{"id":262369,"date":"2026-02-05T05:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T22:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ttrweekly.com\/site\/?p=262369"},"modified":"2026-02-05T06:09:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T23:09:52","slug":"travel-leaders-open-luxury-lodge-in-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ttrweekly.com\/site\/2026\/02\/travel-leaders-open-luxury-lodge-in-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel leaders open luxury lodge in Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SYDNEY, Australia, 5 February 2026: Emirates and Marriott International, Inc have signed 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\u2019s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, is expected to mark the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world and a major milestone for New South Wales\u2019 (NSW) regional tourism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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An expression of the renowned luxury brand, Ritz-Carlton Lodges are purpose-built sanctuaries in nature, thoughtfully designed to reflect their surroundings while prioritising minimal environmental impact and delivering a heightened sense of luxury, comfort, and craftsmanship synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton. Anticipated to open mid-2026, the project offers a new benchmark for luxury travel and the potential to reinvigorate the region\u2019s tourism offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2006, Emirates has invested AUD150 million in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, developing the property with deep respect for its environmental and cultural heritage. This has included the careful restoration of historically significant landmarks \u2014 such as the original homestead dating back to 1832 \u2014 alongside extensive conservation programmes to restore indigenous flora and fauna, including the planting of more than one million native trees across the site. Emirates is now investing an additional AUD50 million in renovations, working in consultation with Marriott to transform the property into a world-class expression of The Ritz-Carlton\u2019s legendary service and refined design, with a deep connection to place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Barry Brown, Emirates DVP Australia and Rajeev Menon, President Marriott International Asia Pacific signing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As a reflection of Emirates\u2019 commitment to the location, following the closure of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023, Emirates has maintained the site with a small number of locally employed staff while the property was unavoidably non-operational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the resort\u2019s founding, Emirates has worked closely with the local Wolgan Valley community and remains committed to continued engagement. The opening of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, has the potential to re-create nearly 150 jobs in the community, including increased opportunities for local suppliers ranging from fresh Australian produce to sundry items, thereby contributing to the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guests will access the resort by four-wheel-drive service via the Donkey Steps, which will become part of the resort’s rural off-road experience, or by helicopter.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n