Emirates, Marriott Partner to Open World’s First Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Australia’s Blue Mountains

Emirates and Marriott International, Inc. have signed a landmark agreement to launch Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a 40-key, all-inclusive luxury retreat set within a 7,000-acre conservation reserve in Australia’s UNESCO-listed Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

Expected to open in mid-2026, the lodge will mark the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge globally, representing a major milestone for the prestigious hospitality brand and a significant boost to regional tourism in New South Wales (NSW).

The development is also poised to set a new benchmark for premium, nature-based travel experiences, blending refined luxury with deep environmental stewardship.

A New Chapter for Conservation-Led Luxury

Ritz-Carlton Lodges are conceived as purpose-built sanctuaries in nature, thoughtfully designed to reflect their surroundings while minimising environmental impact.

Emirates Wolgan Valley will embody this philosophy, delivering the signature craftsmanship, comfort and service synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton brand, while fostering a profound connection to place.

The lodge will be located in a remote valley within the Greater Blue Mountains, occupying less than two per cent of the protected wilderness. This ensures a rare sense of seclusion and exclusivity, with guests enjoying uninterrupted access to pristine landscapes, ancient flora and diverse native wildlife under some of the clearest night skies in the world.

Long-Term Investment by Emirates

Emirates has been deeply invested in the Wolgan Valley property since 2006, committing approximately AU$150 million to develop one of Australia’s earliest conservation-based luxury resorts.

This investment included the meticulous restoration of heritage structures such as the original 1832 homestead, alongside large-scale environmental programmes that saw the planting of more than one million native trees to restore indigenous flora and fauna.

Building on this legacy, Emirates is now investing an additional AU$50 million to renovate and reposition the resort in collaboration with Marriott International.

The transformation will elevate the property into a world-class Ritz-Carlton Lodge, marrying refined design with a strong sense of Australian identity and environmental responsibility.

Despite the unavoidable closure of the resort following the shutdown of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023, Emirates continued to maintain the site with a small team of locally employed staff, underscoring its long-term commitment to the location and surrounding community.

Economic Boost for the Local Community

The reopening of Emirates Wolgan Valley as a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to recreate close to 150 jobs in the local community, spanning hospitality, guiding, conservation and support services.

The development will also provide expanded opportunities for local suppliers, from fresh Australian produce to everyday consumables, injecting renewed economic activity into the Wolgan Valley and the wider Lithgow region.

Guests will access the lodge via a four-wheel drive journey through the historic Donkey Steps, which will form part of the immersive rural experience, or by helicopter, further enhancing the sense of exclusivity.

Leadership Perspectives

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, described the project as a natural extension of the airline’s three-decade commitment to Australia.

“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 air transport services and is reflected in the enduring relationships we have built with industry partners and the broader community,” he said.

Sir Tim noted that the partnership with Marriott International represents a proud moment for the airline. “Our long-term investment in Emirates Wolgan Valley launched one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts. Today’s agreement to open the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge reflects our unwavering commitment to the resort and to regional Australia. Beyond being an extraordinary destination for discerning travellers, it will serve as a powerful engine for local economic growth.”

He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, the NSW State Government, Lithgow City Council, and the Wolgan Valley community, all of whom played key roles in enabling the project.
Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China) at Marriott International, said the collaboration brings together two global leaders in travel.

“We’re honoured to collaborate with Emirates on this milestone development, which unites the world’s largest international airline and the world’s largest hotel company to reinvigorate luxury tourism in New South Wales,” he said.

“As the global debut of the Ritz-Carlton Lodge brand, Emirates Wolgan Valley will be a major drawcard for our 260 million Marriott Bonvoy members worldwide, particularly those seeking immersive experiences that connect them meaningfully to local culture and nature.”

Immersive Experiences Rooted in Place

Designed as an intimate sanctuary inspired by the warmth and character of a traditional Australian homestead, the lodge will offer 40 elegantly appointed standalone lodges, each featuring private pools and bespoke amenities.

Guests can expect curated, region-specific experiences led by expert guides, including wildlife encounters, conservation activities and cultural storytelling.

A standout offering will be a signature sleep-out experience – a guided overnight journey into remote wilderness where minimal artificial light reveals a spectacular night sky. The experience will include outdoor dining, campfire relaxation and overnight comfort that reflects The Ritz-Carlton’s hallmark standards.

The main homestead will serve as the social heart of the lodge, featuring a welcoming arrival lounge, signature restaurant, lounge bar and wine room, showcasing a carefully curated selection of Australian and international wines alongside premium local produce.

Wellness, Nature and Sustainability
Reimagined recreational facilities will focus on wellbeing and harmony with the natural environment. These will include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian stables, a modern fitness centre and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, renowned globally for its holistic approach to luxury wellness.

A dedicated naturalist hub, led by a resident expert, will curate conservation-focused experiences, enabling guests to engage deeply with the unique ecology of the Greater Blue Mountains, home to rare species such as the ancient Wollemi Pine, kangaroos, bare-nosed wombats and brush-tailed rock wallabies.

Strong Market Timing

The launch comes amid surging demand for high-end, nature-based travel. According to Tourism Research Australia, regional NSW welcomed 15.5 million domestic visitors in the quarter ending September 2025, generating AU$5.9 billion in visitor expenditure and 18.5 million overnight stays.

International tourism added a further 727,300 visitors and AU$1.2 billion in spending, highlighting the region’s growing global appeal.
Expanding the Ritz-Carlton Footprint in Australia
Emirates Wolgan Valley will complement The Ritz-Carlton’s existing Australian portfolio, which includes the award-winning The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, opened in 2019, and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, launched in 2023.

With its unique fusion of conservation, culture and luxury, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is poised to redefine experiential travel in Australia while reinforcing New South Wales’ position as a world-class destination for discerning global travellers.