Ritz-Carlton Lodge Set for Wolgan Valley Revival
Emirates has appointed Marriott International to operate its long-closed Wolgan Valley resort, with plans to relaunch the Blue Mountains asset as the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in mid-2026.
The announcement, made at the Sydney Opera House, signals a major reset for the conservation-led luxury property following nearly three years offline.
GALLERY
Located within a 2,832-hectare conservation holding in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, the 40-villa resort has remained closed since 2023 after landslips and extreme weather severed access along Wolgan Valley Road. Despite this, Emirates has continued to maintain the site, investing several million dollars annually in staffing, conservation works and asset protection.
Under the new agreement, Emirates will commit a further $50 million to reposition the property, bringing total investment to around $200 million since its original development. Emirates divisional vice-president for Australasia Barry Brown said the move reflects a long-term commitment to Australia that extends beyond aviation.
“When the resort opened in 2009, Emirates Wolgan Valley became one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts, bringing together environmental stewardship, regional development and exceptional guest experiences,” Brown said.
Marriott International president for Asia-Pacific excluding China Rajeev Menon described the project as an opportunity to redefine the brand’s global footprint. The Wolgan Valley property will become the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge worldwide, expanding the brand beyond its established urban and resort typologies.
“Our role as hoteliers is not simply to build beautiful hotels, but to be worthy custodians of the places entrusted to us,” Menon said.
The relaunched lodge will include 40 standalone villas with private pools, alongside a refurbished homestead, dining venues, wellness facilities and equestrian infrastructure. Emirates confirmed the built footprint will occupy less than two per cent of the broader estate, reinforcing its conservation focus.
Initial access will be via four-wheel-drive transfer or helicopter, while long-term solutions continue to be explored with the NSW Government. The reopening is expected to support around 150 jobs across operations and regional supply chains, providing a boost to the Blue Mountains and Lithgow economies.
The project also strengthens Marriott’s growing Australian presence, marking its third Ritz-Carlton-branded property in the country and signalling renewed confidence in high-end, nature-based tourism.
Images via The Urban Developer
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