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Adelaide's Makris family has struck a deal with Marriott International Inc to run the much-anticipated resort within its $500 million redevelopment of Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast - a new, five-star build that is scheduled to open in 2027.
Marina Mirage Gold Coast is set to be Marriott's first resort under its Luxury Collection brand in mainland Australia, following the opening of The Tasman in Hobart in late 2021.
The site is just across Seaworld Drive from another Marriott-run property Sheraton Grand Mirage, which was sold by The Star Entertainment Group (ASX: SGR) in mid-2023 to the Laundy and Karedis families for $192 million. It is also a stone's throw from the Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, which was renamed last year from its decades-long history as Palazzo Versace.
Marriott has also run its Surfers Paradise resort since the 90s, which was renovated and rebranded during COVID-19 to its new name JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.
Once the redevelopment is complete, Marina Mirage Gold Coast will have around half the rooms of Marriott's existing Surfers Paradise property at 112 keys, as part of a mixed-use precinct.
"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," says Richard Crawford, vice president of hotel development for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International.
"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.
"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 says Marriott was drawn to the Makris Group’s bold vision for the rejuvenation of the valuable waterfront site it has owned since 2013.
Over the course of more than four decades, the Makris Group has built a portfolio of retail, residential, and mixed-use precincts in Australia, including Oracle Boulevard at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast and the Marina Pier in Adelaide's Glenelg.
Makris Group chief executive officer Jason Makris highlights the Marina Mirage redevelopment's meticulous planning and innovative architecture.
"The approved development embodies Con Makris’ long-term vision for Marina Mirage," he says.
"As part of The Luxury Collection, the new Marina Mirage 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.
"Along with its excellence achieved in architectural design, we are confident that our unique property will quickly reinvigorate its environment, while delivering a world-class destination for the Gold Coast, Queensland, and our economy."
The resort is also expected to feature a signature restaurant, expansive function and event spaces, a rooftop bar and pool, jacuzzi, garden, wellness, beauty centre and a day spa.
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