Six years and US$116 million in the making, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa (61-2/6350-1800; emirateshotelsresorts.com; doubles from US$1,810, including meals), Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ first property outside Dubai, brings a slice of Emirati-style extravagance to the Australian bush. But if the price tag seems stratospheric, the pleasures here are very much down to earth: surrounded by craggy sandstone escarpments and rolling bushland, the resort crouches amid a private nature reserve near the Greater Blue Mountains of New South Wales, a three-hour drive from Sydney. Most of the 40 suites occupy timber-and-stone guest cottages inspired by early Australian homesteads, and come with handcrafted furniture, plunge pools, fireplaces, and verandas. Outdoor pursuits range from wildlife safaris to horseback riding, after which you can refuel on sophisticated fare prepared with fresh organic produce from local farms. –Christina Pfeiffer

Originally appeared in the February/March 2010 print issue of
DestinAsian magazine (“Bush Luxe”)