Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection is now officially open and welcoming guests.
Owner and developer Andrew Ashcroft, in partnership with Autograph Collection Hotels, announced the grand opening of the resort on May 7, 2021. The eco-luxury development is billed as the first true four-star diamond resort on Ambergris Caye and is the first Marriott International property in Belize.
“With deep family roots in Belize and calling it my home for over 20 years, I wanted to ensure that Alaia Belize captured the lively spirit, genuine hospitality and friendliness of the destination and locals. My team and I worked closely with the Marriott International team to bring it to fruition and allow our future guests and owners an opportunity to immerse themselves into the Belizean Culture,” said Andrew Ashcroft. “No detail went unnoticed as we wanted travelers to experience a new level of luxury on one of the world’s most photogenic yet untapped destinations. We are now ready to show the world all that Alaia Belize has to offer and welcome guests to come and explore Belize.”
The property is located in the historic town of San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), dubbed La Isla Bonita after the 1987 Madonna song about the island. Spanning more than 20 acres, it is the first resort in San Pedro Town to sit on more than 1,000 feet of beachfront access.
Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar curated the interiors of the design-forward hotel, which has 155 guestrooms and suites, ranging from studios to three bedrooms. Seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces, the average room size is 1,200 square feet with an additional 900 square feet in the open air.
Alaia Belize offers a range of luxury amenities, including:
- Belize’s first-ever suspended rooftop pool and lounge with 360-degree views,
- K’in Spa & Wellness Center,
- a piano bar with self-playing baby grand piano,
- swimming pools with live DJs,
- branded golf carts and bicycles,
- and an adventure concierge.
It is also the only luxury resort in Belize with a dive shop that allows guests to receive a PADI certification onsite.
On the f&b side, guests can enjoy five different dining concepts. Sea Salt, the crown jewel of the property, offers freshly caught, high-quality seafood and meats with a Belizean twist. Vista Rooftop restaurant serves up small plate offerings (sushi, poke bowls, etc.) for lunch, dinner and late nights alongside 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea. The Deck and Beach Bar delivers an open-air beachside experience and casual fare (tacos, ceviche, burgers, fish sandwiches, pizza, classic cocktails, etc.). The Piano Bar offers an upscale lounge setting for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night. And The Terrace Bar features a menu of classics (burgers, sandwiches, salads, ceviche and more) for lunch and dinner.
Belize’s Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, the Honorable Anthony Mahler, said the opening of the resort was a great milestone for Ashcroft’s team and for the country. “…it is a testament of our [Belize’s] growth to see high-end brands like Autograph Collection from Marriott International migrating to Belize, elevating our travel scene,” he said. “The government is fully supportive of hotel developments and legacy projects such as Alaia Belize, and we are incredibly proud of all the positive steps the Belize tourism industry is making to restore the confidence in travel among our international visitors.”