Transformative Experiences and Meaningful Connections Await at JW Marriott’s Haven of Luxury in the Heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

  JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, marking the company’s highly anticipated debut in the luxury safari segment.   Sitting within the Masai Mara National Reserve in Southwestern Kenya, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife and wilderness conservation regions, the lodge is a sophisticated and thoughtful sanctuary from which to discover nature and breathtaking vistas in harmony. Exhilarating guided game drives offer guests the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to, including lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros, and elephants. Between June and September, the reserve is host to the annual great wildebeest migration, which sees more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania.   “Fostering meaningful connections and nourishing the soul is at the heart of the JW Marriott brand, so entering the luxury safari segment is a natural next step,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “Offering our guests once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a deep connection to place, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge balances the thrill of a game drive with thoughtful opportunities to switch off and take it all in. We are excited to welcome travellers to a transformative and wellness-forward stay delivered with JW Marriott’s legacy of extraordinary hospitality.”   Inspired Design    The lodge’s elegant interiors, designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants, seamlessly blend the savannah inwards, drawing inspiration from the elements with soft, warm tones, natural materials and textures, and native colours thread through its design. Each of the lodge’s 20 private tents provide a peaceful sanctuary to recharge and reset, and feature terraces overlooking the River Talek, a water source and habitat for many wildlife. The tented honeymoon suite offers a private plunge pool, while two interconnecting king and twin suites are ideal for families with children over the age of six (the minimum age of guests at the lodge).   Wellbeing and Mindful Practices    In keeping with JW Marriott’s ethos of mindfulness, the lodge is home to a number of thoughtfully designed spaces from the cosy Adventure Lounge full of books to get lost in and a space for young adults to take time for themselves, to the Cultural Deck where guests can gather around the fire pit to share tales of the day’s exploration.   Capturing the essence of rejuvenation, the Spa by JW emulates the serenity of the reserve and offers tailored experiences and signature treatments which blend locally inspired techniques and therapies. These are complemented by natural and organic products by renowned African skincare brand, Healing Earth, also available as in-room amenities. Guests can enjoy spa treatments from the comfort of their tented suite, accompanied by the sounds of the wilderness. Extending beyond body to mind and spirit with guided yoga, treatments include a ‘Masai Celebration’ incorporating local botanicals and therapies.   Nourishing Culinary Journeys   At the heart of the camp is the JW Garden - an outdoor space for guests to spend time discovering home-grown, organic ingredients, including the lodge’s signature rosemary. The garden’s produce is used by the lodge’s chefs to craft personalised dishes, cocktails, and mocktails. The garden will host daily programming, including live cooking, interactive cocktail mixology, and chef-led talks for a true farm-to-table experience. A relaxing gathering place, Fig Tree Lounge offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains from the indoor and outdoor bar and serves refreshing cocktails and mocktails infused with seasonal ingredients from the lodge’s garden. An indoor and alfresco dining experience at Sarabi Restaurant takes guests on a nourishing epicurean experience guided by JW Garden ingredients and local culinary heritage. Guests can venture out into the reserve with the lodge’s guides to enjoy a freshly prepared ‘Bush Breakfast’ or dinner while sipping sundowners and soaking in the breathtaking savannah vistas.   Connection to the Locale    The lodge’s community programming provides an authentic insight into meaningful local projects, including The Maa Trust, an organisation empowering local people by promoting small business start-ups. The lodge donates a percentage of the nightly rate per person to the organisation and provides a space for craftspeople to retail Maa Beadwork and produce. Guests can visit The Maa Trust to meet with local artisans and forge a deeper connection to the people in the area.   Currently, 60 percent of the lodge’s team are locals, with plans to reach 70 percent, ensuring the hotel’s contribution to the socio-economic development of the region. As an ongoing initiative, JW Marriott Masai Mara’s Apprenticeship Programme invites young women from the community to diversify their skills and broaden their experience to kick-start their careers in the hospitality industry. Partnership with the community began during the early development process of the lodge. Developed on land committed to a tourism project so as not to unduly disturb the surrounding environment, much of the construction was undertaken by local experts overseen by technical specialists, with build materials sourced from sustainable suppliers. The lodge has rehabilitated access roads to the property, installed power to the area, and provided access to clean drinking water for locals through a water treatment plant.   Emphasis on waste reduction and recycling is integral to daily operations. The lodge’s water treatment plant provides recycled and sanitised water; food waste is placed at the lodge’s compost site; and water wells are dotted around the lodge for animals to quench their thirst throughout the day.   By supporting local organisations such as The Mara Elephant Project and The Mara Protector Conservation Programme, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge contributes to protecting animals and their habitat across the greater Mara ecosystem. Bringing a passion for the surrounding wildlife and nature to guests, the lodge’s Head Guide is a lifelong conservationist who holds talks about local culture at the lodge as well as guided walking tours. With an abundance of meaningful moments to experience at the lodge, guests can delve into photography and learn new skills at the lodge’s very own studio.   JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is a 30-minute drive from Keekorok Airstrip and a 25-minute drive from Sekenani Main Gate.   Bookings for JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are now open with prices from $1450 per person, per night (all-inclusive board basis). For more information, visit  www.marriott.com. 

Marriott International announced the opening of its latest South Korea hotel in holiday hotspot Jeju. JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa in Seogwipo, Jeju is perched on a cliffside overlooking the volcanic coastlines of the island. The Bill Bensley designed South Korea hotel features 197 guest rooms including 28 suites. It houses five culinary venues, a poolside bar and Spa by JW. Guest amenities include Jeju tea ceremonies, traditional wine tastings, and wine art classes. The resort offers versatile event spaces, such as the Grand Ballroom which accommodates up to 600 guests. "It is setting new benchmarks in modern resort design and service," said GM Douglas Kim “It will showcase the finest of Jeju to visitors.”

Global hospitality group Marriott International achieved a key milestone, opening of its 1,000^th Asia Pacific hotel. It comes 50 years after the company first entered the Asia Pacific market. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne marks the brand's debut in the city. Marriott expects to add 100 Asia hotels in 2023. Its key markets for this expansion are Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, China, and India. "The opening of Marriott International's 1000^th hotel in Asia Pacific is a true milestone, underscoring our confidence in the overall travel outlook," said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific. "We're particularly thrilled to be expanding our footprint in new and emerging markets." Growth in Asia Pacific is expected across multiple brands. Marriott expects to open 12 additional Asia hotels in the luxury segment this year. It includes a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and a third W Hotels in Australia with the opening of W Sydney. To mark the milestone, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn 1,000 bonus points and an additional Elite Night Credit.

Le Méridien Melbourne hotel has opened, marking the brand’s debut in Australia. Located in a prime location overlooking Parliament House the Melbourne hotel offers 235 guest rooms, including 14 suites. “We are excited to introduce Le Méridien to Australia and bring the brand’s European essence,” said Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien. “Melbourne is a destination known for its rich history and thriving art, which makes it the perfect fit." Originally built as a hotel in the 1850s, the site has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s arts and culture. It will house a seasonal pop-up cinema on the rooftop, launching later this year, in collaboration with Melbourne International Film Festival and French Film Festival. Adjoining the pool deck is a 24-hour TechnoGym. Intermission is a lobby café serving coffee by day, and transforms into a wine bar by night. The hotel offers 420 square metres of total conference space. “We are excited to draw back the curtain on Melbourne’s most glamourous new hotel,” said Peter Minatsis, hotel GM. For more information on Le Méridien Melbourne or to make a reservation, please visit .

AC Hotels by Marriott has unveiled its first China hotel. AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou marks the brand debut in Greater China. It features 135 guestrooms and suites, all day dining and signature AC Lounge with an outdoor terrace. This China hotel houses a multi-functional functions space and a 24-hour fitness centre. “We are excited to introduce the brand in Greater China, the seventh of our Select Brands,” said Matthew Boettcher, VP, Distinctive Select Brands. Known as ‘Venice of the East,’ Suzhou is an ancient water town with elegant waterways. AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou is situated in the heart of the historic Gusu District. The city is accessible by high-speed train from Shanghai.

Marriott plans to expand its electric vehicle network across Asia Pacific. By the end of 2023, the company expects to sign agreements to operate EV charging in nine markets. These are India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, SouthKorea, Singapore, Australia and Vietnam. It will install more than 400 electric vehicle chargers by end of 2025. "There is an urgency to increase use of renewable energy," said Marriott’s Neeraj Govil, SVP, Operations, Asia Pacific . "The planned expansion of our EV network across the region is a significant investment."

Fairfield by Marriott expanded its Indonesia footprint with a new Bali hotel. It is located in the South Kuta, less than 10 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Fairfield by Marriott Bali hotel has 71 rooms with restaurant sand a rooftop pool. "We look forward to offering a straightforward, and stress-free experience for guests," said Amy Lingga, General Manager. Fairfield’s new hotel participates in the Marriott Bonvoy travel program, allowing members to earn and redeem points.

Marriott International plans to expand its select service portfolio in Greater China with another 30 hotels by the end of 2023. It will complement an existing portfolio of more than 460 properties in the region. Marriott’s select service portfolio includes Moxy, Fairfield by Marriott, AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft and Element Hotels across 67 cities in Greater China. The expansion adds consumer choice in second-and third-tier cities, such as Foshan and Changchun, while expanding its presence in first-tier cities. “Representing over 50% of Marriott hotels expected to open in Greater China through 2023, our select-service brand portfolio is a growth engine,” said Gavin Yu, Chief Development Officer, Greater China, Marriott International. Upcoming openings across Greater China include the brand debut of AC Hotels in Suzhou, Moxy Hotels in Chongqing and Ningbo, and the50th Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Chongli.

Marriott International and Rakuten Group, Inc. announced a new enhanced partnership, enabling Marriott Bonvoy members to exchange their points for Rakuten Points. "We are delighted to announce the launch of a new points exchange program. The new points exchange agreement will enable Marriott Bonvoy members to choose how they would like to utilize their Marriott Bonvoy points," said Julie Purser, Vice President, Marketing, Loyalty & Partnerships, APAC, Marriott International. The first phase will allow Marriott Bonvoy members to transfer their Marriott Bonvoy points to Rakuten Points, based on a transfer ratio of three Marriott Bonvoy Points to one Rakuten Point, starting from a minimum of 3,000 Points. As part of the next phase of the collaboration, Rakuten members can exchange their Rakuten Points for Marriott Bonvoy Points, enabling a two-way points transfer capability through the strategic collaboration. Launched in late 2021, the collaboration between Marriott Bonvoy and Rakuten allows Marriott Bonvoy to connect directly with millions of Rakuten members to offer them more than 8,100 hotels and resorts across 139 countries and territories, including more than 75 properties in Japan. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points to redeem for free nights, as well as enjoy the benefits of Elite status such as access to top experiences through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform. This includes VIP access to concerts, culinary experiences, sporting events and more. Rakuten's consumer offerings include e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications, united under its flagship loyalty program, Rakuten Points. Members earn points by making travel reservations through Rakuten Travel, or using a variety of the more than 70 services Rakuten operates.

Marriott International released its 2022 Serve 360 Report presenting data from 2021 on its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts. In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Marriott’s sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, guides the company's commitment. Launched in 2017, the company is celebrating five years of Serve 360’s impact. In addition to showcasing data on company diversity, sustainable operations, volunteerism, and other ESG activities, 2021 highlights include:

• Committed to set a science-based target and reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by no later than 2050.
• Announced an accelerated goal to achieve global gender parity in executive positions by 2023 – two years ahead of the original goal.
• Established the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership to help build a pipeline of diverse talent by inspiring Black students to enter the hospitality industry.
• Launched the next iteration of Marriott’s human trafficking awareness training, which uses real-life scenarios to support the 2025 goal to train 100% of on-property associates.
• Piloted Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy to provide guests the opportunity to create a positive impact across communities in the Asia Pacific region.

Marriott International inked an agreement to introduce AC Hotels by Marriott^® brand to Greater China. Expected to open in December 2022, the 135-room AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou is situated in the heart of Suzhou. Planned dining options include the signature AC Kitchen and the AC Lounge & Bar. The hotel will also feature flexible spaces, including an AC Store, a 24-hour fitness centre, a meeting room, and a laundry room. “AC Hotels is known for its a purposeful design that seamlessly fits into a picturesque city like Suzhou,” said Gavin Yu, Chief Development Officer, Greater China, Marriott International. “The anticipated debut of AC Hotels by Marriott will further enrich our select portfolio in the region.” Marriott currently operates 15 hotels across eight brands in Suzhou, including W Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton, Element by Westin, Courtyard by Marriott, and Fairfield by Marriott.

Luxury tour operator If Only have teamed up with Marriott International to launch a new campaign ‘Stay Your Way with Marriott’, designed to inspire travel to Marriott International hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The multi-channel marketing campaign runs from August until December 2022. If Only will provide marketing materials to enable agents to engage their customers, from e-shots sent directly to travel agents to social media offers plus other additional content. The hotels to be featured during the campaign are: Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, The Ritz Carlton Dubai, W Dubai – The Palm, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, The Westin Dubai Mini Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Grosvenor House, Habtoor Grand Resort, Bvlgari Dubai and W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. To support travel agents in driving bookings, If Only have established a dedicated campaign hub on Google Drive. The hub contains downloadable posters featuring exclusive offers, which can also be used to promote the campaign, plus a campaign landing page: ifonly.net/campaigns/stay-your-way-with-marriott-international Travel agents will also have the chance to win a six night luxury stay at Marriott United Arab Emirates properties, plus an Al Maha Bedouin day package which will be awarded to the top booker during the campaign. To enter, agents simply have to make as many bookings as possible until 31December 2022 with If Only to the focused Marriott International properties. Prizes include: 2 night stay at W Dubai – The Palm 2 night stay at Ritz-Carlton Dubai (Jumeirah Beach) 2 night stay at St. Regis Abu Dhabi (Corniche) Al Maha Bedouin day pass including breakfast and lunch plus activities More at ifonly.net/agents/incentives