Marriott International and MARAEY sign new Ritz Carlton deal

Marriott International and MARAEY today announced that they have signed an agreement to bring the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve to South America.

The main tourist-residential sustainable project in Brazil, MARAEY is located in Costa do Sol (Sun Coast) in the municipality of Maricá, Rio de Janeiro. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in MARAEY will join an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties globally, in destinations including Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Construction is scheduled to start in the second half of this year.

“We are thrilled to bring the exclusivity of Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Brazil, creating a new luxury destination for our discerning guests in South America. The property is an important addition as we build out our luxury presence in the region,” says Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer for Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Ritz-Carlton Reserves are designed to deliver unexpected adventures and transformative travel experiences. Highly personalised service is centered around human connection while the design is reflective of the history, heritage, and natural environment of the destination, allowing for a culturally immersive stay.

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in MARAEY will feature 58 unique villas, designed to offer complete privacy and impressive vistas of the ocean and surrounding Atlantic Forest ecosystem. The villas will be fully sustainable, built from natural certified wood, and elevated from the ground, allowing native vegetation and wildlife to thrive. The 90 to 155 m2 accommodations will all feature private pools measuring up to 60 m2. Resort amenities are expected to include a wellness spa, pools, and culinary venues, in addition to a dedicated leisure and sports area. An Environmental Reference Center and native-regeneration nursery will provide further opportunities for guests to connect with the rich and diverse natural environment.

MARAEY's CEO, Emilio Izquierdo says: "Welcoming Ritz-Carlton Reserve to South America is a milestone for tourism in Brazil, establishing a new paradigm for the market. For us at MARAEY, the partnership brings the perfect balance between ultraluxury travel and the rare natural heritage of one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. We will combine the forest, ocean, and lagoon, elements of a unique scenic assemble, with the most exclusive and sophisticated guest experience imaginable."

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in MARAEY will also feature 80, 250 to 520 m2 residences, offering two to five bedroom accommodations with balconies, private pools, and gardens with a bioclimatic design. The homes will also include quarters for staff and two to four garage spaces. The residential complex will house various leisure and sports areas, including a gym, event and grilling spaces, pools, sports fields, meeting and home-office rooms, and a spa and beach club. Residents will enjoy highly personalized services, such as a chef and butler at the residences, and more than 400 m of beachfront.

The MARAEY development will also be home to a JW Marriott All-Inclusive resort and the first Rock In Rio branded Autograph Collection in the world.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company currently operates more than 100 hotels in 34 countries and territories.