5 Best Marriott beach resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico

  • Meghan Hunter

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    The up to 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy point bonus for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is a great way to get award nights for a quick getaway at the best Marriott beach resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico.

    You’ll earn up to 100,000  Marriott points after spending 5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Plus, earn an additional 25,000 bonus points after your first anniversary of Card Membership, which is more than enough for a resort stay. In addition to this, enjoy complimentary Platinum Elite status with your Card for the 2021 status year Offer Expires 1/13/2021

    We’ll show you five hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico where you can stay for free with Marriott Bonvoy points.

    Marriott has some of the best beach resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, like the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort and Spa. (Photo courtesy of Marriott)

    Best Marriott beach resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean

    Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

    The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is located on Palm Beach in Aruba, only ~20 minutes from the airport, so you can start relaxing soon after you land.

    Enjoy the white sand beaches or swim in the adults-only pool at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. (Photo courtesy of Marriott)

    The hotel has an adults-only pool, six restaurants and two bars (including a poolside bar), plus a balcony for every room so you can take in the warm Caribbean breeze. There’s also a 24-hour casino on the hotel grounds in case you want to take a spin on the slots or try your best hand at poker.

    During peak season, a two-night stay costs over $900, or 100,000 Marriott points (50,000 Marriott points per night). The welcome bonus from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card can get you close to a weekend getaway.

    French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection

    The French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection is located on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, so it’s a super-short flight from the U.S. East Coast. If you’re looking for a tranquil, secluded spot, this is a great pick. Standard rooms here are a spacious ocean view villa with a king bed, sofa bed and kitchenette.

    Unwind in your own private ocean view villa at the French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection. (Photo courtesy of Marriott)

    You can spend your days exploring the pink sand beach, relaxing by the pool and taking a private boat tour. Or treat yourself to an epic meal at the hotel’s 1648 Bar and Grille.

    During peak times, room rates here can exceed $600 per night (which includes a $50 daily resort fee). Or you could spend 60,000 Marriott points per night plus a $50 daily resort fee.

    Resort fees are common for hotels in the Caribbean, so be sure to look out for them. The fee at this hotel includes sea kayak rental, snorkeling, golf carts and more.

    Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

    Nights at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort can cost $500+, including a $50 daily resort fee. But you can save your cash if you spend 60,000 Marriott points per night plus a $50 daily resort fee, which includes bicycle rental, a welcome drink upon arrival, children’s beach toys and other perks. The resort is located on famous Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, near Georgetown.

    Check out Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman and, save over $500 per night when you redeem Marriott points. (Photo courtesy of Marriott)

    Reviewers on TripAdvisor have great things to say about the staff at this hotel and the numerous island activities for families, like Sting Ray City, Star Fish Point and whale watching.

    Remember, Marriott is a 1:1 transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards. So if you’re close to an award stay, you can easily and quickly top-up your account for a Caribbean getaway.

    JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

    The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is located within the Hotel Zone in Cancun. You’ll enjoy access to white sand beaches and turquoise water. And there’s lots to do in the area, like diving off Isla Mujeres or visiting the legendary Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza.

    Stay at the JW Marriott Cancun and explore the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. (Photo by Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock)

    This hotel can cost over $400 or 50,000 Marriott points per night. You could use this hotel as a base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. Team member Joseph has spent time in Cancun and was blown away by the Cenote Ik Kil near Chichen Itza.

    JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa

    The JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa is located on the beach in Los Cabos and is the perfect spot for relaxing during a trip to Mexico.

    Have your pick of pools or head to the beach in Cabo. Enjoy several on-site restaurants while saving $400+ per night. (Photo courtesy of Marriott)

    Reviewers love the service and modern look of this hotel. A night here costs $400+ or 50,000 Marriott points.

    There’s plenty to do in the area, like whale-watching, sailing and scuba diving. Cabo is especially popular with readers on the West Coast because it’s so easy to get to with miles and points.

    What is the best Marriott hotel brand?

    Different brands are designed to appeal to different types of people, depending on their needs and wants. For example, you won’t find any Element hotels on this list, because they’re designed to be focused on those looking for extended stays without the glamour of a more luxurious brand.

    So when it comes to Marriott, the best Marriott hotels will be those in the luxury brand category including:

    If you find yourself at any of these brands, you won’t be disappointed.

    Ways to earn Marriott points

    Not only can you earn Marriott points with welcome offers on Marriott co-branded credit cards or stays at Marriott hotels, but Marriott is a Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner. If you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, you can instantly transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio. Just keep in mind you’ll typically get more value by moving points to other partners, like Hyatt or United Airlines.

    In addition to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, you can earn Marriott points directly with these cards:

    Don’t forget, you’ll also get the fifth night free on any Marriott award stay. So if you want to stay longer, it’s an excellent way to save 20% of your points.

    Bottom line

    You can earn up to 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. The welcome bonus is more than enough to get you a night or more at the best Marriott hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico, from the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa in vibrant Cancun to a romantic oceanview villa at the French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection in the Bahamas.

    What are your favorite Marriott hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico?

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    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)
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