An unforgettable way to celebrate summer and the festive season this year can be found at Australia’s ultra-luxe, conservation-based nature resort, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. The resort will be unveiling a wealth of new activities, offering guests a distinctly Australian bushland experience over Christmas and the holiday months ahead.
Nestled in a private valley and protected by soaring bush escarpments, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a secluded haven surrounded by nature.
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Christmas in the Wilderness
Guests can enjoy the magic of the Greater Blue Mountains this Christmas and savour precious time together with experiences crafted for connection. From themed culinary events designed by resident chef James Viles to engaging adventures for the little ones and a New Year’s Eve gala under the twinkling stars, this festive season at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is brimming with memorable events for the whole family.
Wednesday 23 December
Cheese & Wine Tasting | 4pm – 5pm
Embark on a sensory journey of selected local and regional wines from the resort’s cellar, paired with an assortment of delectable cheeses, honey, lavosh and preserves.
Christmas Cookie Decorating | 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Children are invited to join the resort’s culinary team to create some special treats in time for Christmas.
Christmas Eve, Thursday 24 December
Wolgan Rangers: Amazing Race | 9am – 10.30am
An orienteering treasure hunt adventure – children will test their navigational skills to find curious trinkets and cached objects hidden around the resort.
Gourmet BBQ Lunch | From 12.30pm
Nothing says summer like a lunchtime barbecue by the pool accompanied by the sounds of live music. Available on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
Christmas Eve Family Fun | 4pm – 5.30pm
Celebrate Christmas Eve with family and friends with an afternoon of fun in the sun featuring pony rides and lawn games.
Christmas Eve Dinner | 5.30pm – 10pm
With the finest ingredients, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley’s talented chefs will prepare a traditional European feast for all to enjoy.
Twilight Campfire & Stargazing | 8pm – 9pm
This memorable experience provides an enchanting tour of the twilight sky amid the atmospheric 1832 Heritage Homestead. As the sky turns from crimson to indigo, the brightest stars and planets appear and the native wildlife venture into the resort grounds. Light refreshments will be served around the campfire during the experience. Available also on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
Christmas Day, Friday 25 December
Santa’s Visit | 8am – 9.30am
Kick-start Christmas Day with the arrival of Santa Claus at 9am to gift special presents to children and for a photo opportunity.
Wolgan Rangers: Wonderland Warrior | 9am – 10.30am
Children can embark on a mini trail run on the reserve involving boot-camp and teamwork games to inspire them to be active and work together.
Gingerbread Decorating | 11am – 12pm
Brick by gingerbread brick, guests will together build a piece of delicious art with gumdrops, candy canes and snow-capped icing.
Christmas Day Feast | 1.30pm – 6pm
Celebrate in true Australian style with the feast of all feasts. Basking in stunning valley views, guests can delight in a beautiful family-style luncheon prepared by the resort’s chefs at the Dining Room by James Viles. Alternatively, a chic and relaxed, yet quintessentially Australian ,Christmas lunch will be served at The Country Kitchen.
New Year’s Eve Gala
Guests are invited to join an elegant New Year’s Eve party, where spectacular escarpments and magnificent bushland provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening under the stars. Pre-dinner drinks will commence at the Country Kitchen, before guests head down to 1832 Heritage Homestead for an evening of culinary indulgence by resident chef James Viles, featuring sustainable, locally-sourced produce. An evening of celebration awaits with an array of renowned local musicians and a DJ throughout the evening.
All-new Poolside Menu
James Viles will be unveiling his brand new poolside menu for guests to enjoy while basking in summer rays by the stunning resort pool, surrounded by the picturesque bush landscape. The menu will include refreshing cuisine with a nod to the resort’s heritage, such as Poolside Prawn Cocktail, Tuna & Avocado Bowl, and Grilled Fish Baguette. There will also be a delicious selection of ice-creams and sorbets, including Rock Salt Caramel Gelato, Green Apple Sorbet and Fig-and-Mascarpone.
Krug Champagne and Lobster
A summer twist on the resort’s glamorous Krug Champagne picnic, guests can now enjoy Australia’s finest southern rock lobster for two and whole local trout from the Goulburn River amid the spectacular surroundings of the Greater Blue Mountains. The gourmet feast includes a bottle of Krug Grand Cuvée, house-made sourdough with cultured butter, blinis and scampi caviar, chilled southern rock lobster on toast, and a delicious whole rainbow trout cooked over coals with wild fennel nage and its roe. A chilled iceberg salad and roast potatoes dressed in lobster bisque with caviar, all accompany the meal, not to mention a burnt-lemon meringue tart to end the delicious spread.
The experience is priced at $895 for two people and is available in-villa, or at a private terrace setup.
For reservations or more information about Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, see oneandonlyresorts.com.