Emirates, Marriott Strike Deal to Reopen Wolgan Valley Resort

Emirates has appointed Marriott International to operate its long-closed Wolgan Valley resort, unveiling plans to relaunch the Blue Mountains asset as the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in mid-2026.

The partnership, announced at the Sydney Opera House, marks a reset for the luxury lodge after nearly three years offline after landslips and extreme weather severed access along Wolgan Valley Road.

Under the agreement, Marriott will operate the 40-villa lodge on Emirates’ 2832ha conservation holding within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, about three hours north-west of Sydney.

Emirates will invest a further $50 million to reposition the property, taking total capital committed to about $200 million since 2006.

Emirates divisional vice-president for Australasia Barry Brown said the investment reflected a long-term commitment to Australia beyond aviation.

“For more than 30 years in Australia, Emirates has sought to deliver not only value for our customers, but to the country itself,” Brown said.

He described Wolgan Valley as one of Australia’s earliest conservation-led luxury resorts, opening in 2009 after several years of planning and engagement with government and the community.

“When the resort opened in 2009, Emirates Wolgan Valley became one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts—a bold concept bringing together environmental stewardship, regional development and exceptional guest experiences,” he said.

▲ Emirates Wolgan Valley is to become the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world.

The resort ceased operations in 2023 after cumulative damage from bushfires, extreme rainfall and landslides cut the only access road into the valley.

Brown said Emirates continued to maintain the site and retain a core group of staff during the closure, despite the resort remaining non-operational.

Emirates said it has continued to spend several million dollars a year maintaining the property during the closure, covering staffing, asset protection and conservation works across the broader estate.

Guests will initially access the lodge via four-wheel-drive transfer using the Donkey Steps route or by helicopter, while longer-term access options continue to be worked through with the NSW Government.

Marriott International president for Asia-Pacific excluding China Rajeev Menon said the Wolgan Valley asset required an operator with a long-term stewardship mindset.

▲ A rendering of the reception area of the lodge. Landslips and other weather-related damage cut access to the resort about three years ago.

“Our role as hoteliers is not simply to build beautiful hotels, but to be worthy custodians of the places entrusted to us,” Menon said.

“That responsibility grows even greater when a destination carries environmental, cultural and emotional significance.”

Menon said the lodge would become the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge globally, extending the brand beyond its existing urban hotels, resorts, reserves and yacht collection.

“I promise you we are not about changing Wolgan Valley,” he said.

“We are committed to revealing the place more deeply through service, storytelling and an uncompromising respect for nature.”

The relaunched lodge will comprise 40 standalone villas with private pools, alongside a refurbished central homestead, dining venues, wellness facilities, equestrian infrastructure and conservation-led guest experiences. Emirates said the lodge would occupy less than 2 per cent of the broader conservation estate.

▲ A rendering of the restaurant in the lodge, which will be rebranded as part of the deal with Marriott.

The project carries wider implications for regional tourism and employment. Emirates estimates the reopening could support about 150 jobs across operations and local supply chains, including food producers and specialist trades in the Lithgow and Blue Mountains regions.

Emirates Airline president Sir Tim Clark said the partnership reinforced the group’s long-term view of the asset.

“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,” Clark said.

The Wolgan Valley relaunch adds to Marriott’s expanding Australian footprint, now comprising 33 operating hotels and a further 22 in its development pipeline, and becomes the third Ritz-Carlton-branded property in the country following Perth and Melbourne.