Emirates Wolgan Valley will be reborn after a $50 million refurbishment and open later this year as a world-first Ritz-Carlton Lodge.
Built at a cost of $150 million and opened in 2009, the former One&Only Blue Mountains resort has sat idle since 2023 as a result of floods, landslides and bushfires.
The announcement, held at the Sydney Opera House Utzon Room, was made by Emirates Divisional Vice President, Australasia, Barry Brown alongside Rajeev Menon of Marriott International hotels.
The resort was the brainchild of Emirates president Sir Tim Clark, who recently revisited the site but was unable to attend the relaunch because of an eye infection.
“In our 30 years of operations in Australia, Emirates has consistently sought to deliver value to our customers, and to Australia,” he said in a statement. “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.”
The details
Wolgan Valley is a 7000-acre site within the Greater Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed region with Emirates announcing its intent to develop the resort in 2005.
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will redefine eco-luxury with 40 elegantly appointed villas, each featuring private pools and bespoke amenities.
Plans also include for the lodge to offer a signature sleep-out experience – a guided journey into remote wilderness where the absence of light unveils a breathtaking night sky, setting the stage for an evening meal outdoors and relaxation by a campfire.
“We believe that places like Wolgan Valley deserve more than admiration. They deserve care, protection and long-term commitment,” Brown said. “At Wolgan Valley, our ambition was simple: To demonstrate that luxury tourism can actively support conservation, creating a genuine win, win, win for the local community, the environment and Australian tourism.
“In 2006 I can remember Sir Tim Clark landing in a helicopter up there, coming over the mountains, and he just went, ‘This is it. I found Utopia’. And he jumped out of the helicopter, and full of enthusiasm, ran out into the reserve and looked about where we could put chalets, where we could put the homestead…”
When the resort opened in 2009 Emirates, Wolgan Valley became one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts, that brought together environmental stewardship, regional development and exceptional guest experiences.
“It was actually the world’s first carbon neutral, carbon zero hotel, and we proudly maintain that status ever since through rigorous annual audits and ongoing conservation efforts, from extensive tree planting, biodiversity protection to water recycling, renewable energy and waste reduction,” Brown said. “That founding vision of responsibility, balance and long-term value continues with us today.
He added Wolgan Valley is uniquely positioned to meet global demand and to strengthen Australia’s and New South Wales position on the world tourism stage.
“When the resort reopens, it will reinvest and reinvigorate the Wolgan community through the creation of jobs, both within and across the broader supply chain. It will generate meaningful opportunities for local suppliers for fresh Australian produce to trade services and specialist skills.”
In choosing the right partner with a global reach, and a partner who shared the vision of luxury Emirates has appointed Marriott International to operate Emirates Wogan Valley as a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, the first anywhere in the world.
“Our role as hoteliers is not simply to build beautiful hotels, but to be worthy custodians of the places entrusted to us,” Rajeev Menon, president of Marriott International Asia Pacific, said.
“That responsibility grows even greater when a destination carries the environmental, cultural and significant emotional connection that Wolgan Valley does.
“We recognise that Emirates Wolgan Valley is not just any luxury property. It is deep rooted in its destination. It is purposeful, and as Barry shared, it demands long-term care, protection and commitment, and that’s precisely why Ritz-Carlton is the right brand for this rare gem.”
