By the Caribbean Journal staff

A Marriott-branded hotel is coming to the surging Caribbean tourism destination of Belize.

ECI Development has announced plans to bring Marriott Hotels’ signature brand to Belize with a 203-unit hotel on popular Ambergris Caye.

The resort will be combined with as many as 70 branded residences, according to a statement.

“We are thrilled to bring the Marriott Hotels’ brand to Ambergris Caye, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful island destinations with famed access to the Belize Barrier Reef and dive sites,” said Michael Cobb, Chairman and CEO of ECI Development. “we are particularly excited about the opportunity to deliver top-quality lodging and residences in this special place with a beloved global brand.”

A rendering of the new Belize Marriott.

The Belize Marriott Ambergris Caye will include restaurants, a rooftop lounge, conference and event space, a spa, a fitness center and a retail outlet component.

The hotel will also include a dive shop.

Another rendering of the project.

“The economic benefits will reach far beyond the physical property as owners and guests participate in water sports like diving and snorkeling, explore Mayan ruins and shop for art, woodcrafts and other souvenirs,” said Belize Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia. “The ripple effect of their consumption, purchasing and participation will be experienced throughout Belize.”

It will be the first Marriott-branded property in the country, with construction slated to begin by the third quarter of this year.

Earlier this year, Marriott’s Autograph Collection announced plans to partner on a boutique hotel called Alaia, also on Ambergris Caye.

The Alaia project.

That property is slated to make its debut in 2020.

The new project is the latest in what has been a wave of new openings for Belize resorts in recent years, from the Naia to the recently-launched Hilton Mahogany Bay.