Traveling encourages leaving your familiar routine behind and diving headfirst into your new surroundings. While a hotel might be the right choice when you’re off to explore a city with plenty of sights, a resort can be a destination in its own right. Typically spread across a larger area than a hotel, a resort offers amenities and recreational facilities to keep you entertained. Think pools, spas, activities and multiple on-site restaurants.
As a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can redeem points for free nights at some 30+ hotel brands worldwide. If you have Marriott Bonvoy points to spend, plan a European vacation at one of these fabulous resorts to experience offerings like plunge pools and hydrotherapy circuits, a 27-hole golf course and an award-winning dive center.
If you don’t have points to redeem, these resorts are still worth a top spot on your vacation bucket list. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for ever-changing global promotions every time you log into your Marriott Bonvoy account.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection in Greece
Located on the northwest coast of Crete, the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, Chania is one of the Mediterranean’s must-see cultural destinations. You’ll find cobblestone alleys, artisanal shops, lively bars and the striking sandstone arches of Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection.
Perched on Chania’s most pristine beach, this adults-only,16+ lifestyle resort has spacious suites featuring plunge pools, olive oil bath amenities and hammocks. Guests can enjoy highly curated experiences, like moonlit jazz at the beach, a helicopter ride to Samaria Gorge, wine excursions, and hikes through Crete’s mountain villages.
It’s worth every point (or penny).
Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve in Albufeira, Portugal
The secluded clifftop retreat of Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve is located in southern Portugal, about three hours south of Lisbon. This family-friendly resort is perched above the idyllic beach of Praia da Falésia and offers unparalleled views of the Algarve’s red cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.
Guests can learn a new skill during their stay, like taking tennis classes at the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy and preparing local dishes at the on-site cooking school. Stay long enough to level up — as a Marriott Bonvoy member, when you book five consecutive nights at the resort, you’ll only need to redeem points for four nights.
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa in Italy
Arrive in style on a complimentary water shuttle to Isola delle Rose, where you’ll find JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa. While located just 20 minutes from St. Mark’s Square, this resort’s private-island setting offers a calm respite from the crowded city streets. (And there’s nothing quite like arriving to the dazzling property by boat.)
This 40-acre resort welcomes families and is surrounded by gardens and olive groves. Guests can participate in a tasting of the resort’s olive oil, pressed on-site, and immerse themselves in the JW Garden, home to a tapestry of fragrant herbs and local produce used by the resort’s culinary team.
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol in Cyprus
Enjoy the splendor of island living to the max by staying in an opulent villa with a private pool at Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol, located on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The resort is set on a secluded Blue Flag beach, and the three outdoor pools — saltwater, adults-only and family — and sleek indoor pool are what swimming dreams are made of.
The Explorers Kids Club is one of Europe’s biggest kids clubs at more than 32,000 square feet, and it offers adventure-filled activities for children up to 12 years old. Adults can relax at the spa, where the unique thalassotherapy center awaits with three thalassotherapy pools.
The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa Benahavis, Marbella in Spain
Located in Spain’s Costa del Sol region, the resort town of Marbella conjures up images of endless Mediterranean beaches and classic Hollywood glamour — this is, after all, where stars like Grace Kelly and Cary Grant once vacationed.
Those after relaxation will find their ideal destination a mere 10 minutes from the coastline. Nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountains, The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Benahavis, Marbella is home to a 27-hole golf course and a serene Heavenly Spa by Westin.
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta in St. Julian’s, Malta
The Westin Dragonara Resort is tucked in St. Julian’s, a coastal town on the largest of Malta’s three islands. Positioned on a private peninsula, this resort offers beach and poolside lounging, as well as plenty of opportunities for adventure beyond its gates.
Venture to St. Julian’s for vibrant nightlife or to nearby Valletta to walk its history-packed streets. Fringed by the Mediterranean — and blessed with its clear blue water — the Maltese islands also offer unique diving experiences with reefs, caves and shipwrecks.
Guests can even get PADI certified year-round at Divewise Malta, the award-winning dive center found within the resort that caters to both recreational and technical divers.
Related Articles
