Marriott Launches All-Inclusive Platform

BETHESDA, MD—Marriott International Inc. is launching an all-inclusive platform, a move designed to respond to consumers’ growing desire around the world for premium, worry-free vacations. The company has signed management contracts with hotel developers who plan to build five new all-inclusive resorts, investing more than $800 million. The resorts are expected to open between 2022 and 2025.

“Our new all-inclusive resort platform is a natural progression for Marriott International,” said Tony Capuano, Marriott International’s EVP and global chief development officer. “It will provide the ownership community a game-changing value proposition for their luxury and premium resort projects around the world, while providing guests a new vacation option with brands they trust.”

Marriott International plans to further expand its all-inclusive portfolio in popular leisure destinations worldwide with a mix of new-build properties and conversions of existing resorts, including properties currently in the Marriott International portfolio. The new platform will provide the company’s 133 million Marriott Bonvoy members the option to earn and redeem points for this pay-one-price concept.

Marriott International’s newly signed management contracts are expected to deliver five all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean and Latin America that, combined, would offer more than 2,000 rooms. The planned resorts include a 650-room Autograph Collection resort (2022 anticipated opening) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Nia in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, which will include the following: a 240-room The Ritz-Carlton resort (2023 anticipated opening); a 400-room Westin Hotels resort (2023 anticipated opening); a 300-room Autograph Collection resort (2025 anticipated opening); and a 500-room Marriott Hotels resort (2025 anticipated opening).

Mexico City-based Artha Capital, a private equity firm and real estate developer, plans to create NIA, a flagship, all-inclusive destination to feature four of Marriott International’s premium and luxury brand experiences in Riviera Nayarit. The project is slated to rise on 220 tropical acres along the Pacific Coast.

Given growing demand for premium and luxury all-inclusive stays, Marriott International plans to build its platform by initially leveraging the following full-service and luxury brands: The Ritz-Carlton, Luxury Collection, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels, W Hotels, Autograph Collection and Delta by Marriott. Guests will enjoy a distinctive all-inclusive vacation experience—along with the design aesthetic, culinary offerings and amenities—specific to each brand. All-inclusive resorts bearing the Marriott Hotels brand, for instance, would cater primarily to families, while resorts bearing the W Hotels brand would cater to adults.

“The diversity and global nature of our brands give guests the opportunity to find the perfect match for nearly any travel experience or destination,” said Tina Edmundson, global brand officer for Marriott International. “By expanding our portfolio with this new offering, we are opening up a new way for travelers to explore our incredible brands—from Westin to W—through a new, all-inclusive lens.”

Marriott International’s all-inclusive resorts will offer a variety of amenities, culinary options and experiences for all ages, and tailored for each brand. For adults, all-inclusive amenities may include fitness and spa facilities, reservation-free dining at gourmet restaurants, adult-only pools with swim-up bars, 24-hour room service, on-premises nightclubs and unlimited premium beverage programs. Family-oriented resorts may offer options such as water sports and other sport activities, innovative children’s and teen clubs, and multiple entertainment venues.

With its Starwood Hotels & Resorts acquisition in 2016, Marriott International gained experience in this segment when it assumed operations of its first all-inclusive property—the 406-room Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal in Costa Rica.