Marriott International will open its third Ritz-Carlton hotel in Australia on Queensland’s Gold Coast by 2026 after reaching a deal with Australian property developers Pelligra Group and Giannarelli Group.

The Ritz-Carlton, Gold Coast will be part of a $480 million new waterfront development at Mariner’s Cove.

Marriott International Vice President of Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific, Richard Crawford, said the resort will set a new standard for luxury accommodation in the area.

“Marriott International is recognised as the global leader in the upper upscale and luxury segments,” he said.

“Today’s signing with Pelligra Group and Giannarelli Group is a profound indication of strong investor confidence, buoyed by a resurgent affluent domestic travel market. Once opened, the resort expects to set a new benchmark for luxury on Australia’s Gold Coast with the property’s enviable waterfront location.”

This sentiment was echoed by Giannarelli Group Chief Executive Officer, Dion Giannarelli.

“The Gold Coast has always been Australia’s most prestigious playground, and once completed, The Ritz-Carlton, Gold Coast anticipates to elevate the city’s tourism pedigree to an entirely new level of energy and quality, redefining Main Beach and The Spit,” he said.

“With the attention to detail and highest quality finishes we are applying to the project, we are confident The Ritz-Carlton, Gold Coast will be one of the world’s finest luxury resorts.”

The hotel is expected to feature 150 guest rooms and suites – including a 275-sqm Ritz-Carlton Suite – a signature restaurant featuring semi-opened kitchens, a cafe, and three bars including a Lobby Lounge, destination bar and poolside bar.

Leisure facilities will include an outdoor rooftop pool, fitness centre and signature Ritz-Carlton Spa. There are also plans for 587sqm of function space, including a 512sqm ballroom and 261sqm outdoor pre-function space.

“We are exceptionally excited to embark on this journey with Marriott International to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to the Gold Coast,” said Pelligra Group Chairman, Ross Pelligra.

“A luxury hotel development like this will draw in more tourism spending from across the globe and fuel the local economy. The Ritz-Carlton, Gold Coast is set to be an iconic landmark not only for the Gold Coast, but for Australia’s hospitality sector.”

Ritz-Carlton Gold Coast joins Marriott’s existing hotels in the region, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa and Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast.

Marriott International Area Vice President for Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific, Sean Hunt, described it as a “momentous” signing.

“It is a momentous signing, not only for our growing Gold Coast portfolio but for the expansion of the Ritz-Carlton brand in Australia, first relaunched with The Ritz-Carlton, Perth in 2019, and with The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne slated to open its doors in early 2023,” he said.