Why You Should Plan Ahead and Book This Ultra-Luxe Escape for Winter

Words by Shylie Rimmer

It may only be February, but the colder months are en route. Once they’re here, there’s really nothing better than a cosy getaway with your special someone. Well it turns out that the ultra-luxury Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley – yes, the one that took home the title of Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year in the 2018 Tourism Accommodation Australia Awards of Excellence – is the ultimate winter retreat for nature-lovers, foodies and luxury-seekers alike.

Here are five reasons why winter is the best time to visit this secluded, award-winning resort nestled in New South Wales’ World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains region.

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It’s Christmas in July

Is there anything better than Yuletide month to take the edge off the winter blues? With a month of festivities, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley transforms into a winter wonderland surrounded by the majestic beauty unique to this 7,000-acre property. Think: A Christmas-inspired degustation dinner by award-winning chef, Nancy Kinchela, wine and cheese tastings, and the serene Yuletide Bonfire Experience where you can stargaze while tantalising your tastebuds with mulled wine, hot chocolate and fire-roasted marshmallows.

You’ll make use of the villa’s enclosed, heated private pool

End each relaxing day with a dip in your in-villa pool. Ideal for crisp winter days (or nights!), your private heated swimming pool can be indoors or outdoors, with foldable glass windows that provide a vista of the majestic mountains and sloping valley beyond. If you’d like to let in a little cool winter air, just ask one of the staff members to open up the pool doors for you!

Plus, each villa has its own double-sided fireplace built into a striking sandstone dividing wall – perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the area.

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There’s more chance to spot wildlife

With over 5,000 kangaroos, an abundance of platypuses and the densest population of wombats in the area, the resort’s vast rolling hills showcases a wildlife-lover’s haven. It’s been noted that the local wildlife are more active during the winter months, surrounding the villas and main homestead frequently, so keep your eyes peeled!

The unique winter produce

With 95% of the food grown on-site, the fresh produce and local harvest that incorporates itself into all menus create a truly unique gastronomical experience for guests. Making a comeback this winter are truffles and an array of root vegetables – so watch out for them in your decadent dishes.

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The temperature is ideal for exploring the area

Days here are spent discovering the beauty and storied history of the Wolgan Valley; taking crisp walks as the sun sets behind the steep mountains, discovering the region on horseback in the warm afternoon sun, bike riding in the cool country climate and hiking to the peak of Donkey Mountain to watch the orange sun rise over the rolling Wolgan Valley hills—a majestic experience to say the least. Activities which can be quite challenging in the peak of summer become much more enjoyable in the colder months.

Nestled between Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park, this wildlife reserve has thousands of acres just waiting to be explored.

You can go stargazing by a campfire

The night sky seems to burst with even more twinkles of light in wintertime. With less clouds and therefore clearer vision, the winter sky makes for spectacular stargazing. Combine this with a secluded campfire and you have the perfect winter’s night.

So rug up and head to this remote heaven for a winter’s escape you won’t forget.

Want to experience quintessential Australian luxury? Check out our exclusive deal for Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley.