Marriott International will debut its Autograph Collection
in Belize with the opening of the all-villa Alaia resort in San Pedro on
Ambergris Caye island in 2020.
Alaia broke ground late last year with a five-phase launch
plan that features a conversion of 35 existing units, 56 two-bedroom condominiums
and eight oceanfront villas to comprise a collection of 56 residences and eight
villas available for purchase when completed.
Owners will have the option to include their residences in
the rental management program, according to owner, developer and managing
director Andrew Ashcroft.
When completed, Alaia will offer a beach club, a rooftop
suspended pool and lounge, spa, kids club, dive shop, art gallery and shops.
The residences will feature 70% of fabrics and raw materials
from Belize, including rustic marble and stones, reclaimed wood, textured beige
walls and earth-toned hues.
Units will offer more than 1,200 square feet of indoor space
and 900 square feet outside.
Belize welcomed more than 400,000 visitors in 2017,
according to Manuel Heredia, minister of tourism.
"With the tourism industry playing an integral role in
the country's economy, Alaia has the government's full support as it will take
Belize to new heights by boosting employment, generating awareness about the
destination and allowing visitors to immerse themselves in our culture,"
he said.