Emirates and Ritz-Carlton Unveil First Luxury Lodge in Australia

In a historic partnership, Emirates and Marriott International announce the debut of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, in the breathtaking Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area of Australia. This remarkable lodge, set on a vast 7,000-acre conservation reserve, will consist of 40 luxurious accommodations and is slated to welcome guests by mid-2026, redefining the standard for nature-centric luxury tourism.

With the lodge situated on less than 2% of the reserve, guests will enjoy an intimate relationship with breathtaking natural surroundings, encountering unique wildlife such as the ancient Wollemi Pine as well as kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies, beneath some of the clearest night skies globally.

Since its inception in 2006, Emirates has invested a significant AU$150 million toward the development of the Wolgan Valley Resort, emphasizing heritage restoration and ecological sustainability, including the planting of more than a million native trees. An extra AU$50 million is now being allocated to elevate this site into a premier Ritz-Carlton Lodge.

Guests will be able to indulge in 40 lavish lodges featuring private pools, a gourmet restaurant, lounge bar, wine room, as well as an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian stables, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa. A distinctive sleep-out experience promises an unforgettable night in the wilderness under a canopy of stars, complemented by a guided outdoor dinner and campfire ambiance.

Arrival to this extraordinary resort can be made via four-wheel drive along the Donkey Steps or by helicopter, ensuring an adventure from the outset. The lodge is projected to create around 150 local employment opportunities while bolstering the regional economy with support for local suppliers.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, expressed that the lodge embodies the airline’s dedication to luxury travel and community enhancement. Rajeev Menon, President of Marriott International Asia Pacific, emphasized that this lodge not only marks Ritz-Carlton's global lodge initiation but also caters to discerning travelers seeking rich, nature-based experiences.

This innovative lodge will seamlessly integrate with Ritz-Carlton’s existing properties in Perth and Melbourne, further solidifying Australia’s status as a luxury tourism hotspot.