"First impression? The bar may be intimate and cosy, but the views are epic and sweeping at Valley Bar & Terrace Lounge, part of the stylish modern-rustic Main Homestead at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley . In cooler months, curl up in an armchair by the fireplace and play a game of chess or backgammon; when it warms up, unwind outside on the expansive veranda, where you'll have jaw-dropping panoramas of the verdant valley below. Cool. So who’s there? You’ll only meet fellow hotel guests at this casual though elegant bar, as it’s not open to the general public. Expect smartly attired international jetsetters along with Sydneysiders seeking a sophisticated staycation. The price tag attracts a slightly older crowd, with the odd travel blogger popping in occasionally to spice things up. How are the drinks? The handcrafted cocktails are tempting, but it’s the walk-in wine cellar, with over 150 eclectic Australian and international wines, that’s the real heart of the action. It’s worth going local with bottles from New South Wales’s Orange, Mudgee, and Hunter Valley wine regions. Established winery areas from other Australian states are also represented, including the Yarra Valley, Barossa Valley, and Margaret River; you can also sample New Zealand’s impressive wines. Worth ordering something to eat, too? There’s a light menu of locally sourced bar snacks, though you can pop over to The Country Kitchen, a providore-style restaurant serving seasonal, farm-to-table plates for lunch. Come dinner, don’t miss The Wolgan Dining Room next door, where fresh produce is sourced from within a 100-mile radius to create refined Australian fare; dishes might include the Spanner Crab with daikon, avocado, pistachio, and a light coriander foam, or the confit salmon, served with heirloom tomatoes, kalamata olives, goat's curd, and basil. Did the staff do you right? Super-helpful staff can advise you on your wine choices. Wrap it up: what are we coming here for? Open daily from 10 a.m., this inviting lounge bar makes the perfect pit stop between wildlife safaris and spa sessions, and suits both sociable groups and couples revving up the romance. After that mountain biking ride, you’ve earned your glass of red!" - Sophie Davies
