- Luxury conservation resort, Emirates Wolgan Valley, is set to reopen to the public, three years after the property was forced to shut down due to an environmental disaster.
- Marriott International is set to take over from previous operator One&Only, rebranding the hotel to Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge.
- Emirates is investing a further AUD$50 million in the project, working in consultation with Marriott to transform the property into a world-class expression of The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service and refined design.
- When it opens, the 40-key all-inclusive luxury lodge will mark the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world.
Nearly three years after a landslide destroyed its only accessible thoroughfare, Emirates Wolgan Valley is on the road to recovery. The luxury conservation resort is set to reopen to the public later this year, albeit under a new operator and a slightly new name.
Kerzner International’s One&Only is gone, replaced by Marriott International, which has already revealed plans to rebrand the hotel to Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, making it the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge anywhere in the world. At long last, the pride of the Blue Mountains hospitality scene is returning.
Emirates Wolgan Valley
Set on a sprawling 7,000-acre site, Emirates Wolgan Valley offers unrivalled vistas of the stunning Blue Mountains, complete with an on-site restaurant, lounge bar, wine room and 40 individual adorned suites that boast indoor private pools and luxury finishes. At the centre of the property sits the original 1832 homestead, which looks out over a host of native flora and fauna.
Since its inception in 2006, Emirates has poured a whopping AUD$150 million into the property, largely focused on the careful restoration of historically significant landmarks, along with extensive conservation programmes. Now, the travel operator is doubling down on its commitment, announcing a further AUD$50 million investment in the revitalisation project. The airline is working in consultation with Marriott to transform the property into a ‘world-class expression’ of The Ritz-Carlton’s service and design, with a deep connection to place.
“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,“ Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline 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.“
Road to Recovery
Rejuvenate is an apt word. In 2023, the region was hit by a string of natural disasters, including a landslide that effectively cut off access to the luxury resort. After engineers warned of a potential catastrophic collapse, Lithgow Council made the difficult decision to permanently close the only access road into Wolgan Valley, forcing Emirates to shutter the property.
Two years later, the federal and NSW governments approved $385 million in funding to restore the road, pending final sign-off from Lithgow Council. Not that Emirates or Marriott are waiting around. 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.
More importantly, the opening of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge represents a burgeoning employment opportunity. For the two years that the property was non-operational, Emirates has maintained the site, employing a small number of local staff. The relaunch is expected to create close to 150 new jobs in the community, including increased opportunities for local suppliers.
World’s First Ritz-Carlton Lodge
While the new operating agreement does introduce a new element to the mix, much of the property’s hallmarks won’t change. Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to feature 40 elegantly appointed lodges, each including private pools and bespoke amenities. The main homestead will house a welcoming arrival lounge and sitting room, a signature restaurant, a lounge bar and a wine room full of local and international drops.
Images of the proposed design have not yet to be released, however, the operators confirmed that all renovated recreational spaces will be thoughtfully reimagined to honour wellbeing and the natural environment. Expect to see an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian stables, a modern fitness centre, and the world-renowned The Ritz-Carlton Spa make an appearance when the property opens.
There are also plans to introduce signature sleep-out experiences that offer guests guided journeys into remote wilderness. There, visitors will get up close and personal with rare native flora such as the ancient Wollemi Pine, alongside an extraordinary array of wildlife including kangaroos, bare-nosed wombats, and brush-tailed rock wallabies.
According to Rajeev Menon, president of Marriott International for Asia Pacific, the lodge’s commitment to conservation will remain front and centre. The property is also slated to receive 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.
“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,“ Menon said.
“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.”
As the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Emirates Wolgan Valley is set to mark a monumental moment on the global luxury travel calendar. The much-anticipated return of the luxury conservation resort is slated for mid-2026.
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