Emirates has sealed a strategic partnership with Marriott International, Inc. to develop Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a 40-key ultra-luxury, all-inclusive retreat set within a 7,000-acre conservation reserve in Australia’s UNESCO-listed Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Scheduled to open in mid-2026, the project will mark the debut of the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge anywhere in the world, positioning New South Wales (NSW) as a major hub for premium, nature-based tourism and expanding the iconic luxury brand into immersive wilderness destinations.
Redefining Luxury in Nature
Designed as sanctuaries in extraordinary natural settings, Ritz-Carlton Lodges combine refined comfort with sustainability and cultural sensitivity. Emirates Wolgan Valley will occupy less than two per cent of the protected reserve, ensuring minimal environmental impact while offering guests sweeping views of ancient ecosystems, rich wildlife and some of the clearest night skies in the Southern Hemisphere.
Emirates’ Long-Term Investment
Emirates’ involvement in Wolgan Valley dates back to 2006, when it began developing one of Australia’s first conservation-led luxury resorts. The airline has invested about AU$150 million restoring heritage structures, including the historic 1832 homestead, and implementing environmental programmes such as planting more than one million native trees and rehabilitating habitats.
Building on that legacy, Emirates has committed an additional AU$50 million to renovate and reposition the resort with Marriott International as a flagship Ritz-Carlton Lodge. Despite operational challenges after the closure of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023, Emirates maintained the property with local staff, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the community.
Boost for Regional Economy
The reopening of Emirates Wolgan Valley as a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to create about 150 jobs across hospitality, conservation, guiding and operations, providing a major economic boost for the Wolgan Valley and Lithgow regions. Local farmers and suppliers are also expected to benefit from increased demand for produce and services.
Guests will arrive via a four-wheel drive journey through the Donkey Steps or by helicopter, offering panoramic aerial views of the surrounding wilderness.
Industry Leaders Speak
President of Emirates Airline, Sir Tim Clark, said the agreement reflects the carrier’s enduring investment in Australia.
“For more than 30 years, Emirates has been deeply committed to Australia, not only through aviation but through long-term investments that deliver value to local communities”, he said.
“Our partnership with Marriott International to open the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge is a natural progression of our vision for Wolgan Valley and a powerful driver of regional economic renewal”.
President of Marriott International Asia Pacific (excluding China), Rajeev Menon, described the project as a milestone for luxury tourism.
“This collaboration brings together two global leaders to redefine luxury travel in New South Wales”, Menon said. “As the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge worldwide, Emirates Wolgan Valley will attract our global network of over 260 million Marriott Bonvoy members seeking immersive, experience-led travel”.
Bespoke Design and Experiences
Inspired by a traditional Australian homestead, the lodge will feature 40 standalone luxury villas, each with private pools and bespoke amenities. Guests will enjoy signature experiences such as a wilderness sleep-out under the stars, outdoor dining, guided storytelling and curated adventure activities.
The main homestead will become a social hub with a grand arrival lounge, signature restaurant, lounge bar and wine room showcasing premium Australian and international selections.
Wellness, Conservation and Discovery
The resort will include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian facilities, a fitness centre and The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
A resident naturalist will lead conservation-focused experiences, giving guests access to the region’s biodiversity, including the rare Wollemi Pine, kangaroos, wombats and brush-tailed rock wallabies.
Strengthening Ritz-Carlton in Australia
Emirates Wolgan Valley will complement existing Ritz-Carlton properties in Perth and Melbourne, reinforcing the brand’s footprint in Australia while launching a new global lodge concept.
By blending conservation, community engagement and world-class luxury, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, is poised to become a flagship destination for experiential travel and a defining symbol of premium nature tourism in Australia.