading here - more than simple eyecandy, they are mesmerising!
I’ve never been a fan of the bush, preferring instead the feel of hot sand between my toes and cool, salty water on my skin, but the majestic beauty of the surroundings (not to mention the five-star eco-amenities at my fingertips) has made me do a 360° turnaround, and whilst I’ll never be a card-carrying greenie, I think I can now say I have an appreciation of the unique diversity this beautiful land offers.I also have a deep appreciation of the planning, passion and dedication that brought this property to fruition and like most truly successful enterprises, it started with a dream.
In 2003, Emirates Hotels and Resorts began their search for the perfect site for a new conservation-led luxury resort – the first of its kind for Australia but the second in their new portfolio of sustainable resorts, the first being the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai.
They found it nestled within the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, bordered by the Wollemi and the Gardens of Stone National Parks just three hours from Sydney - the perfect distance for couples wanting to get away for a short break from their busy city lives.
The idea behind the project included maximising energy efficiency and minimising the carbon footprint so building to an enviro-design was paramount in the minds of all involved. Construction began in 2007 with the resort opening true to its goals in late 2009.
It is the first hotel in the world to be certified as carbon neutral by CarboNZero and takes a very careful approach to co-existing with its fragile natural environment.
In fact, Wolgan Valley is setting the bar for sustainable natural resorts internationally and I think we should be very proud of this success and also grateful that they had the foresight to invest in Australia’s natural sustainability for future generations to enjoy.
Every great idea needs a passionate advocate to see it through to fruition and that person appeared in the guise of Joost Heymeijer, General Manager, visionary, designer, tradesman and jack-of-all-trades, in short, the man who truly ‘got’ what the end picture should be and worked tirelessly to make it happen. He had a hand in everything from dealing with the local Aboriginal tribe and securing their blessing of the site to dealing with architects, engineers and tradesmen in every facet of the design and its execution. He worked with designers on the interior decor, artwork, light fittings and switches, furnishings, tapware ... he even designed the fabulous beds which I promise you will not want to leave.
His fingerprint is everywhere and his spirit imbues all of the staff with a pride in their surroundings and their job.
There’s no doubting that the landscape is spectacularly gorgeous with its rolling green hillocks alive with an abundance of woody shrubs, bushes and ghostly eucalypt trees juxtaposed against a background of hauntingly beautiful, pastel coloured sandstone cliffs ... it really is enchanting.
As a guest you can enjoy this magnificent countryside on horseback, mountain bike, by foot or in a 4WD vehicle with a knowledgeable field guide sharing fascinating information about the local wildlife.
Did you know that kangaroos can put a pregnancy on hold for up to 18 months? I didn’t (remember I’m bush-deprived) and I was truly astounded by what I learnt. For instance, now if I’m ever caught in a bush fire and there’s a termite mound around I’ll dig a huge hole in it and hide in there while the fire burns around me.
Of course I’ll have to share it with a snake, a giant lizard and a wombat who all know it’s the safest place to hide but we’ll make do.
I certainly won’t be sharing my fabulous suite with a wild animal (only in my dreams!) because they are absolutely brilliant. Besides the never-want-to-leave king bed you have a huge lounge area, fireplace and a designer bathroom which includes a glass roofed shower! There is also your own heated lap pool and a completely screened-in verandah - even the floor is screened - now there’s a good idea!
And one thing you won’t be is hungry, just the opposite in fact, because the cuisine is delicious. Executive Chef Dwane Goodman has developed a food philosophy based around the seasonal, regional, and organic produce of local boutique farms, private growers and vintners and I have to say the result is outstanding with beautifully prepared, really appetising food.
In fact, the menu is only decided upon each morning after they see what comes in fresh and what they can pick from their vegetable, fruit and herb gardens.
Every good resort has a spa with a fine choice of treatments and the Timeless Spa certainly fits the bill with its six double treatment rooms, private change areas and broad selection of holistic therapies from around the world. There’s also a fully equipped gymnasium with personal trainers and a larger communal pool for all guests to use along with a spa pool, sauna and steamroom.
Wolgan Valley is a special place and couples will love everything about this resort, especially that romantic time of early evening when a wash of pink and lilac colours the sky and the soft glow from a descending sun bathes the surrounding escarpment, changing the landscape into a country of enchantment reminiscent of a Tom Roberts’ landscape painting.
The only thing missing to perfect this scene is Hugh Jackman but there I go again with my Australia daydream!