Emirates And Marriott Announce Emirates Wolgan Valley, A Ritz-Carlton Lodge

Development Aims To Support Regional Tourism And Local Employment In NSW

Emirates and Marriott International have entered into an agreement to develop Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a 40-key all-inclusive luxury retreat set within a 7,000-acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. 

The project, anticipated to open mid-2026, is expected to become the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge and represents a significant milestone for regional tourism in New South Wales.
 
Since 2006, Emirates has invested AUS 150 million in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, developing the property with deep respect for its environmental and cultural heritage. This has included the careful restoration of historically significant landmarks, such as the original homestead dating back to 1832 alongside extensive conservation programmes to restore indigenous flora and fauna, including the planting of more than one million native trees across the site. Emirates is now investing an additional AUS 50 million in renovations, working in consultation with Marriott to transform the property into an expression of The Ritz-Carlton’s service and refined design.

Following the closure of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023, Emirates has maintained the site with a small number of locally employed staff while the property was unavoidably nonoperational.

The opening of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge offers the potential to re-create close to 150 jobs in the community, including increased opportunities for local suppliers ranging from fresh Australian produce to sundry items, contributing to the local economy.

Guests will access the resort by a four-wheel drive service via the Donkey Steps, which will become part of the rural off-road experience of the resort, or via helicopter.

Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said, “In our 30 years of operations in Australia, Emirates has consistently sought to deliver value to our customers, and to Australia. Our commitment extends well beyond the provision of air transport services. It is reflected in the strong, enduring relationships we have built with our industry partners, and in our active engagement with the broader Australian community through Emirates Wolgan Valley, and our extensive sponsorships in sports and the arts. We are proud of our long-term investment into the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort which launched one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts. Our unwavering commitment to the resort leads us to today’s announcement of an exciting agreement with Marriott International to open the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge.”

He added, “For us, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will not only be an extraordinary resort appealing to discerning travellers seeking to be close to nature, but also a powerful engine for local economic growth, helping to rejuvenate the Wolgan Valley locality. We are deeply grateful for the support from the Federal government, and for our partnerships with the State government, Lithgow City Council, and the Wolgan Valley community who have helped Emirates make this project possible.”

Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, said, “We’re honoured to collaborate with Emirates on this milestone development, which sees the world’s largest hotelier and the world’s largest international airline come together to reinvigorate the luxury tourism offering in New South Wales. Marking the brand’s lodge debut globally, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will be a major drawcard for our network of 260 million loyal Marriott Bonvoy members around the world, particularly with the upcoming plans in store for immersive experiences that connect them deeply to the local area - something our luxury travellers are increasingly prioritising.”

With demand for premium, nature-based experiences at an all-time high, the lodge makes for a perfect addition to this thriving destination. Tourism Research Australia reports regional NSW welcomed 15.5 million domestic visitors in the quarter to September 2025, generating AUS 5.9 billion in visitor spend and 18.5 million overnight stays. International arrivals contributed an additional 727,300 visitors and $ 1.2 billion in spend, underscoring the region’s growing appeal.

Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to feature 40 lodges, each including private pools and bespoke amenities. Plans also include for the lodge to offer a sleep-out experience - a guided journey into remote wilderness at night. 

Design plans for the property’s main homestead include an arrival lounge and sitting room, a signature restaurant, a lounge bar and a wine room.

Additionally, fully renovated recreational spaces will include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian stables, a modern fitness centre, and the world-renowned The Ritz-Carlton Spa. The lodge is also slated to feature a dedicated naturalist hub helmed by a resident expert to curate immersive, conservation-led experiences, inviting guests to connect with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains.

The lodge will complement The Ritz-Carlton brand’s existing presence in the country including the The Ritz-Carlton, Perth and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne.