Emirates and Marriott International have signed an agreement to launch Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a 40-key, all-inclusive luxury lodge set within a 7,000-acre conservation reserve in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.
The development will mark the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge globally and represents a significant milestone for regional tourism in New South Wales. Conceived as purpose-built sanctuaries in nature, Ritz-Carlton Lodges are designed to reflect their surroundings while minimising environmental impact and delivering the elevated luxury, comfort and craftsmanship synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton brand. Scheduled to open in mid-2026, the lodge is expected to establish a new benchmark for luxury travel and help revitalise tourism in the region.
Emirates has invested AU$150 million in the Wolgan Valley property since 2006, developing the resort with a strong focus on environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. This has included the restoration of historically significant structures such as the original homestead dating back to 1832, alongside extensive conservation programmes aimed at restoring indigenous flora and fauna. More than one million native trees have been planted across the site. The airline is now committing a further AU$50 million to renovations, working closely with Marriott International to transform the property into a world-class expression of The Ritz-Carlton’s design philosophy and service standards, deeply rooted in its natural setting.
Demonstrating its long-term commitment to the destination, Emirates continued to maintain the site with a small team of locally employed staff following the closure of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023, despite the resort being unavoidably non-operational during this period.
From its inception, the resort has maintained close ties with the Wolgan Valley community, a relationship Emirates says will remain central to the project. The opening of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to help recreate close to 150 jobs, while generating increased opportunities for local suppliers, from fresh Australian produce to everyday goods, supporting the wider regional economy.
Guests will reach the lodge via a four-wheel-drive transfer along the Donkey Steps, which will form part of the off-road rural experience, or by helicopter.
Sir 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.
“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.”
Designed as an immersive sanctuary blending wilderness with refined comfort, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge aims to deliver the legendary service associated with both The Ritz-Carlton and Emirates, while fostering a deep connection to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains. Drawing inspiration from the warmth and character of traditional Australian homesteads, the lodge will offer region-specific signature experiences led by expert guides.
Set within a 7,000-acre conservation reserve, the lodge footprint will occupy less than two per cent of the protected wilderness, ensuring a strong sense of space and seclusion. Guests will enjoy exclusive access to pristine landscapes beneath some of the clearest night skies in the world, alongside rare native flora such as the ancient Wollemi Pine and wildlife including kangaroos, bare-nosed wombats and brush-tailed rock wallabies.
The project comes amid strong demand for premium, nature-based travel. Tourism Research Australia reports that regional New South Wales welcomed 15.5 million domestic visitors in the quarter to September 2025, generating AU$5.9 billion in visitor spend and 18.5 million overnight stays. International visitors added a further 727,300 arrivals and AU$1.2 billion in expenditure, highlighting the region’s growing appeal.
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to feature 40 luxury lodges, each with private pools and bespoke amenities. Plans also include a signature sleep-out experience, offering guests a guided journey into remote wilderness where the absence of artificial light reveals expansive night skies, followed by an outdoor evening meal and time around a campfire. The experience is designed to combine The Ritz-Carlton’s hallmark comfort with the raw beauty of the Australian landscape.
The main homestead will be reimagined as a refined yet welcoming hub, featuring an arrival lounge, sitting rooms, a signature restaurant, lounge bar and wine room showcasing local and international wines alongside premium Australian produce.
Recreational facilities will be fully renovated with a focus on wellbeing and environmental harmony, including an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, equestrian stables, a modern fitness centre and The Ritz-Carlton Spa. A dedicated naturalist hub, led by a resident expert, will curate conservation-led experiences, encouraging guests to engage deeply with the Greater Blue Mountains environment.
The lodge will complement The Ritz-Carlton’s existing Australian portfolio, which includes The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, opened in 2019, and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, which welcomed guests in 2023.
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