In every corner of the world, you will find a Marriott beach hotel and resort. However, there are some Marriott beach properties that really stand out. Some might be remote and on a private island while others will have a unique design or theme that makes the property special. Wherever you might be, there is a Marriott beach hotel and resort waiting for you.
In this article, I will go over my favorite, aka best, Marriott beach hotels and resorts from all over the world.
Table of Contents
Marriott Bonvoy points categories
On March 5th, 2019 Marriott Bonvoy officially changed to their new award chart ranging from category 1 to category 8. Category 5 is a sweet spot in Bonvoy’s award chart as it can range from business hotels to luxury hotels across the globe. You can easily find an EDITION, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, W, and JW Marriott property in category 5. If you want to learn about the best category 5 hotels, check out my article here.
In regards to beach properties, you can easily find any type of category hotel all around the world on the beach. Some will be worth using your points at, while others won’t be worth a second thought.
Here is the Bonvoy award chart for your reference:
| Hotel Category | Off Peak (as of September 14) | Standard | Peak (as of September 14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5,000 | 7,500 | 10,000 |
| 2 | 10,000 | 12,500 | 15,000 |
| 3 | 15,000 | 17,500 | 20,000 |
| 4 | 20,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 |
| 5 | 30,000 | 35,000 | 40,000 |
| 6 | 40,000 | 50,000 | 60,000 |
| 7 | 50,000 | 60,000 | 70,000 |
| 8 | 70,000 | 85,000 | 100,000 |
As you can see from the table above, off peak and peak seasons are starting September 14, 2019. However you look at it, this could be a good or bad change as it creates inconsistency. So, it’s up to you if you can take advantage of this change.
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Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
There are a total of 4 Marriott Bonvoy cards. Each card comes with different benefits and different annual fees. There are 2 midrange cards, 1 premium card, and one entry-level card. These cards aren’t the best for earning points like other cards, but in most cases, the benefits like the annual free night makes up for the annual fee. Here are my favorite Marriott Bonvoy cards.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
- 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
- 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Annual free night certificate valued up to 35,000 points.
- Automatic silver elite status.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $95 annual fee.
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express® Card
- 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
- 4 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers & on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Annual free night certificate valued up to 35,000 points.
- Spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year for an additional annual free night.
- Automatic silver elite status.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $125 annual fee.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
- 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
- 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines.
- 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Annual free night certificate valued up to 50,000 points.
- $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit.
- Automatic gold elite status.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $450 annual fee.
Other cards you might want to consider are the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the American Express Platinum Charge Card. Currently, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has an elevated welcome offer for 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards after spending $4,000 dollars in the first 3 months. You can also transfer any points earned with Chase Ultimate Rewards directly to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio.
Best Marriott Beach Hotels and Resorts
Any list you read on the internet like this will be a little subjective as I or any other author will hold different values to certain amenities, locations, brands, etc. So, please be aware that my list might differ from your own personal preferences. So, I outlined below what I value.
I went through every country on every continent to find the best of the best Marriott beach property. There are many beach properties around the world, but there are a select few that are outstanding for different reasons.
What criteria and values did I use while making this list?
- Beach quality – how swimmable a beach is and the sand feel. Private, remote, or secluded beaches are a plus.
- Location – unless you want to party, I think a property that is more secluded and away from the strip or other resorts that hold many nature activities are better.
- Quality of the rooms and upkeep
- Fewer rooms – in my experience, properties that have less than 200 rooms offer far superior service as guests aren’t treated like a number.
To my surprise, my initial list was almost 52 properties out of hundreds. Some properties I have stayed at while some I discovered.
For most beaches, I used previous knowledge, but as I haven’t been to some of these properties or countries I scoured the internet for reviews from verified guests and on forums for both the properties and beaches.
After my few initial lists I am confident on the properties that are in this list.
So, without further ado, here is UponArriving’s Best Marriott Beach Hotels and Resorts.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Location: Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Average price: $1472 USD
Category: 8
Opening: 2016
Number of rooms: 77
Hotel website
Arguably the most aspirational and best Marriott property is The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. This property has 6 restaurants and 2 bar/lounges that are offering a variety of bites and drinks, albeit at a steep price tag. However, the steep price tag shouldn’t stop you as this is the ultimate vacation getaway being so intimate, romantic, and secluded.
A total of 77 villas on the beach or overwater villas that allow you to stay in St. Regis luxury with butlers around the clock. If you stay with status, expect minimal upgrades, but complimentary breakfast for Platinum Elites and higher doesn’t disappoint with free-flowing champagne or other alcoholic drinks in the morning.
Oh, did I mention that the sand, turquoise water, and reef are breathtaking? Well, now I mentioned it if you needed any more motivation.
W Maldives
Location: Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Average price: $759 USD
Category: 8
Opening: 2006 (Renovated: 2018)
Number of rooms: 77
Hotel website
If St. Regis isn’t your style and W branding, you are in luck as W Maldives is still spreading the W look and feel. One obvious comparison to the St. Regis is the pricing, W Maldives is all-around cheaper in price, but comes with only 3 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges compared to the 6 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges at St. Regis Vommuli.
Some prefer W Maldives for the house reef and diving compared to the St. Regis Vommuli. The W Maldives also offers a private island that you can rent for a couple of hours, a whole day, or overnight. Pretty private and unique experience if you ask me.
If you stay with status, expect minimal upgrades, but complimentary breakfast for Platinum Elites and higher doesn’t disappoint with free-flowing champagne or other alcoholic drinks in the morning.
The St. Regis Mauritius Resort
Location: Le Morne Peninsula, Mauritius
Average price: $531 USD
Category: 7
Opening: 2012
Number of rooms: 172
Hotel website
Mauritius Island is an island that is both not known by many or ignored as it’s somewhat hard for most people to get to. However, Mauritius is beautiful, so beautiful that you could argue that if you’re an island beach lover Mauritius has to be on your list and no place to start then The St. Regis Mauritius is a good place to start.
The St. Regis Mauritius is a lovely category 7 hotel on Mauritius that offers almost everything you can think of when it comes to a beach resort with their beach, property, nature activities, and still easy to get to and from.
While it won’t be as secluded as any Maldives property, St. Regis Mauritius still is secluded enough while not being trapped on an island with expensive transfers.
Platinum Elites and higher will enjoy upgrades along with a nice breakfast spread that you wouldn’t get tired of. Plus, the butlers are always at your service.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Location: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Average price: $1160 USD
Category: 8
Opening: 2006
Number of rooms: 90
Hotel website
Bora Bora is not only an island that holds breathtaking views, but it is also South Pacific’s Maldives that some prefer over the Maldives.
The St. Regis Bora Bora gives you front row seats to Bora Bora views of the massive volcano and lagoon that is made of turquoise water all from your beach or overwater bungalow. While there is no house reef like Maldives resorts, it’s a different experience altogether.
The resort sports a couple of overpriced restaurants that aren’t as good as restaurants at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli. The resort is also plagued by interesting management that is slowly, but surely, renovating the property and villas. I would strongly suggest securing a recently renovated villa for the best experience, but is the St. Regis Bora Bora that bad? No, and it’s still worth a stay as it really is one of the best Marriott beach resort in the world.
Platinum Elites and higher will enjoy upgrades along with a nice breakfast spread that you wouldn’t get tired of. Plus, the butlers are always at your service.
Le Méridien Bora Bora
Location: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Average price: $789 USD
Category: 7
Opening: 1998 (Renovated: 2011)
Number of rooms: 98
Hotel website
Comparing Le Méridien and St. Regis Bora Bora, the clear luxury winner is St. Regis, but in terms of value the Le Méridien is much lower in price, same beautiful views, and still has overwater bungalows (even if they are smaller). Plus, you can sometimes find nightly rates during the off-season for around $340, that is a crazy good deal.
The property is of course located in Bora Bora so views and beaches along with activities are abundant, just like the St. Regis. If you had to pick one, I would try to change your mind and try both for fun and see the difference in views and grounds.
Platinum Elites and higher can enjoy complimentary breakfast that will fill you up while also getting slightly better recognition for upgrades and other amenities than the St. Regis Bora Bora.
Le Méridien Ile des Pins
Location: Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Average price: $380 USD
Category: 7
Opening: unknown
Number of rooms: 48
Hotel website
Surrounded by a crystal clear turquoise lagoon and a forest, the Le Méridien Ile des Pins is secluded on a tiny island called Ile des Pins. Known for super white sandy beaches and unique for tropical foliage, this property is one anyone shouldn’t pass up.
It’s price reasonably low for its unique location with the addition to the sweet smell of coconut groves.
The property offers rooms or villas, some of which are right on the lagoon with direct access. Rooms are premium, but not luxury. As anything Le Méridien, it is still a unique style that is influenced by the location. You can certainly find elements of luxury in the villas.
Platinum Elites and higher can enjoy a full breakfast buffet with possible upgrades to a villa.
Laluna, Grenada, a Member of Design Hotels
Location: St. George’s, Grenada
Average price: $550 USD
Category: 7
Opening: unknown
Number of rooms: 16
Hotel website
If you want an intimate hotel on the beach in the Caribbean that offers cottages and villas inspired by Balinese and Caribbean design, well Laluna is your place. It is truly special for a rewards program to have this property as it is more like a boutique hotel than a chain hotel.
It’s described as a hidden secret and with only 16 cottages and villas. 16 rooms make this truly an amazing place to visit as the beach will feel like your own beach.
As it’s a Design Hotel, elite benefits are non-existent here. No matter what status you have with Marriott, you won’t get anything special except bonus points or the ability to redeem your points at this property.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Location: Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
Average price: $509 USD
Category: 8
Opening: 2010
Number of rooms: 139
Hotel website
The views of the Atlantic Ocean won’t disappoint you at the St. Regis Bahia two miles long private beach resort. This property is yet another secluded resort, but it’s worth it. Upkeep, even after major hurricanes year after year, really is that good. Modern rooms amongst a huge yet somewhat intimate property.
If you want to connect to nature or do action sports, this is your place offering the ocean to the El Yunque National Forest both at your fingertips. The boathouse is being my favorite amenities at the property for all ages.
St. Regis butlers are around 24/7 and will help make your time special in Puerto Rico and elites can expect upgrades and a decent breakfast.
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Hotel Escondido, Puerto Escondido, a Member of Design Hotels
Location: Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Average price: $394 USD
Category: 7
Opening: 2013
Number of rooms: 16
Hotel website
Yet another Design Hotel that only has 16 rooms. I am not complaining as this property is yet again truly unique, but this time it’s an adult-only property located on the Pacific Ocean near the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains.
Known for fishing and surfing, the town of Puerto Escondido is super laid-back. Each bungalow features plunge pools overlooking the desert, cacti, and beach all being a few steps away.
As it’s a Design Hotel, elite benefits are non-existent here. No matter what status you have with Marriott, you won’t get anything special except bonus points or the ability to redeem your points at this property. At least every bungalow is the same.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Location: Punta de Mita, Mexico
Average price: $538 USD
Category: 8
Opening: 2010
Number of rooms: 120
Hotel website
22 acres of beach, the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is one of the most highly rated St. Regis properties in the world for being great in both service and quality of the resort. It’s massive in size featuring amazing activities that cater to families.
With 120 rooms, the property is breathtaking and offers everything one might want, even a Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Mexican art and handcrafted furnishings are the inspiration of rooms with the 24/7 butler service ready for your requests.
Kenoa Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort, Barra de Sao Miguel, a Member of Design Hotels
Location: Barra de Sao Miguel, Brazil
Average price: $520 USD
Category: 8
Opening: 2009
Number of rooms: 23
Hotel website
Design Hotels aren’t the best if you hold elite status, but some offer better service and rooms at destinations that are truly unique. The Kenoa Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort seeks to be a private sanctuary. Guests describe the property as attentive to every little detail and the grounds being simple yet perfect.
The sands are golden and a reef ready to be explored. The Kenoa is truly breathtaking, even though it’s so small.
This property requires you to book a minimum of 2 nights, plus as an elite, you receive no benefits besides points or the ability to redeem points for your stay.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Average price: $548 USD
Category: 7
Opening: 1992
Number of rooms: 463
Hotel website
Of course, a Hawaiian property is on this list. While The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is not my first choice for a beach hotel, it’s certainly the best Marriott beach resort in Hawaii.
As anyone would have guessed, Hawaii is breathtaking and the island culture coupled with nature is the reason why people fall in love with Hawaii. The Ritz Kapalua tries to replicate that, but the downside of this property is the immense size. For me, it’s too big, but I would still stay as it’s still a quality resort with wonderful service and it’s Hawaii.
Elites cannot receive many elite benefits here as Ritz-Carlton’s don’t allow elites to have breakfast or club lounge access. However, Titanium Elites and higher do receive suite upgrades when occupancy is low at this property.
W Koh Samui
Location: Koh Samui, Thailand
Average price: $396 USD
Category: 8
Opening: 2010
Number of rooms: 74
Hotel website
“Tranquil by day. Electric by night.” Those are the words that W Koh Samui goes by and I would have to agree. W Koh Samui is one of the best W branded property. It does everything right, from service to quality of rooms. Plus, it’s not too pushy about the W wannabe vibe.
The views from Koh Samui are some of the best and you can ask anyone about how they will never get tired of the views. The beach is huge offering one to get away from people or be near them. The blue water is just icing on top.
If you stay with status, expect decent upgrades when occupancy is low with complimentary breakfast for Platinum Elites and higher. Restaurants and bars/lounges are wonderful at the W Koh Samui, so go and enjoy them, especially if you’re an elite for Marriott’s food and beverage discount.
The Library, Koh Samui, a Member of Design Hotels
Location: Koh Samui, Thailand
Average price: $380 USD
Category: 7
Opening: 2007
Number of rooms: 46
Hotel website
The Library is not only called The Library for fun but also because it has 1,400 books read for a new reader. This intimate Koh Samui property is themed red throughout, the pool even glows red, and is inspired by both nature and modern life.
The combination of the sandy beach with the clean design lines of the property make the resort feel like no other. The views aren’t as nice as the W Koh Samui, but if you prefer a more perfect attentive feeling, The Library should be one of your choices.
As it’s a Design Hotel, elite benefits are non-existent here. No matter what status you have with Marriott, you won’t get anything special except bonus points or the ability to redeem your points at this property.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Location: Kien Giang, Vietnam
Average price: $276 USD
Category: 5
Opening: 2017
Number of rooms: 234
Hotel website
You may be familiar with the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa from my best Marriott Bonvoy category 5 properties article, well it deserves another spot for actually being a spectacular beach resort.
Once a university, this newly opened hotel is one of the most beautiful properties. Sitting on Phu Quoc beach in Vietnam, it has both beautiful beaches and renovated rooms along with buildings that date back to the opening of the 19th-century university.
Elite recognition is consistent with Platinum Elites and higher getting upgrades to suites like the Turquois Suite shown above. Villas are also available here, and some elites do get upgrades to villas when occupancy is low.
Honorable mentions
These properties didn’t make the list because of not being part of the Marriott Bonvoy program for earning points and elite credit and/or not open yet.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
Not opened yet, the JW Marriott Maldives is catering to the JW fans with its JW design and experience. While we don’t know much about the particular island it’s on, the atoll it’s part of is still worth a visit as it’s far different from other Marriott properties in the Maldives.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Ritz-Carlton Reserve is Ritz-Carlton’s solution to compete in the ultra-luxury hotels and resort segment that Aman is in. It’s basically ultra-luxury because of no elite benefits or points allowing them to be in a separate segment.
Being located in Cabo, the Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is a brand new Reserve property that is pulling out all the stops for an ultra-luxury property. Opening in the coming months, it will be Cabo’s newest ultra-luxury resort.
Bvlgari Resort Bali
Being the only property out of the 3 honorable mentions that is open, Bvlgari Resort Bali is the top of the line when it comes to Bali beach hotel and resorts.
Being situated in Uluwatu on a cliff you might think there is no beach. Well at Bvlgari, they have a cable car going directly down to their own private beach.
Final word
After creating this list, it made me want to visit the beach and try some of these properties I haven’t visited yet. I do hope you also got some inspiration and a better idea of what amazing and unique beach properties Marriott has to offer.
If you have stayed at one of these properties or any other properties not on the list, please feel free to comment below and tell us why you loved about your stay!
This article was originally published by Steve Smith.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.