Married At First Sight contestant Dion Giannarelli to bring Ritz-Carlton hotel to $480 million Mariner’s Cove redevelopment at The Spit

It’s one of the world’s most luxurious and recognisable hotel brands and now – a former MAFS contestant and property developer has inked a deal to bring it to the Gold Coast. DETAILS

A MARRIED At First Sight contestant and property developer has inked a deal to bring the iconic Ritz-Carlton hotel brand to the Gold Coast.

In August, developer Dion Giannarelli’s Melbourne-based Giannarelli Group – with joint venture partners Pelligra Group – lodged plans with Gold Coast City Council for the $480 million redevelopment of Mariner’s Cove at The Spit.

It will comprise a 67-berth superyacht marina, lifestyle and shopping precinct and 150-room hotel resort.

It will be the third Ritz-Carlton hotel in Australia after Perth opened 2019 – and Melbourne, slated to open in 2023.

Melbourne-based developers Giannarelli and Pelligra Groups have inked a deal with Mariott International to bring the Ritz-Carlton hotel brand to the Gold Coast. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Giannarelli says its developers are “shovel ready” with anticipated approval for the project in early 2023.

He predicts it will near completion in late 2025.

Mr Giannarelli did the Ritz-Carlton deal in the US. Ritz-Carlton is a subsidiary of Marriott International which also has the JW Marriott in Surfers Paradise.

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

MAFS star Dion Gianarelli is making major moves on the Gold Coast property development front. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“We are confident the project will be one of the world’s finest luxury resorts.”

Mr Giannarelli said Main Beach was “once again booming”.

“Attention will be brought back to the area not just from domestic travellers but international tourists seeking out luxury accommodation offerings.

“This development has really put the spotlight back on Main Beach and The Spit. I call it the billion dollar mile,” he said.

Ross Pelligra, Dion Giannarelli and Dean Giannarelli visit the site for their $480 million development at Mariner’s Cove.

Richard Crawford, the Marriott International vice president of hotel development for Australia, said the company were “impressed by Pelligra and Giannarelli Group’s plans” and “confident in their approach to the sensitivities of developing at The Spit”.

“There have been a number of planned projects in the area that haven’t made it through but

here we see a profound indication of strong investor confidence, buoyed by a resurgent affluent domestic travel market,” he said.

“Once opened, the resort anticipates to set a new benchmark for luxury on Australia’s Gold Coast with the property’s enviable waterfront location.”

Ritz-Carlton Gold Coast. Artist impression. Picture: Supplied.

Pelligra Group chairman Ross Pelligra said: “We are exceptionally excited to embark on this journey.”

“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,” he said.

Mr Giannarelli said the development would offer “hundreds of new jobs” from construction, to resort and marina staff and create a “shot in the arm for the Gold Coast economy”.

The development will include a 67-berth superyacht marina. Artist impression. Picture: Supplied.

The Ritz-Carlton Gold Coast will include a 275-square-metre luxury suite, signature restaurant, cafe, plus lobby lounge bar, destination bar and poolside bar.

An outdoor rooftop pool, fitness centre and signature Ritz-Carlton Spa are also in its plans.

The development will include 587 square meters of function space, including a 512-square-metre ballroom, and 261-square-metre of outdoor pre-function space.

The plans also call for the existing Fisherman’s Wharf building to be redesigned for more food and drink outlets, next to a boardwalk setting for an “active dining setting” on the Broadwater.