Emirates and Marriott International have signed an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge on a 7000-acre conservancy in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains region.

Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world and is anticipated to open in mid-2026, expanding the region’s tourism offering.

Since 2006, Emirates has invested $150 million in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort. 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 $50 million in renovations, working in consultation with Marriott to transform the property.

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 nonoperational.

The opening of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge offers the potential for 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.

Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark 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.”

Marriott International President, Asia Pacific excluding China Rajeev Menon 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 NSW.

"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.”

Inspired by the warmth and character of the traditional Australian homestead, the lodge is expected to offer unique, region-specific experiences led by expert guides.

Located within an expansive 7000-acre conservation reserve, the lodge occupies less than two per cent of this protected wilderness.

The location features pristine landscapes beneath some of the world’s clearest night skies, rare native flora such as the ancient Wollemi Pine, and an array of wildlife including kangaroos, bare-nosed wombats, and brush-tailed rock wallabies.

Tourism Research Australia reports regional NSW welcomed 15.5 million domestic visitors in the quarter to September 2025, generating $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 elegantly appointed lodges, each including private pools.

Fully renovated recreational spaces will include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian stables, a modern fitness centre, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa.

As part of the lodge’s commitment to the destination, it is also slated to feature a dedicated naturalist hub helmed by a resident expert to curate immersive, conservation-led experiences.