Latest news with #MarriottBonvoy
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-aria-hotel-exterior-pool-FANTASYDRAFT0725-22acc2aef23f470bb4e37eb543b5c6bc.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
Former NFL Quarterback Matt Ryan Wants to Host Your Fantasy Football Draft in Las Vegas—How to Win
One fantasy football league is about to get a dose of star power when former All-Pro quarterback Matt Ryan hosts their draft party in Las Vegas this Labor Day weekend. 'There's just so much energy in Las Vegas that time of year, with football season just getting ready to kick off,' the former NFL MVP and current CBS Sports analyst told Travel + Leisure on Friday afternoon. So he's teamed up with Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM to throw the ultimate draft event for one winner plus 11 of their friends at the BetMGM Sportsbook at ARIA Resort & Casino, Autograph Collection. He said he's excited to see 'the passion of the group,' as well as 'put on my analyst hat and talk about the picks and help lay down the strategy.' Former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan. That said, when we asked the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback to rate his own fantasy football skills, he admitted: 'They're very, very poor compared to what I could do as a football player.' After all, he's spent more than two decades on the gridiron, playing for Boston College, and then the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts. 'Fantasy football really exploded into this cultural phenomenon while I was in the NFL,' Ryan said. 'I got left in the dust by people who've been doing it for the last 15 to 20 years—I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'll have a ton of fun!' While football is at the core, fun is indeed the name of the game. The winner of the contest will receive up to 12 round-trip domestic economy flight vouchers to Vegas and three-night hotel stays at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for the 12 guests in six king rooms. They'll also be spoiled with a happy hour at the hotel's The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails, a four-course dinner at The Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio Resort & Casino, $6,000 in MGM Resort credit, and, of course, the two-hour fantasy football draft party with Ryan, known to fans as 'Matty Ice.' BetMGM Sportsbook at ARIA. MGM Resorts International The NFL alum is thrilled to be bringing the winning league to Las Vegas, a city he loves since it's 'self-contained, and there's just so much to do.' On recent trips, he's played golf at one of his favorite courses, Shadow Creek, indulged in the city's restaurants, bars, and pools, and even saw U2 play at the Sphere when he was in town for the 2024 Super Bowl. His 15-season pro career took him around the country, where he especially loved away games at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. 'It's like going back in time,' he said of the Wisconsin stadium, which opened in 1957. 'You can really feel the history when you play there.' While he was always laser-focused on the game during those trips, he had more time to enjoy Seattle, where they'd stay a few days, calling it an 'amazing town,' especially "when you catch it in early-to-mid fall when the weather is gorgeous.' Ryan continues to call Atlanta home, enjoying taking his seven-year-old twin boys and two-year-old son to the Georgia Aquarium and College Football Hall of Fame, which he said is a "phenomenal experience' for kids. Other favorites in his adopted hometown are the Atlanta Beltline and its restaurants, as well as the up-and-coming Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Despite hanging up his cleats in the spring of 2024, Ryan is still always on the go, flying up to New York City every week for CBS Sports. On those solo business trips, he's got his routine down, settling into a hotel room by putting his bags on the bed and unpacking them. 'I like to get organized first,' he said. 'It just makes me feel a little bit more comfortable.' When it comes to room service, he goes for the classic. 'A good cheeseburger is hard to beat,' he admits. 'I don't drink soda very often, but a Diet Coke every once in a while from room service is about as good as it gets.' However, when he travels with his wife Sarah and their three kids, it's a whole different ball game. Usually, he'll take the boys down to the lobby for about half an hour while Sarah gets the room settled. 'You throw your habits out and figure out what works for the collective,' he admits, adding that the twins are in a 'pretty good stage' now, but the toddler is more of a 'wild card,' as the family of five piles into one room. 'It's a little more chaotic.' Still, they've had memorable getaways the last two years, going to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, last summer and Big Sky, Montana, earlier this month. Despite all his travels, there's nowhere he'd rather be than Vegas for the final long weekend of the summer to host the fantasy draft party. 'It's the start of college football in earnest, and we'll be a week away from the NFL rolling into full gear,' he says. 'There's no place better to be than in Las Vegas!' To enter the Marriott Bonvoy Vegas Fantasy Draft with Matt Ryan, simply log into your BetMGM account and opt in to the promotion. Then link your BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy accounts. The final entry period ends at 11:59 p.m. on July 30, 2025. Full details and rules can be accessed here.
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
6 best co-branded credit cards compared: What you get for travel, dining, and more
By carefully selecting a co-branded credit card that supports your personal brands, you can also benefit from greater discounts and reward features associated with those companies. This is a carefully compiled guide to the best co-branded cards - and how to best utilise a co-branded card to work for you - whether you travel often, shop online, or fuel your commute. Brand-incentive cards: These credit cards encourage brand loyalty with substantial incentives such as airline miles or voucher savings. These cards generally work well if you spend a significant amount of time within that ecosystem. These credit cards encourage brand loyalty with substantial incentives such as airline miles or voucher savings. These cards generally work well if you spend a significant amount of time within that ecosystem. Lifestyle benefits: Cards like Marriott Bonvoy and Taj have specifically focused on rewarding lifestyle choices with more exceptional moments (for example, lounge access) and travel experiences. Cards like Marriott Bonvoy and Taj have specifically focused on rewarding lifestyle choices with more exceptional moments (for example, lounge access) and travel experiences. Milestones and sign-up offers: Most co-branded cards provide value if you meet spend minimums or loyalty tiers at destinations and instant value in the form of attractive welcome gifts & milestone benefits. Limited touchpoint reward flexibility: Many points are limited to consumption of partner brand products, compared to general reward cards. Higher APR's: If you don't pay the co-branded card off each month, some co-branded cards have higher interest rates. Spending behaviour pressure: You may feel pressured to overspend on consumption of partner brand products once you reach waiver levels. Co-branded credit cards Annual fees Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card ₹ 350 Yatra SBI Card ₹ 499 Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card ₹ 0 IndianOil RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card ₹ 1500 Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card ₹ 500 Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card ₹ 500 (Note: Please visit the bank's official website to learn more about the fees & charges of the credit card of your choice) 1. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card: 10% off flights, 20% off domestic hotel stays via EaseMyTrip. 2X reward points for all other purchases, eliminate 10X for travel categories. You're granted two free domestic lounge passes a year. 2. Yatra SBI Card: Welcome coupons of ₹ 8,250 at Yatra. Discounts of ₹ 4,000 on international flights, ₹ 1,000 on domestic flights. Revising the fuel charge plus a ₹ 50 lakh in travel accident cover. 3. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card: 5% cash back for prime members, 3% for non-prime members. 1% to 2% cash back for other online purchases and for purchases with partnering merchants. RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card: At IndianOil petrol stations your fuel expenses benefit 5%. 10% cash back on utility bills, groceries and anything else. Turbo Points which you can convert to fuel immediately. 5. Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card: You will receive a 10% cashback on food and beverages from Swiggy, Instamart, Genie and Dineout. 5% cash back from recognised websites like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc. 6. Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card: You will get a 25% cash back on DTH, broadband and Airtel mobile payments. You get 10% cash back on BigBasket, Zomato and Swiggy purchases. 1% cashback with allowance of waiving the fuel surcharge for any other purchases. Assess your brand loyalty before determining the best co-branded card. Relate card benefits to your travel, fuel and shopping spending. Examine the waiver level spending and the join and renewal fee costs. Pay the balance in full so that the card benefits exceed your costs. Compare the benefits with the interest rates. In conclusion, discipline is key: never pay interest on outstanding loan balances, meet thresholds without overspending, and keep credit utilisation as low as possible. The right co-branded card can realize your day-to-day expenses and allow you to closely surf the rewards wave, whether that is through cashback or solid travel savings. For all personal finance updates, visit here. Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fin-techs for providing credit, you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards and credit score. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit as it comes with a set of risks such as high interest rates, hidden charges, etc. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Club Med Turns 75, Pivots To Upscale And Grows Mountain Resorts
Club Med Gregolimano in Greece Club Med The famous French, all-inclusive resort brand Club Med has been wooing holiday makers for years. In what many might call a summer camp for all ages (and all times of year), Club Med resorts have included everything from onsite recreation and activities to food and drinks. Some may even call it the catalyst for the booming, all-inclusive market among U.S. hospitality brands like Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and Hilton Honors, all of which have entered this hotel category (especially in the Caribbean). One of the pool areas at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic Club Med But, as Club Med completes three quarters of a century, it is realigning its portfolio to key in on more of a luxury-focused customer. It even closed some of its lesser performing resorts several years ago, including its only property in the United States. When the brand first launched, it called its properties villages and focused on an equality-designed approach where everyone enjoyed the same amenities free of charge. As consumers are becoming more segmented in what they are willing to spend and where, Club Med is adding a higher-end category of resorts and accommodations within existing resorts to appeal to that market. Club Med Gregolimano in Greece recently renovated the entire resort, including its guest rooms and suites. Club Med All-inclusive resorts are booming, but can Club Med elevate its brand positioning to go after the same, high-end customer that is willing to pay for the likes of a Ritz-Carlton resort? Or is it seeking to fill a gap between the traditional all-inclusive and the growing number of luxury properties that may outprice certain millennial travelers ticking destinations off their bucket list. This pivot comes from its new Chinese owner Fosun who has led Club Med on a reinvigoration project to elevate its image and draw in more millennials and well-heeled families looking for luxury. Its financial performance tells the story Club Med in the Seychelles Club Med The company's latest numbers highlight just how in demand all-inclusive really is. Last year alone, its business volume reached $2.38 billion, up 7% over 2023. This year, the first quarter already saw a 5.7% increase when compared with last year during the same time period. It also grew its bed capacity by 5%, all of which was in the premium and luxury category, what the brand calls its Premium (four-star resorts) or Exclusive Collection Resorts (five-star properties). The overall number of guests was up 1% to reach 1.5 million people in total last year, and when it comes to those top-tier properties, occupancy rates reached 75% (a 2% year-over-year increase) with the majority being France, China, Brazil, Canada and the United States. One of the newest resort openings is Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic. Club Med expansion of our Exclusive Collection, a curated five-star portfolio that includes resorts, spaces, villas and chalets and our legendary French sailing yacht, Club Med 2. The Exclusive Collection properties include Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic, which has four boutique-style villas catering to those seeking the maximum in privacy, and Club Med Québec Charlevoix with premium lounges offering things like private jacuzzis and a private ski room with dedicated concierge. Club Med in Quebec has quickly become one of the brand's most popular, year-round resorts. Club Med It's these winter properties, some experts say, that are really fueling the growth. According to the South China Morning Post, Fosun Tourism co-president Andrew Xu sees tourist attractions featuring snow and ice to be a major tourist attraction in China, which could be a potential growth region for the brand. This year, Henri Giscard d'Estaing, president of Club Med, announced that the Asia-Pacific region would be key to the brand's growth and announced a restructuring of its executives to help achieve that momentum. Just last month, BusinessToday of Malaysia reported that cold weather-destination bookings from the country have jumped by more than 100%. Club Med Val d'Isère is the newest in its Exclusive Collection of properties. Club Med While many people associate all-inclusive vacations with fun in the sun on the coastline, Club Med has made great strides in growing its winter vacation resorts, which also draw guests during the warmer months for other activities. It has seen a 20% uptick in demand for these destinations, which now accounts for 35% of Club Med's global business. Its mountain properties are not just in the Alps or Quebec's ski destinations. They are also in Vietnam, Japan and China. Its most popular beach properties include locations in Bali and the Maldives. Recent renovations Club Med Gregolimano is fresh from a multi-million-dollar renovation. Club Med Club Med Gregolimano in Greece is one of the newest to show off the shining new effects of this investment. More than $32 million was pumped into this renovation to upgrade interiors with the help of interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel, including guest rooms, public areas, restaurants and recreational amenities. Among the newest perks are an adults-only pool, padel courts and spa wellness areas. Club Med Cancun has a new sports and wellness island with a dedicated palapa for quiet yoga classes, archery, bocce ball, mini golf, multi-sport courts and the iconic Club Med Circus School where guests can participate in their own trapeze lessons and other daredevil acrobatics. Other changes include a new family play area with its own pool and kids bar, pickleball courts, a Mayan-themed splash park, cinema and kids club activities for ages as young as four months. The pool at Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic Club Med By the end of this year, Club Med Punta Cana will have an all-new design with newly renovated rooms, upgraded dining venues and a poolside bar inspired by a Dominican casita. Club Med Phuket now offers archery, scuba diving, Thai boxing, and coming soon, a family 'oasis' with a dedicated waterpark and almost three dozen guest rooms for parents traveling with kids. Where are the Americans? Club Med Charlevoix in Quebec Club Med Club Med says all-inclusive experiences are driving 'increased momentum' among American guests, especially at resorts like Club Med Québec Charlevoix and those in the French Alps. Last year, it saw a 16% increase in business volume for North America's mountain resorts. Overall, North America represented a 5% year-over-year increase in business volume highlighting brand awareness among American travelers. The lounge of the Club Med Vittel Golf Ermitage in the France Savoy Alps Club Med The majority of guests at Club Med properties are French, and even the staff usually hail from France or French-speaking countries in addition to the local destination. The fact that Americans have not caught onto the idea of Club Med just yet may be due to the fact its brand name is not as well-known within the U.S. and it does not have a formal loyalty program like its primary competition. What it does offer, however, is European touches no matter where you go, which may appeal to some American travelers looking for something more elevated than an all-you-can-drink pool party. The newly added "Zen" adult pool at Club Med Gregolimano in Greece. Club Med And that's just what Club Med is trying to change about the all-inclusive image. Some properties boast adult-only pools without a bar, like the new pool added to its resort in Greece. Other Europeans are also catching onto the Club Med ethos with British travelers being especially intrigued by the brand's winter destinations, according to an article in The Telegraph. What's next The circus school at Club Med Magna Marbella in southern Spain Club Med All of this growth has also been fueled by home-grown tech tools that it is using to reach a wider range of customers. It launched a WhatsApp channel using artificial intelligence, which Club Med's Richard De Villa tells Travolution addresses over 40% of questions. The brand also launched a comparison tool that helps potential travelers compare different ski resorts. Club Med is counting on courting more American travelers to its resorts. The brand's portfolio includes destinations both near and far from the U.S. with plans to grow in U.S. mountain destinations with all-season resorts in the coming years. The private villa accommodations at Club Med Cefalù in Italy Club Med A new resort at Versant Soleil of Mont Tremblant in Canada is planned for a December 2028 opening, adding to its winter portfolio in the region. Coming soon is a new resort in South Africa, which will provide both beach and safari experiences on the 45,000-acre Hluhluwe game reserve. It will be home to Club Med's first ever surf school. Also on traveler radars are new properties in Oman (Club Med Musandam opening in 2028), Brazil (Club Med Granado opening next year) and Malaysia (Club Med Borneo also opening next year).
Hype Malaysia
22-07-2025
- Hype Malaysia
Press Pause & Indulge In Luxurious Self-Care At Marriott Bonvoy's Hotels & Resorts Across Malaysia
Amid the rush of meetings, messages, and everyday demands, many of us are craving a moment of calm (and a decent night's sleep). If you've been needing a reset, this is your sign! From spa pods floating over the sea to rainforest massages and personalised sleep rituals, these Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts elevate self-care! Grab your robe, cancel your plans, and get ready to treat yourself. The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi Spa pods over the sea, ancient rituals and lush rainforest views – The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi takes self-care to new heights. Soak in the Mandi Bunga Ritual, a traditional floral bath and massage to reset your energy. Ease tight knots in your muscles with the Mystical Ocean & Earth massage, which uses marine mud and hot stones. If you're looking for a classic relaxation experience, try the traditional Malay Urut Melayu Massage and Hot Stone Massage. Want to clear your mind before the ultimate spa day? Reconnect with nature through guided jungle walks with UNESCO-certified naturalists or kayak to a hidden beach for a picnic in paradise. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur At The Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, self-care becomes art. Gaze at the tranquil Perdana Botanical Gardens while you experience an award-winning sanctuary that blends elegant rituals with results-driven treatments. Soothe tense muscles with the Revival Touch and Summer Serenity Express massage. For a full retreat, The Art of Wellness stay package includes a signature massage, vegetarian dining and late check-out for a whole day's worth of self-love. The St. Regis Langkawi At The St. Regis Langkawi, self-care is a sensory journey shaped by nature's rhythm and refined rituals. Overlooking the Andaman Sea and enveloped by rainforest, The St. Regis Spa offers deeply restorative experiences, such as the Lang Mary treatment – a detoxifying body scrub inspired by local botanicals – and the Sound Bath Opulence, a deeply meditative experience designed to restore balance through the therapeutic power of sound. Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa Ranked #2 for the Best Hotel Spa in Southeast Asia by Travel + Leisure, Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa offers the perfect island retreat to help you unwind. The Qi Forest Spa & Wellness beachfront spa pavilions offer time-honoured techniques alongside modern wellness rituals like the floral-infused Mandi Bunga bath and Qi Forest Signature Massage, which begins and ends with the calming vibrations of a Tibetan Singing Bowl. Restore your skin with Elemis Pro-Glow Smooth Facial, designed to target fine lines and improve texture for a clearer, healthier complexion. Then, slow down island-style with yoga at the yoga deck with breathtaking views of the South China Sea, batik painting and relaxing bath rituals. With ocean waves as your soundtrack and rainforest stillness all around, this is island self-care in its purest form. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa Surrounded by rainforest and sea, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa's award-winning Heavenly Spa combines traditional treatments with natural serenity. Signature treatments like the Urutan Malaysia Massage and Sonic Serenity Fusion restore calm and clarity. Guests seeking active healing can explore Mindful Movement experiences, from sunrise yoga to aqua aerobics and guided nature walks. For a deeper reset, join the resident Yoga Master, a healer with years of experience, who leads sessions in breathwork, alignment and inner healing. The Westin Desaru Coast Resort Sleep is the ultimate luxury at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. Their dreamy Sleep Well treatments and hydrotherapy rituals, along with the Signature Westin Heavenly Beds and pillow menus, are all designed to lull you into restful slumber. At Heavenly Spa by Westin™, ocean-inspired therapies and mindful spaces offer a sanctuary for the body and soul. Guests can enjoy special seasonal spa experiences made for groups, whether you're visiting as a couple, with friends, or with family. Every moment here feels like a deep, healing exhale. No matter where you are – wrapped in a spa robe or halfway through a floral soak – these Marriott Bonvoy hotels prove that self-care isn't selfish, it's essential (and seriously luxurious). So book that massage, sip that ginger tea and let your stress melt faster than a candle in a hot stone room. Your glow-up getaway awaits.
New York Post
16-07-2025
- New York Post
Escape to the Caribbean and rack up 25,000 bonus Marriott points this summer
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. If you've been daydreaming about white-sand beaches, vibrant markets, and margaritas with a view, Marriott just made your vacation plans a whole lot sweeter. For a limited time, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn a whopping 25,000 bonus points when booking a vacation to the Caribbean, Latin America, or Mexico now through July 31. Whether you're picturing turquoise waters, sizzling street food, or lazy beach days with a cocktail in hand, this deal puts your dream getaway well within reach. Here's the deal (literally): you need to book your trip through Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy by July 31, 2025, and your stay must be at least five nights long at participating Marriott properties in the Caribbean and Latin America region, with travel anytime through December 31, 2025. This offer encourages travelers to truly dive into their destination, not just squeeze in a long weekend getaway (though we love those, too!). With plenty of time to travel and options to choose from, chase the summer sun in Mexico, catch the mellow vibes of fall in the Caribbean, or escape the cold and spend the holidays somewhere warm and tropical like the Dominican Republic. Head to the Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy site, select your destination and travel dates, and make sure your stay is five nights or longer. The bonus points will be automatically credited to your account after your stay, making your next trip even more tempting. This limited-time deal runs through July only, so if you want to lock in that Caribbean cocktail hour or explore Latin America's hidden gems with extra points in your pocket, now's the time to book. Ready to escape the everyday and earn big rewards? Pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and let Marriott sweeten your next getaway with 25,000 bonus points. Why are these bonus points a big deal? Marriott Bonvoy points unlock tons of perks. With up to 25,000 bonus points, you're looking at potential free hotel nights, upgrades to swankier rooms, or even flights and experiences through Marriott's travel partners. If you're a frequent traveler, these points could fast-track your way to elite status, making future stays even better with perks like late checkouts, free breakfast, and lounge access. Available destinations From the sun-soaked beaches of Cancun and Riviera Maya in Mexico to the colorful, cobblestone streets of Cartagena, Colombia, or the laid-back vibes of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, Marriott's got spots that fit every kind of traveler. Whether you're rolling solo, bringing the kids, or sneaking off for a romantic getaway, you'll find everything from budget-friendly stays to top-tier luxury resorts ready to welcome you. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
