This is pretty cool — Marriott will be opening its first Ritz-Carlton Lodge anywhere in the world, and it’ll be in partnership with Emirates… in Australia (thanks to Andrew for flagging this).
Continue reading: Emirates Wolgan Valley, The World’s First Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Opens Mid-2026
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Blue Mountains are worth a visit, but, honestly, just better as a day-trip from Sydney by car; certain times of year, beware of wildfires, smoke. As this is a pre-existing property, One&Only to Ritz-Carlton is a downgrade. Reminds me of the St. Regis-JW-St. Regis re-branding games played in Mauritius. Like, why?
@ 1990 -- Hah, but it's the world's first Ritz-Carlton *Lodge*... whatever that is. Let's see how this does in terms of Bonvoy participation...
Almost everything Marriott has a substantial hand in managing turns to shit. PASS
I suppose so, but, that feels like marketing-speak; if we're talking 'safari'-style, Marriott already has that JW in Masai Mara, Kenya; Hilton has a similar thing going on in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Doesn't beat true five-star luxury safaris like Singita, &Beyond, Wilderness, etc.
Hey, there has been a Ritz Carlton Lodge at Lake Oconee in Greensboro GA (Atlanta area) for at least ten years. Even the main lodge fireplace area looks the same as your photos...
If it were to reduce the prices, that'd be one thing, but what tends to happen is... same price, worse experience. Oh well. Similar thing happened to North Island in Seychelles (used to be Wilderness, then Marriott, now independent). Who know what'll happen with this.
So is it being operated by Emirates under license from Marriott's Ritz-Carlton or is it being operated by Marriott for Emirates? This is very unclear. I honestly don't see why Emirates needs Marriott here.
Its going to be operated by Marriott under license from Emirates, to clarify, Emirates purchased this property as part of its CO2 offset strategy but Emirates does not operate hotels.
I stayed there several years ago and we loved it, every suite has its own pool and bikes to enjoy the enormous place where you can see wild kangaroos in large numbers. Unfortunately I know exactly how this is going to go. Marriott will try to really push the price envelope to the max to see just how many suckers pay it. If the prices by Ritz Carlton reserve are anything to go by, now imagine this being much more expensive than those just for having the world lodge in it. Am I jaded?
We stayed at this resort for three nights in 2012, pre-one and only. The accommodations were wonderful, service was great and food was outstanding. We would enjoy a repeat visit in the future. https://travelscrivener.blogspot.com/2013/01/we-left-sydney-for-wolgan-valley-resort.html
There are many similar properties around the world for different nature related experiences. I think Marriott will make this property overly confusing because of the use of the name. Some others are not completely part of Marriott and benefits differ such as Ritz Carlton Reserve or cruises.