Marriott International’s Autograph Collection Hotels, in partnership with owner and builder Andrew Ashcroft, announce their arrival in Belize with the opening of the Alaia boutique resort in the south of Ambergris Caye. The opening is scheduled for 2020. The region’s newest resort overlooking the sea, will join 135 other properties of the brand; each one of them celebrates the care with the design and the connections with the local culture.
“I am very excited to start this hotel endeavor in this inspiring place in Moro almost 20 years ago,” says Andrew Ashcroft, general manager. “As part of Marriott, future guests and owners will have the opportunity to connect with their surroundings without compromising on the high standards of Autograph Collection.”
The construction of Alaia was started at the end of 2017 in the historic city of São Pedro, with a five-phase launch plan. The resort will feature the conversion of 35 units, 56 private two-bedroom properties with split option and eight oceanfront villas. In total, 155 keys will be delivered by 2020. When completed, Alaia will have conveniences that include a beach club for guests and residents, a rooftop swimming pool, oceanfront lounge, full spa, fitness center, kids’ club, dive shop and art gallery.
“The landscape of Belize is breathtaking and the real estate market is growing a lot. Alaia will offer competitive rates and purchase prices,” says David Hurst, vice president of sales at Alaia.
“Tourism is growing a lot in Belize,” said Hon. Manuel Heredia, the country’s tourism minister. “A record number of 400,000 tourists visited the island last year.” “By helping to boost the national economy, create jobs, promote the country as a tourist destination, Alaia has full government support.”
The Caribbean nature and culture of Belize, one of the most untouched destinations in the world, is accompanied by diverse historical attributes and a wide variety of adventures. A few minutes from Alaia, there are more than 200 islands, where preserved Maya temples are found, such as Xunantunich (the second largest ruin in the country); lush forests; dense tropical forests; and archaeological sites such as the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, made up of a series of chambers where sacrificial ceremonies were held and bones, ceramic and stone artifacts from over a thousand years old were seen in their original context. For those interested in diving options, Belize is home to the world’s second-largest coral reef, many wrecks and the Great Blue Hole, a popular attraction for divers and enthusiasts.
Photo: Press Release