Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will open its doors in 2026, marking a fresh chapter for an Aussie icon.
When Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley indefinitely closed its doors in 2023, devoted guests – and those who’d long dreamed of visiting – were left uncertain of its future. But now, in a huge moment of reverence for NSW tourism, the luxury property is finally set to reopen.
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is set to revitalise regional tourism in NSW.
Officially partnering on the multimillion-dollar project, Marriott International and the Emirates Group will launch Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge later this year. The property will become the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world, signalling a new era for global luxury travel and revitalising the region’s tourism landscape.
Reflecting the shared values of both brands, Ritz-Carlton Lodges will all be designed as purpose-built sanctuaries immersed in nature. Each retreat will be carefully crafted to mirror its surroundings, balancing minimal environmental impact with a heightened sense of luxury, comfort and craftsmanship for guests.
What is changing?
Upon opening, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will feature 40 elegantly appointed suites, each with its own private pool and bespoke amenities. Beyond the guesthouses, design plans also reveal an arrival lounge and sitting room, signature restaurant, bar, wine room and world-renowned The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
The luxurious retreat will feature 40 design-led lodges.
The lodge has been carefully crafted to mirror its environmental surrounds.
Guests can look forward to soothing treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Outside, a swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis courts and equestrian stables promise to keep guests happy. As part of its commitment to conservation, the property is also slated to feature a dedicated naturalist hub. Helmed by a resident expert, it will allow guests to join a curated program of immersive eco-adventures.
A new signature sleep-out experience will also be introduced – a guided overnight journey complete with stargazing, outdoor dining and fireside camping. Additional expert-led experiences specific to the lodge and its surrounds are expected to be announced as the build continues.
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will hero local produce in its signature restaurant.
“We’re honoured to collaborate with Emirates on this milestone development, which sees the world’s largest hotelier and the world’s largest international airline come together to reinvigorate the luxury tourism offering in New South Wales," says president of Marriott International Asia Pacific (excluding China), Rajeev Menon.
“Marking the brand’s lodge debut globally, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will be a major drawcard for our network of 260 million loyal Marriott Bonvoy members around the world, particularly with the upcoming plans in store for immersive experiences that connect them deeply to the local area – something our luxury travellers are increasingly prioritising."
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What is staying the same?
The Emirates Group has been consistent in its dedication to the property since it first opened as Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley back in 2009. Since then, the company has invested more than $150 million into its construction, maintenance and restoration, as well as the protection and conservation of its natural surrounds.
Emirates continued to maintain the site after its closure in 2023. (Image: Katie Carlin)
When multiple landslips led to the council closure of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023 – the only way to access the resort other than by air – Emirates stayed the course. With the support of a small team of local employees, it has quietly continued to maintain the site.
Emirates is currently investing a further $50 million into renovation efforts, working closely with Marriott to shape the property’s next chapter. Due to this tireless dedication, the lodge remains anchored in its original location – a 2832-hectare conservation reserve in the Greater Blue Mountains region. It will, however, occupy less than two per cent of this protected area.
Each private retreat is designed to frame the surrounding landscape.
This offers guests rare access to the landscape while carefully respecting the flora and fauna that call it home, from bare-nosed wombats to ancient Wollemi Pines. The metaphorical cherry on top? It could also reinstate up to 150 local jobs, providing a major economic boost to the community and expanding opportunities for regional suppliers and producers.
“We are proud of our long-term investment into the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort. 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," says president of Emirates Airline, Sir Tim Clark.
The Emirates Group and Marriott International will open the lodge later this year.
“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."
Entrance to the resort is now by four-wheel drive via the Donkey Steps, a steep access route used by cattle drovers in the 1860s. While it is part of the resort’s new rural off-road experience, guests wanting to avoid the steep incline can opt to arrive by air instead.
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is set to open mid-2026. The new lodge will complement the brand’s existing presence in Australia, including The Ritz-Carlton, Perth and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne. Watch this space.
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Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.
Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.
Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.
1. Gosford’s glow up
Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.
Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.
Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.
Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.
Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.
2. Newcomers to the dining scene
Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.
The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.
Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.
Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.
Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.
3. New Central Coast experiences
Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.
It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.
Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.
Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.
For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.
4. Central Coast accommodation
Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.
There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.
Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.
In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.
To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.
5. Shopping on the Central Coast
Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.
For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.
Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.
Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.
Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.
For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.
