Big news from Down Under today, where Emirates has tapped One&Only Resorts, a subsidiary of Kerzner International Holdings Limited, an international hospitality developer and operator, to manage the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area in Australia as of early 2015.
This will be One&Only’s second resort in Australia, following the rebirth of One&Only Hayman Island in July. We hear Emirates will continue to retain full ownership of the resort.
Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark promised that the resort's "conservation and community principles" would remain unchanged.
Wolgan Valley sits between two of Australia’s most prominent national parks in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Occupying one percent of a 7,000-acre conservancy reserve, the resort has been carbon neutral for five years running.
The resort will continue to focus on sustainability, using local produce in its restaurant. At the Spa, the resort will use elements that are represented in the surrounding area.
As with all One&Only properties, the resort will cater to couples and families alike. We hear some top offerings for families will include learning about the history of the surrounding environment including the wildlife and flora and fauna. They can explore the surrounding area via horseback and mountain bikes or guided nature walks by local experts, as well as hiking and private food and wine tours. Sporting facilities include archery, golf, fly fishing, tennis, canyoning and rock-climbing.