Marriott manifests Rio trio

Marriott International has signed a deal with Brazilian sustainable tourist-residential enterprise, Maraey, to build three hotels in Maricá, Rio de Janeiro.

The projects are strategically located to create an international tourist destination focused on sustainability and innovation, as well as high-end service and experiences.

Triple set

Situated 45 km from Rio de Janeiro, the three-hotel complex is anticipated to mark the introduction of the luxury Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand to Brazil and South America. In addition, the planned JW Marriott is expected to be one of the marque’s first all-inclusive hotels in the world.

Completing the trio, Rock in Rio, Autograph Collection, is slated to be the first thematic hotel bearing the name of the popular festival that attracts thousands of fans.

The Iniciativas e Desenvolvimento Imobiliario Brasil (IDB Brasil)-conceived Maraey development is estimated to be investing approximately US$360 million in the properties, which collectively are expected to feature more than 1,100 rooms. Construction of all three is planned to begin in the second half of 2023, with completion due in Q1 2026.

Villa reserve

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Marica will feature 58 villas, designed to offer privacy and vistas of the ocean and surrounding Atlantic Forest ecosystem. The villas will be designed as fully sustainable, built from natural certified wood, and elevated from the ground, allowing native vegetation and wildlife to thrive. The 90 to 155 sq m accommodations will all feature private pools measuring up to 60 sq m. 

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 Centre and native-regeneration nursery will provide further opportunities for guests to connect with the rich and diverse natural environment.

Residential component

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve will also feature 80 residences, measuring 250 to 520 sq m, 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.

Holistic JW

Focusing on guests’ holistic well-being, JW Marriott Hotel at Maraey is anticipated to feature 120 guestrooms, some offering more than 2,500 sq ft with large patios and swim-up pools, as well as 164 branded residences measuring up to 6,000 sq ft.

Showcasing all-inclusive programming, the hotel will be situated at the edge of Marica´s lagoon and hills and is expected to showcase a variety of entertainment spaces including restaurants, gyms, shops, pool areas, a spa, and a sports club.

Festival experience

Rock in Rio, Autograph Collection will be part of Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott’s independent property soft brand. The resort will bring the experience of one of the biggest music and entertainment festivals in the world to life.

The complex is anticipated to have 912 rooms in a beachfront, nearly one-kilometre structure, and a variety of entertainment. Among the anticipated attractions are open-air shows by renowned artists, indoor and outdoor recreational sporting activities, wellness areas, and a convention centre.

Transformational project

Marriott’s chief development officer for the Caribbean and Latin America region, Laurent de Kousemaeker, noted: “We are excited to announce the agreement with IDB Brasil for three hotels within their vast master project in Maricá, which will undoubtedly transform the eastern part of Rio in the coming years.

“In addition to the quality of the projects and ideal beachfront locations, we were impressed by the developer’s passion and commitment to raise awareness around environmental sustainability, sociocultural issues, and education, which aligns with our values.”

Complementary visions

According to Emilio Izquierdo, CEO of Maraey: “This agreement reinforces our commitment to create a tourist centre of excellence just a short distance from Rio de Janeiro, in Maricá. Each hotel has complementary visions and the highest quality infrastructure, an exclusive leisure experience, comfort, and well-being by the sea and the lagoon, surrounded by the exuberant nature of the region.

“Also, in association with these Marriott hotels, we anticipate developing 244 exclusive branded residences (villas, duplexes, and apartments). Their unique architecture, quality construction, and services will undoubtedly become South America’s most exclusive first and second-home residential development.”

Dream theme

Roberto Medina, president and creator of Rock in Rio, added: “Rock in Rio goes beyond music, it is a true park of experiences, and having a brand themed hotel has always been a dream of mine. Through Rock in Rio, Autograph Collection, we will provide all the expertise and care that we have with the festival to this new venture.

“We will be even closer to our fans, creating unique connections any day of the year in a place that will be magical. I’m sure that everyone who visits the property will take away memories for a lifetime, just as the festival does.”

High sustainability

Leading the project to bring the three hotels and branded residences to life is the Abacus Group, an international architecture and urbanism consultancy firm. 

The firm’s CEO, Daniel Miguel, said: “It has been an exciting experience to develop this unique tourist and residential proposal for Maraey, always focused on the highest parameters of sustainability, innovation, construction and quality, including an impressive range of experiences for future guests and residents.”

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