Autograph Collection Hotels, in partnership with owner and developer Andrew Ashcroft, has announced the brand is expected to debut in Belize with the 2020 opening of Alaia.

The one-of-a-kind boutique resort will be set amid the beautiful and culturally rich southern part of Ambergris Caye island. 

Perfectly suited for Autograph Collection Hotels, Alaia will join the 135 independent hotels in the brand’s diverse and dynamic collection – each celebrating the founder’s passion, thoughtfulness of design, inherent craft and connection with the locale.

“With the forthcoming opening on Alaia, I am thrilled to begin this real estate and hospitality lifestyle brand in the inspiring place I have called home for nearly 20 years,” said Andrew Ashcroft, managing director, Alaia.

“Joining Marriott will provide future owners and guests of Alaia a unique opportunity to intimately connect to their surroundings, while embodying the high-quality standards of the Autograph Collection brand: heartfelt design, mark of craft and sense of place.”

Situated in the idyllic and historic town of San Pedro, Alaia broke ground at the end of 2017 with a launch plan of five phases.

The idyllic beachfront resort will feature 56 two-bedroom condominiums with lock off option and eight oceanfront villas, totalling 120 keys when completed in 2020.

When completed, Alaia will boast world-class amenities, including a beach club exclusive to guests and residents, a rooftop suspended pool and lounge with spectacular ocean views, full service spa, fitness centre, kids club, dive shop and live art gallery.

Designed with the adventurous and independent traveller and owner in mind, residences will be curated to celebrate Belize’s outdoor living, blending indoor and outdoor space seamlessly and offering more than 1,100 square feet indoors and over 700 square feet in open air, per unit.

“Belize’s tourism is booming, with 2017 being a record year and vastly surpassing the 400,000-annual visitor threshold,” said Manuel Heredia, Belize minister of tourism. 

“With the industry playing an integral role on the country’s economy, Alaia has the government’s full support as it will take our country to new heights by boosting the employment growth, generating awareness around the destination, and allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Belize’s vibrant culture.”