Emirates and Marriott International to Bring First-Ever Ritz-Carlton Lodge Globally to Australia
Emirates and Marriott International, Inc. have signed an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge – a 40-key all-inclusive luxury lodge set to be situated on a 7,000-acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to mark the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world and a major milestone for New South Wales’s (NSW) regional tourism. An expression of the renowned luxury brand, Ritz-Carlton Lodges are conceived as purpose-built sanctuaries in nature, thoughtfully designed to reflect their surrounds while prioritizing minimal environmental impact and delivering a heightened sense of luxury, comfort and craftmanship synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton. Anticipated to open mid-2026, the project offers a new benchmark for luxury travel and potential to reinvigorate the region’s tourism offering.
Since 2006, Emirates has invested AU$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 AU$50 million in renovations, working in consultation with Marriott to transform the property into a world-class expression of The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service and refined design, with a deep connection to place.
As a reflection of Emirates’ commitment to the location, 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 non-operational. From the resort’s founding, Emirates has worked closely with the local Wolgan Valley community, and it remains committed to continued engagement. 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 localhttps://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/emirates-and-marriott-international-to-bring-first-ever-ritz-carlton-lodge
