Hotel Experiences

Saving Up Points? Try the Top 10 Redeemed Hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America

by Kwin Mosby

Photograph by Kwin Mosby

jw marriott cancun

Find yourself sun-struck at the JW Marriott Cancun. (Photo: Marriott International)

Great minds may not always think alike, but they certainly seem to have similar tastes — at least, that’s the case with this top 10 list of Marriott Bonvoy members’ favorite hotels to redeem points (according to 2019 redemption data) across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Check into one of these beachfront hotels or resorts and experience electric blue waters lapping at white sand shores, luxury accommodations with ocean views and amenities designed to pamper even the most finicky guest. As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

10. JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa; San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa pool
(Photo: Marriott International)

The JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa delights guests with manicured gardens, wooden pergolas and swimming pools. During your stay, perfect your swing at the 27-hole golf course; then indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the Jasha Spa using using natural ingredients from the surrounding botanical garden.

For an even more personalized and private experience, raise the bar at the hotel’s Griffin Club, which offers elegant suites and exclusive amenities, including private pool and cabana access and a number of family-friendly perks.

9. La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort; San Juan, Puerto Rico

Lounge overlooking beach
(Photo: Marriott International)

The decor in La Concha’s 478 rooms is inspired by the turquoise-hued waters that wash ashore on Condado Beach, just steps away from this luxury resort.

Play a round of poker at the 24-hour Casino del Mar, receive a world-class spa treatment from the most skilled therapists in San Juan, or take a refreshing dip in your choice of three pools, including an infinity pool.

Feeling hungry? Dine at on-site restaurants such as the Komakai Sushi Bar for signature rolls and Serafina Restaurant for innovative twists on traditional Italian dishes.

8. Marriott Cancun Resort; Cancun, Mexico

Beach hammock
(Photo: Marriott International)

From a beach hammock at the resort’s Sacbé Beach Shack — just one of nearly a dozen restaurant options here — you’ll listen to a live DJ while sampling Mexican small plates, like lobster tacos, and pairing them with handcrafted cocktails.

Once sated, take advantage of the resort’s full-service spa, pool and nearby activities — such as horseback riding, scuba diving, volleyball and sailing. During your stay, feel the local vibes on a shopping spree at nearby La Isla Mall or while taking a stroll along the streets of downtown Cancun.

7. Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort; Carolina, Puerto Rico

Resort lounge overlooking beach, courtyard by marriott isla verde
(Photo: Marriott International)

Take a ride on one of the hotel’s bikes to soak in the warm Puerto Rico sun while exploring the history of Old San Juan. Back at the resort, grab scoops of ice cream from Bananas Ice Cream Parlor and relax by the pool or on the beach while gazing at the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

As evening falls, let your palate spring to life while sampling traditional Puerto Rican dishes at the casual Café Tropical, or enjoy fresh seafood at Sirena Restaurant. Finally, end the night listening to music and sipping a cocktail at the Picante Lounge.

6. JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa; Cancun, Mexico

jw marriott cancun
(Photo: Marriott International)

You’ll find a rejuvenating retreat at this luxury beach resort, which includes family-friendly and adults-only infinity pools, seven on-site dining options and a full-service spa with Mayan-inspired treatments.

Play a round of tennis or savor the mesmerizing ocean views from your room or a beach cabana. Then cure your cultural curiosity and explore the nearby historical Mayan ruins.

5. San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino; San Juan, Puerto Rico

san juan stellaris resort
(Photo: Marriott International)

From the balcony of one of the resort’s Cabana View rooms, you’ll see the sprawling pool below, and also marvel at sparkling Atlantic Ocean waves as they splash along Condado Beach below.

Tempt lady luck at the Stellaris Casino, and then head to the Red Coral Lounge, well loved by both visitors and San Juan locals. Sip innovative cocktails, like the popular dragon berry mojito, and chill out to live music.

4. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba; Palm Beach, Aruba

the ritz carlton aruba
(Photo: Marriott International)

From the privacy of your room’s balcony, relax and soak in the natural beauty of Palm Beach. Ease into vacation mode with a visit to the spa and stay in shape in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Join in the games and — hopefully — good luck at the Casino, which features 17 traditional table games, 24-hour slot machines and sports betting kiosks. Get a filet fix at BLT Steak, a classic American steakhouse, or opt for Casa Nonna, where the chef whips up traditional Italian cuisine. For a hands-on experience, participate in the hotel’s chef-led dining experiences and wine tastings.

3. Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino; Oranjestad, Aruba

renaissance aruba
(Photo: Marriott International)

Feel your worries wash away at this idyllic retreat, which is smartly divided into an adults-only zone and a family-friendly zone. Try the Chocolate Embrace treatment at the Okeanos Spa, place bets at the 24-hour casino and refuel at one of 10 restaurants serving everything from steaks to wood-fired pizzas.

Spend the rest of your night at BLUE, grooving to the DJ while expert mixologists create signature drinks especially for you.

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

the ritz carlton grand cayman
(Photo: Marriott International)

In addition to exceptional accommodations and personalized service, a world of outdoor activities lies within reach at this beachfront hotel. Book a family excursion with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment to explore local natural wonders, take tennis lessons from a pro on clay or hard courts, or head to the Golf Club to tee off on the greens.

But don’t leave without a visit to the Swiss Spa for a luxe body treatment, like the La Prairie Signature Caviar Massage, where skilled therapists use caviar to lift and firm up your skin. Go ahead and splurge. You’re worth it.

1. Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino; Palm Beach, Aruba

aruba marriott stellaris
(Photo: Marriott International)

At this resort stretched along the enviable sands of Palm Beach, you’ll lounge on a beach chair under a thatched-roof palapa while gazing out at aquamarine Caribbean waters.

With two outdoor pools, one reserved exclusively for adults; a Balinese-style spa; and restaurants including a steakhouse, a gelato shop and a seafood spot, there’s no shortage of ways to unwind. Feeling lucky? Play a hand or try the slots at the 24-hour casino.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Honorable mention properties see a higher-than-average percentage of Marriott Bonvoy members redeeming points to stay there.

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort; Punta de Mita, Mexico

st regis punta mita
(Photo: Marriott International)

The St. Regis Punta Mita will seduce you with Pacific Ocean views and high-end amenities, including the luxe Remède Spa, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses and a tennis center. Plus, all guests are granted their own private butler.

EXPLORE MORE:

This list is based on 2019 redemption data and includes properties that were currently open at the time of writing. Want to start earning points to use at these properties (and 7,000+ others around the world)? Join Marriott Bonvoy and get free Wi-Fi, mobile check-in, and the lowest member rates all the time.


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