The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Sponsored Content from
News
Insider secrets: How to leverage perks at these brand-new Marriott Bonvoy resorts in sunny locales
Andrea M. Rotondo has traveled to 50+ countries using points and miles. She's a luxury, small-ship cruise expert and hotel maven who can share the not-to-be-missed spots in her adopted home state of Florida. She will also talk all day long about her ancestral homeland: Italy.
February 24, 2025 • 9 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
The article highlights top warm-weather Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts for winter 2025 getaways, including new and renovated properties in the Caribbean and Mexico.
It outlines the benefits of holding a premium travel card, such as complimentary elite status, annual free night awards, dining credits and property credits at select luxury hotels.
Featured all-inclusive resorts range from budget-friendly options in the Dominican Republic to luxury stays near Cancun, with details on amenities, rates and unique experiences.
The guide also covers how to maximize value from loyalty points, especially when redeeming for high-value hotel nights, per TPG's January 2025 valuation of 0.7 cents each.
What to consider
Some benefits, like property credits, require booking directly with the hotel and a minimum two-night stay at select brands.
Free night awards are limited to hotels with a redemption level at or under 85,000 points, but can be topped up with additional points for higher-value stays.
Certain properties may have mandatory resort or service charges, and some amenities (like room service) may not be available at all locations.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of specific resorts, tips for using elite status and credits, and strategies to optimize your winter vacation bookings with Marriott Bonvoy.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Today I had to grab a hoodie on the way out the door for my early morning walk with my dogs. As the pups sniffed their way around the neighborhood, I thought about all the things I still needed to check off my winter to-do list. The top item on that list? Book a getaway or two to warm-weather destinations. I dashed home to rev up the planning process.
I keep a notebook where I jot down hotel news and recommendations. As I flipped through the pages, I noted the many new and renovated Marriott Bonvoy properties in sunny destinations that are on my radar. That bit of intel — paired with my trusty Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and all its benefits — put the wheels fully in motion.
With my Brilliant card, I earn up to 21 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties (the earning rate depends on the hotel brand). I’ll discuss this in more detail below.
I also receive one free night award every year after my card renewal month. Awards can be used for one night (with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at participating hotels. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
Then there are the benefits that I love, which include:
Up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at Ritz-Carlton- or St. Regis-branded properties when I book directly using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay; terms apply
A $300 Brilliant Dining Credit, which provides up to $25 per month each calendar year in statement credits for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide when I pay with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card; terms apply
The icing on the cake? Complimentary Platinum Elite status benefits, which include 50% more points on eligible purchases made directly at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, an upgrade to an enhanced room at check-in (when available and booked with a qualifying rate) and lounge access with complimentary breakfast for two (available at select hotels when booked with a qualifying rate). Terms apply.
The Brilliant card carries an annual fee of $650 (see ). See TPG’s other articles to learn more about how to maximize the use of this card:
Let’s dig into the best warm-weather destinations to book for winter 2025 and how to leverage your Brilliant card to take advantage of all its benefits.
Book a budget or luxury all-inclusive resort
ALMARE/MARRIOTT
In recent years, Marriott has made significant moves in a bid to dominate the all-inclusive-resort market. What’s cool is that the offerings range from budget to high-end, so there is an all-inclusive resort that’s right for every traveler. As an example, here are two brand-new all-inclusive resorts that could be perfect for a wintertime getaway when all you crave is some sunshine:
Budget in the Dominican Republic: Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort
Luxury near Cancun, Mexico: Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive
Those with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant can earn up to 21 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at the above hotels. That’s up to 10 points per dollar spent at these particular hotel brands from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member, 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases when you charge the stay to your Brilliant card and, finally, an additional 50% points bonus due to the Platinum Elite status you receive as a complimentary benefit of the Brilliant card. That’s an outstanding earning proposition that will allow you to bank points to redeem for free nights across Marriott’s vast portfolio of hotel brands. Some hotels may have mandatory service and resort charges. Terms apply.
Now, let’s look a bit closer at these two all-inclusive options.
Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort
There are nonstop flights to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) from about two dozen U.S. gateway cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Miami and New York. Once there, you can stroll its beaches, zip line through the jungle, snorkel at sites offshore, go off-roading in a dune buggy, golf or fish, among other pursuits.
While there are resorts set closer to the airport, it’s worth the hour-or-so drive to the surprisingly affordable Marriott Miches Beach resort on the Dominican Republic’s northeast shore. We saw rates as low as $322 (including taxes and fees) based on double occupancy for March dates. Since it’s an all-inclusive resort, that rate covers all meals, snacks, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi and nonmotorized water sports. Stay three nights or more and you also get a complimentary hydrotherapy spa treatment. (Note: This hotel does not offer room service.)
Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive
If you instead gravitate toward luxury hotel stays where the resort is the destination, you can’t do better than Almare. With rates as low as $958 per night (including taxes and fees) in March (the high season), the staff will pamper you with exemplary service.
While you’ll fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), getting to the resort also requires a short drive and then a water taxi, which definitely adds an air of exclusivity to the entire experience. Book an oceanfront room or splurge on the Duplex Suite with a private plunge pool.
Foodies enjoy the resort’s seven dining and drinking venues, including a Mexican restaurant, a Mediterranean outpost called Seasalt, a coffeehouse (don’t miss the locally roasted Mexican cocoa) and the pool bar.
Almare is a fantastic place to use your free night award that comes as an annual benefit with the Brilliant card. Basic cardmembers earn a free night award every year after their renewal month. You can use this certificate for one night (with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at participating hotels. You can also top up the award by using 25,000 points, allowing you to book a free night at a hotel that charges up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
TPG’s January 2025 valuations rate Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each, so look for a hotel with a cash rate above $722.50 per night to get the best value from this award.
$100 property credit at new resorts in Aruba and Hawaii
THE RITZ-CARLTON OAHU, TURTLE BAY/MARRIOTT
If you prefer exclusive luxury resorts over all-inclusive resorts, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant’s got you covered there as well with up to a $100 property credit for stays lasting two or more nights at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis properties. (You must book directly with Marriott.) The credit applies to qualifying purchases on the property, including dining, spa treatments and hotel recreational activities that are not managed by a third party.
Here are the hotels I’m eyeing for use of my $100 property credit:
The St. Regis Aruba Resort: Opening at the end of January, Marriott brings its ultraluxe St. Regis brand to this island in the southern Caribbean Sea. This resort offers 252 rooms and 52 suites. The Caroline Astor one-bedroom presidential suite offers incredible ocean views and an expansive outdoor terrace. This would be a fantastic place to spend Valentine’s Day.
The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay: While Turtle Bay isn’t a new hotel, it was recently reflagged as a Ritz-Carlton. It’s an iconic place to stay on Oahu’s famed North Shore on cash or points. If you love to surf or watch the pros, this is the place to visit in winter, when a number of international competitions are held.
More on complimentary Platinum Elite status and annual dining credits with the Brilliant card
MARRIOTT
Before I log off to book my wintertime vacay, I want to elaborate on a couple of other benefits I already mentioned for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
Complimentary Platinum Elite status
The fact that Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status is a benefit is a compelling reason to apply for the Brilliant card.
Platinum Elite members who book using a qualifying rate are also eligible for complimentary room upgrades subject to availability at check-in. So, if you’re heading to any of these new Marriott properties, you could snag a complimentary room upgrade: Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos; JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa; The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai; AC Hotel Honolulu; and Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa.
Annual dining credits
Finally, I mentioned this in passing earlier, but the Brilliant card offers annual dining credits (up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year). Just use your card to make eligible purchases at restaurants and receive up to $25 monthly in statement credits. This is a valuable perk since you can use it at restaurants worldwide and not just when you’re in vacation mode.
Once a month, I use my Brilliant card to pay a $25.90 bill at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls. With the $25 statement credit, I spend just 90 cents on a Connecticut-style roll, a Diet Coke and a side of coleslaw. Score!
Bottom line
Marriott has such a large footprint, nearly any traveler can find the right hotel experience for them — whether they’re searching for budget options, properties with family-centric amenities, romantic getaway destinations or a spot where friends can gather for an annual meetup. When you consider all the value-added benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, you begin to see all your vacation possibilities more clearly.
It’s not too late to plan a winter vacation. Earmark some time and click the “book” button ASAP!
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, click .
