Marriott is set to bolster its exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio with a brand new property in South America in Costa do Sol, Rio de Janeiro.

The eco-luxury resort will open as part of the ambitious Maraey project, an 844-hectare sustainably-minded urban development designed to harmonise with the local ecosystem and champion economic development. By integrating environmental conservation with economic growth, the vision behind the tourist and residential project is to promote a high quality of life while preserving the region's natural beauty.

Marriott reports the upcoming Ritz-Carlton Reserve will feature 58 villas, 80 residences, a luxury wellness spa, pools and culinary venues, in addition to a dedicated leisure and sports area.

Maraey CEO, Emilio Izquierdo, states: "Welcoming Ritz-Carlton Reserve to South America is a milestone for tourism in Brazil, establishing a new paradigm for the market.

“For us at Maraey, the partnership brings the perfect balance between ultraluxury travel and the rare natural heritage of one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet.

“We will combine the forest, ocean and lagoon, elements of a unique scenic assemble, with the most exclusive and sophisticated guest experience imaginable."

Ritz-Carlton Reserves are exclusive resorts tucked away in some of the world's most striking areas of natural beauty. The brand's philosophy focuses on luxury, highly personalised service, human connection and celebrating the destination's natural environment.

The Brazilian reserve will join an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties globally, in destinations including Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

In addition to the Maraey destination, Marriott has plans to expand its portfolio with new reserves in Thailand, Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia.

The Maraey development will also be home to a JW Marriott All-Inclusive resort and the first Rock In Rio branded Autograph Collection in the world.

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

More about Maraey

Owned by IDB Brazil, Maraey is claimed to be on track to become a global beacon for best practice in sustainable tourism, residential development, innovation and technology and hospitality training.

In addition to the tourist and residential projects – with over 8,000 high-standard new homes, the complex will feature a hospitality and high-gastronomy university supported by EHL, an international school, a shopping centre, a business cluster, an 18-hole golf course and an international equestrian centre.

The project will also create the second-largest RPPN (private natural heritage reserve) in Rio's Restinga Forest (the fifth in Brazil) within the development.

Private investment in Maraey is expected to exceed US$2.1 billion, generate US$1.3 billion in taxes, and create over 56,000 jobs in the first 14 years. Once fully operational, Maraey is projected to earn an annual profit of over US$191 million and create 36,000 jobs.

Construction is scheduled to start in the second half of this year.