In a significant boost to the Gold Coast’s luxury tourism market, Marriott International is set to open its first mainland Luxury Collection property in Australia at the iconic Marina Mirage site. Scheduled to open in 2027, this new development promises to elevate the region’s reputation as a premier travel destination, offering unique and authentic experiences for discerning global travellers.
Marriott International has signed an agreement with the Makris Group to bring this ambitious project to life. The planned resort is expected to feature 122 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, expansive function and event spaces, a rooftop bar and pool, a jacuzzi, a garden, a wellness and beauty centre, and a Day Spa. This project, which will be part of the Marina Mirage mixed-use precinct, aims to embody sophistication and elegance, with a distinctly Gold Coast flair.
Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific at Marriott International, expressed his excitement about the project. “The reimagination of the iconic Marina Mirage precinct presents an inspiring opportunity to expand our luxury footprint on the Gold Coast – a market we know very well, after more than 35 years’ experience operating the city’s two leading resorts under our JW Marriott and Sheraton brands,” he said. “The destination’s resilience during and post-pandemic has been remarkable, and we are very confident that proven demand for high-quality hotel experiences will be a strong foundation for the success of our first Luxury Collection property on mainland Australia.”
The Makris Group, a family-owned company, is spearheading the development of the resort. They have owned the Marina Mirage site since 2013 and have a portfolio that includes some of Australia’s most renowned retail, residential, and mixed-use developments. Chief Executive Officer Jason Makris highlighted the meticulous planning and innovative architecture that will go into the project. “The approved development embodies Con Makris’ long-term vision for Marina Mirage. As part of The Luxury Collection, the new site will deliver an authentic resort and destination with a diverse array of local award-winning restaurants and boutiques, wellness, health and beauty facilities, a new state-of-the-art marina, and, for the first time, a limited selection of villas and residences,” he said.
The new resort will not only offer luxurious accommodations but also a range of amenities designed to provide guests with an unparalleled experience. The signature restaurant will feature a menu that celebrates local ingredients and culinary traditions, while the expansive function and event spaces will cater to weddings, conferences, and other special occasions. The rooftop bar and pool area will offer stunning views of the Gold Coast, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and socialising.
Wellness and self-care will also be a focus of the resort, with a comprehensive wellness and beauty centre and a Day Spa offering a variety of treatments designed to rejuvenate and refresh. The new state-of-the-art marina will cater to boating enthusiasts, providing easy access to the region’s waterways and enhancing the resort’s appeal as a premier destination for both leisure and business travellers.
The development of the new Luxury Collection resort is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy. By attracting high-end tourists, the resort will generate additional revenue for local businesses and create new job opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The project will also enhance the Gold Coast’s reputation as a top-tier destination for luxury travel, drawing visitors from around the world and contributing to the region’s ongoing growth and development.
Richard Crawford emphasised the importance of securing appropriate new footholds for The Luxury Collection brand. “Now present in more than 40 countries, each property in The Luxury Collection is a distinctive representation of its unique place in the world, so securing appropriate new footholds for the brand requires patience,” he said. “We were drawn to the Makris Group’s bold vision for the rejuvenation of their valuable waterfront site, and we are naturally thrilled that the family has selected The Luxury Collection as the brand for the hotel, a centrepiece of what is certain to be a destination-defining project.”
The new resort will join other high-performing Marriott International properties on the Gold Coast, operating alongside JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa and Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast. It will also become part of an expanding portfolio that encompasses over 130 Luxury Collection hotels and resorts worldwide. The brand’s presence in Australia will be further solidified, building on the success of The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Hobart, which has won numerous prestigious awards since its opening in 2021.
The new Luxury Collection resort at Marina Mirage represents a significant milestone for both Marriott International and the Gold Coast. With its blend of luxury, authenticity, and local flavour, the resort is poised to become a standout destination for travellers seeking unique and memorable experiences. As the project progresses, it will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing transformation and growth of the Gold Coast, reaffirming its status as a premier destination for luxury travel.