Emirates has partnered with Marriott International to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, in mid-2026 following the luxury resort’s forced closure in 2023 due to access restrictions.

The agreement between the two travel giants will also mark the global debut of the 40-key all-inclusive Ritz-Carlton Lodge, situated on a 7,000 acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

Having previously invested $150 million since 2006, Emirates will invest an additional $50 million in renovations, working in consultation with Marriott to transform the property into the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, bearing trademarks of Ritz-Carlton’s signature brand and service.

“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,” Marriott International President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Rajeev Menon said.

Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is also expected to be a major drawcard for New South Wales’s regional tourism. Anticipated to open mid-2026, the project offers a new benchmark for luxury travel and potential to reinvigorate the region’s tourism offering, as well as potentially re-creating close to 150 jobs in the local community.

With demand for premium, nature-based experiences at an all-time high, latest Tourism Research Australia reports regional NSW 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 arrivals contributed an additional 727,300 visitors and $1.2 billion in spend, underscoring the region’s growing appeal.

“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,” Emirates Airline President, Sir Tim Clark said.

“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,” he said.

Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to feature 40 lodges, each including private pools and bespoke amenities. Plans also include for the lodge to offer a signature sleep-out experience – “a guided journey into remote wilderness where the absence of light unveils a breathtaking night sky, setting the stage for an evening meal outdoors and relaxation by a campfire,” Emirates stated.

Design plans for the property’s main homestead will be complete with a welcoming arrival lounge and sitting room, a signature restaurant, a lounge bar and a wine room.

Fully renovated recreational spaces will be reimagined and includes an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian stables, a modern fitness centre, and the world-renowned The Ritz-Carlton Spa. As part of the lodge’s commitment to the destination, the lodge is also slated to feature a dedicated naturalist hub helmed by a resident expert to curate immersive, conservation-led experiences, inviting guests to connect deeply with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains.

The lodge will complement The Ritz-Carlton brand’s existing presence in Australia including The Ritz-Carlton, Perth and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne.