Ritz-Carlton the latest luxury hotel offering on the Gold Coast

Marriott International has struck a deal to open Australia’s third Ritz-Carlton.

Renders of the Ritz Carlton, Gold Coast, which is slated to open in 2026. Picture: Supplied

A new luxury hotel will be built on the Gold Coast after hotelier Marriott International struck a deal to open Australia’s third Ritz-Carlton in 2026.

The company has partnered with local developers Pelligra and Giannarelli to move forward with the project, which is part of a $480m waterfront development at Mariner’s Cove on The Spit.

The majority of the 150 guest suites will have water views, with the project to complement the recently refurbished superyacht marina and proposed revitalisation of the area’s shopping and entertainment precinct.

Artists impression of a scheme by Pelligra Group and Giannarelli Group to develop a Ritz-Carlton hotel at Mariners Cove on the Gold Coast

Richard Crawford, Marriott International's vice president of hotel development for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, said the Covid-19 pandemic proved Australians have an appetite for luxury domestic travel.

“It was clear that this had Ritz-Carlton DNA written all over it, not just for Australian standards, but for a global standard,” he said.

“Before Covid, the business case for this project may not have stacked up because we weren't sure that Australians would pay above $500 or $600 a night.

“We’ve just had a record year at our two resorts on the Gold Coast – Sheraton and JW Marriott – which are both exceeding $400, $450 a night.

“So the market has proven that it will stay at home and it will spend money if we deliver the right product and this will be a whole new level.”

Dion Giannarelli, chief executive of Giannarelli, said: “Australian travellers have fallen back in love with the Gold Coast and it's showing right now with the amount of tourism that’s coming.”

The new Ritz-Carlton will include a signature restaurant featuring semi-opened kitchens, cafe, and three bars including a lobby lounge, as well as a destination bar and poolside bar. The signature spa will also be integrated into the wellness offering.

Covid-19 demand is not the only driver, explained Ross Pelligra, chairman at Pelligra, with the 2032 Olympic Games also offering an attractive proposition.

An artist’s impression of what the Ritz Carlton, Gold Coast, will look like when it opens in 2026. Picture: Supplied

“No one has really invested in this high quality accommodation and that’s why we’re confident in what we are doing,” Mr Pelligra said. “You’re not going to find too many hotel resorts being built with what this facility is going to be able to offer.”

The development application for the four-hectare site is before council, with the low-set design imagined by Melbourne architecture firm Kennon to meet Gold Coast’s strict height limits for the redevelopment zone. The trio hope to begin work on the project early next year.

Marriott International will soon launch its Ritz-Carlton collection of superyachts, with Mr Crawford noting the potential for one to dock on the Gold Coast.