tl;dr – The first-ever Ritz-Carlton Lodge is set to debut in 2026.
A few months ago, Emirates and Marriott entered into an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge – a 40-key all-inclusive luxury lodge set to be situated on a 7,000-acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.
Scheduled for a mid-2026 opening, “the lodge will be focused on conservation-led experiences, fully honouring wellbeing and the natural environment. Guests will be able to enjoy several amenities, including an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian stables, a modern fitness centre, and the world-renowned The Ritz-Carlton Spa. As part of the lodge’s commitment to the destination, the lodge is also slated to feature a dedicated naturalist hub inviting guests to connect deeply with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains.”
The project is part of Emirates’ ongoing corporate social responsibility practices – dating back to 2006, Emirates has invested AU$150 million in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort area.
Marriott, for its part, has been making aggressive moves in the immersive luxury space (and recently the wellness arena as well). Marriott recently announced a new brand with Lefay, and late last year, publicized the St. Regis Estates brand. Additionally, there’s been talk of a luxury gorilla trek property as part of the chain’s growing safari footprint.
