Marriott expands luxury portfolio in Azerbaijan and Georgia - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Marriott International and PASHA Real Estate Group are expanding their partnership with three new hospitality and residential developments in Azerbaijan and Georgia. The agreement includes a Ritz-Carlton beach resort with branded residences on the Caspian Sea, an extension of the existing Ritz-Carlton Residences in Baku and a new Le Méridien hotel in Tbilisi.

The projects strengthen Marriott’s presence in the Caucasus, a region the hotel group considers an important growth market as international travel demand increases and globally recognised hospitality brands gain ground.

Ritz-Carlton resort planned for Baku’s Zagulba Beach

The Ritz-Carlton Baku, Zagulba is planned as an 80-room luxury beach resort on Zagulba Beach, north of the Azerbaijani capital. The location on the Caspian Sea is already established as a seaside retreat for Baku.

Plans include several restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, beach club and The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge.

The resort will be accompanied by The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Baku, Zagulba, comprising 282 luxury apartments and villas. Residents are expected to have access to a clubhouse, fitness centre, swimming pool, kids club, cinema and private beach.

Another 238 Ritz-Carlton residences in Baku

PASHA Real Estate Group also plans to expand The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Baku, which opened in 2023. A new tower at the existing development is expected to add another 238 luxury residences.

Dedicated facilities will include a lounge, fitness centre and swimming pool. Together with the Zagulba project, the expansion reflects growing investment in branded residences alongside conventional luxury hotel accommodation.

Ozgur Geter, Chief Executive Officer of PASHA Real Estate Group, said the developments were intended to contribute to the long-term attractiveness of Azerbaijan and the wider region while responding to changing expectations in hospitality and luxury living.

Le Méridien enters central Tbilisi

In neighbouring Georgia, Marriott plans to introduce Le Méridien to Tbilisi with a 152-room hotel in Chugureti, an emerging district in the centre of the Georgian capital.

Le Méridien Tbilisi is expected to offer several food and beverage outlets, meeting and event facilities and a fitness centre. The property will also feature the Le Méridien Hub, the brand’s contemporary interpretation of a traditional hotel lobby.

The development will broaden Marriott’s presence in Georgia while adding another internationally branded hotel to Tbilisi’s expanding accommodation market.

Marriott sees further potential in the Caucasus

Neal Jones, President Europe, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, described Eastern Europe and the Caucasus as an important growth area for the company. Increasing travel demand, developing hospitality infrastructure and growing interest among consumers and property owners in international brands are supporting further expansion.

The new agreement builds on an extensive existing partnership between Marriott and PASHA Real Estate Group. Their current portfolio includes The Ritz-Carlton Baku, The St. Regis Baku, JW Marriott Absheron Baku, Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard, Sheraton Baku Intourist Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Baku, as well as the Pik Palace and Park Chalet Autograph Collection properties in Shahdag.

With the latest projects, the partners are extending their cooperation beyond city hotels into Caspian Sea resort development, branded residences and further expansion in Georgia.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration using material courtesy of Marriott