Keith Massey is leading the opening of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, having joined the all-inclusive luxury property this month.
Massey has moved over from another Marriott offering in Australia, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, where he was GM for more than six years.
With more than 25 years’ experience in hospitality, Massey spent more than a decade with Hyatt, before joining Marriott in 2016, as general manager of the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa in southern Thailand.
“Keith brings a wealth of experience in luxury hospitality, with a strong track record of leadership, operational excellence and delivering exceptional guest experiences,” said Marriott International’s regional vice president for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Jason Nuell.
“Throughout his career with Marriott International, he has demonstrated an ability to lead high-performing teams and uphold the exacting standards of luxury service.
“We are delighted to see him take on this next opportunity and look forward to the expertise and passion he will bring to Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge.”
Formerly operating under the One&Only brand, the boutique 40-key Wolgan Valley property closed in 2023 due to access issues.
In January this year, it was announced that the lodge would reopen under Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton brand, with a debut initially slated for the middle of 2026. A 2027 opening is now on the cards, with a date to be revealed in “coming months”.
The lodge has been undergoing a $50 million renovation ahead of its opening as a Ritz-Carlton and sits within a 7,000-hectare site, with the accommodation offering only taking up a fraction of the property.
“I am delighted to take on the role of general manager at Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge,” said Massey.
“It is a privilege to be part of a destination with such a distinctive sense of place, and I look forward to working alongside our team to create exceptional guest experiences while respecting and celebrating the natural environment that makes Wolgan Valley so special.”
The property will accept full buyouts by business events groups.
