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 in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains.
Set in the heart of a 7,000-acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge stands to become the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world and marks a major milestone for New South Wales’s (NSW) regional tourism.
On the occasion, Marriott International’s president in the Asia Pacific Rajeev Menon remarked: “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.”
Anticipated to open by the middle of this year, the project offers a new benchmark for luxury travel and potential to reinvigorate the region’s tourism offering.
A vision comes to life
Emirates president 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.”
Clark added that Emirates takes pride in its long-term investment into the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort which launched one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts.
He said: “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.
Clark likewise expressed gratitude for the support from the Federal government, and for our partnerships with the State government, Lithgow City Council, and the Wolgan Valley community who are helping to bring the vision to life.
Significant investment
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 nonoperational.
Community effort
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 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.
An expression of the renowned luxury brand, Ritz-Carlton Lodges are conceived as purpose-built sanctuaries in nature, thoughtfully designed to reflect their surroundings whilst prioritising minimal environmental impact and delivering a heightened sense of luxury, comfort and craftsmanship synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton.
