L&A visits Wolgan Valley, Emirates’ new luxury resort

Recently, Lycette & Associates had the opportunity to visit Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Emirates new conservation based luxury resort just over the Blue Mountains 180 km west of Sydney. The $125 Million resort was built with the same principles as the acclaimed Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa. These principles are sustainable and environmental awareness, leading in wildlife conservation and in particular protecting endangered species. Situated between two of Australia’s most prominent national parks and bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Wolgan Valley Resort &
 Spa features 40 individual secluded suites, and is fully integrated into its environment. The resort occupies only two per cent of its 4,000-acre land, while the remaining area is dedicated as a wildlife reserve.

The journey to Wolgan Valley was undertaken with colleague and friend Michael Jackson, a service specialist with i Perform, which was involved in the initial staff training before the resort opened its doors last October.

Our host, Andrew Adams-Smith, Guest Services Manager at the resort organized a lovely lunch and took the time to show us around the property from the main arrival area, to some of the suits and the heritage1832 settler farmhouse. It was fascinating.

But for L&A no visit is complete without a look at the resort’s housekeeping department. We met a few room attendants and were able to discuss some of the difficulties they encounter on a daily basis. The layout of the resort is not unlike the Commune by the Great Wall in China with a reasonable distance between each suite. A motorized buggy is required to get staff and supplies around the resort. Dust is an ongoing challenge!

Unfortunately, the executive housekeeper, Brenda Olson was not available the day we visited, but we met later on the phone. The interview with Brenda Olson is available in our next blog post.

It was a most interesting day indeed. With special thanks to Andrew for his hospitality and his endless enthusiasm when showing us around this remarkable resort.