Emirates Airline commenced the development of the Lm21.5 (US$69) million luxury Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in Australia’s Blue Mountains, a project that will see the transformation of 4,000 acres of distressed farming land into a high-value conservation site.
Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is the second conservation-focussed property within the expanding portfolio of Emirates Hotels & Resorts – the premier hospitality division of Emirates Airline.
Two per cent of the 4,000 acres will be used to create an exclusive resort of 40 free-standing suites and a main homestead that will feature fine dining, a timeless spa, pool area and conference facilities. The remaining land will be progressively restored to its natural state with the reintroduction of native fauna and flora.
Sheikh Ahmed and New South Wales dignitaries planted a Wollemi Pine as the first of tens of thousands of trees that will help regenerate the Valley. The Wollemi Pine is one of the world’s oldest and rarest plants that was discovered deep in the neighbouring Wollemi National Park.
Sheikh Ahmed welcomed guests to the ceremony drawn from local communities, government, media and the travel industry. He said: “We are delighted to see this project taking shape after many years of careful planning. The search for this location began in 2004 and we are now well on our way to making Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa an important asset for Australian tourism, the local community and Emirates.”
In late 2009 the resort will welcome its first guests, some 70 per cent of whom are expected to be international visitors to Australia.
Environmental considerations feature prominently in the plan for the resort including 100 per cent water recycling, green power and a strict waste management system.
Emirates has also worked closely with National Parks and Wildlife Service on a conservation plan to protect and conserve the heritage value of the property, including wildlife and threatened species such as the spotted-tailed quoll.
Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa was the airline’s first conservation-focussed property. The success of Al Maha is being used as the basis for designs and operations in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa and the Emirates Cap Ternay Resort & Spa in the Seychelles; currently in its design and planning phase, and promising to shape up as one of the Indian Oceans’ best resorts.
Emirates operates five flights weekly between Malta and Dubai via Larnaca in Cyprus, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on the Boeing 777-200. The Malta route gives a convenient connection to outgoing and incoming passengers from Australia and the Far East.