Fit for royalty: One of the world's most exclusive private island resorts just joined Marriott
Marriott is already home to some pretty distinctive properties as part of its Luxury Collection, such as Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa in Dubai and The Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu. But there are some independent properties so exclusive, remote and, well, expensive they can make even a St. Regis seem ordinary by comparison.
Think: Richard Branson's Necker Island Resort, which can be booked with Virgin Atlantic miles provided you have Flying Club status. Of course, a massive 1.2 million miles are required for a seven-night stay.
Another exclusive, super high-end property is North Island Resort in the Seychelles, a tiny archipelago of 115 tropical islands off the east coast of Africa. Earlier this year, ASMALLWORLD AG announced it would be taking over the management of North Island Resort Seychelles, and the property would join Marriott's Luxury Collection brand in December 2019.
Well, it looks like Christmas has come early, because on Thursday, Nov. 7, One Mile at a Time reported that the property now appears on Marriott's website.
The property is hidden away on an exclusive private island accessible by helicopter from Mahe, where the main airport of the Seychelles (SEZ) is located, and rates start at a hefty $6,800 per night — not including 21% in VAT and service charges. You can even opt for more expensive package rates that include half or full board, drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and water activities.
On top of the nightly rate, you'll still have to fork out even more money for the helicopter transfers, most spa treatments and full-day fishing trips.
At that price point, as you might expect, this property isn't just any old beach resort. And you certainly won't need to be at the pool by 8 a.m. to score a chaise, as there are only 11 villas.
The North Island Resort is most famous for having hosted some very famous guests, including George and Amal Clooney, and Prince William and Kate Middleton. Both couples chose North Island Resort for their honeymoons, and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have also stayed at this stunning retreat.
All of the 5,000-square-foot villas have direct beach access and views, plus plenty of privacy thanks to careful landscaping. This is part of what makes it such a desirable getaway for celebrities and other ultra-wealthy travelers. You're unlikely to see many other guests unless you really want to.
Though you can now book through Marriott with cash (and lots of it), the hotel is not yet available to be booked with points. Marriott Bonvoy's redemption table maxes out at 85,000 points per night for Category 8 properties, which is where most Luxury Collection properties sit. TPG contacted Marriott to find out more details about how the property will fit into the Bonvoy program, and received the following comment from a spokesperson:
"We are excited to welcome North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles into the Marriott International portfolio. In the near future, Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to earn and redeem points for award stays. We will have more information to share with members soon."
It's unlikely this property will slide right into Category 8 on the award chart, given how expensive rack rates are at North Island Resort. If it were to become a Category 8 property, it would not only be possibly the best value hotel redemption in the world, but might also be the most desirable and aspirational, leaving properties in Tahiti and the Maldives in its wake.
Guests will be able to earn Marriott points on paid bookings in the future, but we'll just have to wait to see how such a unique property will handle benefits for Marriott elite members. One single night at North Island could potentially earn you enough points for a Category 8 redemption — something to consider if you want to justify the cost.
If you're lucky enough to be staying here on a cash rate, it promises to be an amazing travel experience at one of the most luxurious and private resorts on earth. We'll be sure to update this story when more announcements are made.
Additional reporting by Jennifer Yellin and Edward Pizzarello.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.