Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley – Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"How did it strike you on arrival? Epic escarpments and dramatic valleys make this luxe wilderness retreat in the Greater Blue Mountains feel like you've stepped onto the set of Jurassic Park. A three hours’ drive west of Sydney, the hotel is part of a 7,000-acre private conservation reserve—so the only other guests you'll find yourself sharing views with are the wandering kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats who call the place home. Nice. What’s the crowd like? This just-remote-enough wildlife escape lures a smart crowd of international guests and well-groomed locals (all of whom are togged up in R.M. Williams and Driza-Bone) who are keen to experience an unforgettable Australian safari. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Each of the 40 freestanding stone-and-wood villas frames jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape. Single-bed Heritage Villas with double-sided fireplaces, private heated lap pool, and verandas tend to appeal most to couples, while two-bedroom Wollemi Villas work best if you've brought the whole family. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? With plump beds, double vanities, spacious bathrooms and sky-lit showers, rooms have the key stuff more than covered—but the small details are thoughtful, too, from carved wooden wombat ornaments, to binoculars for birdspotting and books devoted to naturalist Charles Darwin’s 19th-century visits to Wolgan Valley. Villa rentals also include complementary mountain bikes, so you can explore independently. Free WiFi makes up for the lack of mobile phone reception. Room service: Worth it? You definitely won't go hungry—this all-inclusive resort puts up three gourmet meals daily, with non-alcoholic drinks and select local wines and beer offered along (premium alcohol will run you extra). Most minibar contents are also free, excluding premium bottles, as are two complimentary nature-based activities per day. Room service is available 24/7, with a surcharge. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? It's the expert Field Guides who really make Wolgan special, leading you on first-rate horse-riding or wildlife-spotting adventures. While out, you’ll encounter kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, birds, and even a rare Wollemi Pine (the trees go back 80 million years, to the super-continent of Gondwana) on small-group nature tours, either on foot or four-wheel drive. Night safaris are especially fun—you use spot lights to learn about creatures’ nocturnal habits. If you're keen to learn a little more about the man behind all evolutionary thought, Charles Darwin, you can also take a tour to the restored 1832 Heritage Homestead, once frequented by the naturalist himself. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. Set inside the Main Homestead, the graceful, high-ceilinged Wolgan Dining Room sources much of its ingredients (Mandagery Creek venison, olive oil from Rylstone) from within a 100-mile radius, whipping it up into contemporary Australian cuisine. That said, a more casual lunch of salted white bait fritters on the deck at Country Kitchen restaurant, also in the Main Homestead, hits the mark just fine. Bottom line: worth it, and why? You’ll feel worlds away from the bustle of Sydney in this vast natural expanse, where you can spot kangaroos from your balcony (or even spy a platypus, if you’re lucky)." - Sophie Davies