Emirates, Marriott to launch world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Australia

Emirates and Marriott International have signed an agreement to launch Emirates Wolgan Valley – a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, marking the global debut of The Ritz-Carlton Lodge brand and a significant milestone for regional luxury tourism in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

The all-inclusive, 40-key luxury lodge is scheduled to open mid-2026 within a 7,000-acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Located near Sydney, the development represents the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge worldwide and positions Australia as the launch destination for the brand’s nature-led luxury concept. Conceived as purpose-built sanctuaries set within natural environments, Ritz-Carlton Lodges are designed to reflect their surroundings while prioritising minimal environmental impact.

Decade-long development of Wolgan Valley

Since 2006, Emirates has invested AU$150 million (AED385.6 million) in the Wolgan Valley property, developing it with a strong focus on environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. This has included the restoration of historic structures, such as the original 1832 homestead, alongside extensive conservation initiatives, including the planting of more than one million native trees.

Emirates is now committing a further AU$50 million (AED128.5 million) to transform the property in collaboration with Marriott International, into a world-class Ritz-Carlton Lodge with a deep sense of place.

Despite the temporary closure of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023, Emirates has continued to maintain the site with a locally employed team.

From its inception, the resort has worked closely with the local Wolgan Valley community. The reopening of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, is expected to generate up to 150 local jobs and stimulate the regional economy through increased demand for local suppliers, from fresh Australian produce to specialist services.

Access to the lodge will be via a four-wheel-drive journey along the historic Donkey Steps, forming part of the immersive rural experience, or by helicopter.

“We are proud of our long-term investment in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, which launched one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts,” said Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airlines. “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’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,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

“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.”

The property will complement The Ritz-Carlton’s growing presence in Australia, alongside The Ritz-Carlton, Perth and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, further strengthening the brand’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific luxury hospitality market.

Demand for premium, nature-based travel continues to rise. According to Tourism Research Australia, regional NSW welcomed 15.5 million domestic visitors in the quarter to September 2025, generating AU$5.9 billion (AED15.2 billion) in visitor expenditure, while international arrivals contributed a further 727,300 visitors and AU$1.2 billion (AED3.1 billion) in spend.