Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a groundbreaking partnership, Emirates and Marriott International are set to launch Emirates Wolgan Valley, the world's inaugural Ritz-Carlton Lodge, nestled in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area of Australia. This exclusive all-inclusive lodge will span 7,000 acres of conservation reserve and is anticipated to open in mid-2026, setting a new standard for exquisite nature-oriented travel.

The luxury lodge will cover less than 2% of the reserve, prioritizing guest privacy while providing an intimate connection with the stunning surroundings. Visitors will encounter unique wildlife, including the ancient Wollemi Pine, along with kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies, all beneath some of the clearest night skies in the world.

Since 2006, Emirates has committed AU$150 million to the development of the Wolgan Valley Resort, emphasizing heritage restoration and environmental conservation, encompassing the planting of over one million native trees. An additional AU$50 million is now dedicated to elevating the property into a premier Ritz-Carlton Lodge.

The lodge will feature 40 opulent lodges equipped with private pools, a signature dining venue, lounge bar, wine cellar, outdoor swimming pool, tennis facilities, equestrian stables, fitness center, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa. An extraordinary sleep-out option will allow guests to immerse fully in nature with a guided dinner and campfire experience under the stars.

Access to the resort will be adventurous, available via four-wheel drive along Donkey Steps or by helicopter. The lodge is projected to generate approximately 150 jobs in the area and support local suppliers, strengthening the regional economy.

Emirates President Sir Tim Clark expressed that the lodge embodies the airline's dedication to luxury travel and community enhancement. Rajeev Menon, President of Marriott International Asia Pacific, noted that this marks the global debut of Ritz-Carlton's lodge format, catering to luxury travelers in search of immersive nature experiences.

This new lodge will enrich Ritz-Carlton's portfolio alongside existing hotels in Perth and Melbourne, reinforcing Australia's status as a premier destination for luxury tourism.