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).
In this post:
The story of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge
Emirates and Marriott have signed an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge. This will be a 40-key, all-inclusive luxury lodge, situated on a 7,000-acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area, which is UNESCO World Heritage-listed. This is located in New South Wales, roughly a three-hour drive from Sydney.
There’s probably a lot here that’s confusing, so let me explain — Emirates owns the property as part of its conservation efforts, hence the Emirates name. Since 2006, the Dubai-based carrier has invested $150 million AUD in the resort and its surroundings.
Back in the day, this property was branded as the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, so it was run by ultra-luxury hotel operator One&Only. However, the property closed in mid-2023, due to a severe road access issue that was caused by a 2022 landslide.
This property will now be reopening, and Emirates is investing $50 million AUD to renovate the resort, ahead of it becoming a Ritz-Carlton Lodge. 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. Alternatively, access via helicopter is also possible.
Here’s how Emirates President Tim Clark describes this:
“In our 30 years of operations in Australia, Emirates has consistently sought to deliver value to our customers, and to Australia. Our commitment extends well beyond the provision of air transport services. It is reflected in the strong, enduring relationships we have built with our industry partners, and in our active engagement with the broader Australian community through Emirates Wolgan Valley, and our extensive sponsorships in sports and the arts.”
“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. 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.”
“We are deeply grateful for the support from the Federal government, and for our partnerships with the State government, Lithgow City Council, and the Wolgan Valley community who have helped Emirates make this project possible.”
What to expect from the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, will feature 40 accommodations, each with private pools. Design plans for the property’s main homestead include an arrivals lounge and sitting room, a signature restaurant, a lounge bar, and a wine room, offering local and international wines, and a focus on Australian produce.
The lodge will also feature an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian stables, and a wellbeing area with a spa and fitness center.
I’ve gotta say, the property’s setting looks gorgeous, and the renderings of the updated design also look great. This is definitely a property I’ll keep on my radar. I’m curious to see what pricing is like, and will report back once it becomes bookable.
Bottom line
Emirates and Marriott are partnering on the world’s first branded Ritz-Carlton Lodge. Essentially, the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley closed a few years back, and it’s now undergoing a renovation, and will be reopening as an all-inclusive Ritz-Carlton Lodge. The renderings look great, and I look forward to learning more details as the opening date approaches.
What do you make of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge?
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.
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
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...
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?
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.
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...
Almost everything Marriott has a substantial hand in managing turns to shit. PASS
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.
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...
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.