Marriott International is expecting to open more than 30 luxury properties in 2019, furthering the company’s global perspective on luxury travel with its ensemble of eight distinct luxury brands. Through the hallmarks of The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott and Bulgari, Marriott International continues to push boundaries, creating new guest experiences which meet the needs of the evolving luxury traveller. The company already has hotels and resorts in more than 60 countries and territories and is poised to expand its luxury footprint with more than 200 properties in the development pipeline, representing 20 new countries for the company’s luxury portfolio, from Sri Lanka to Bermuda and Morocco to Kenya.

Marriott International has rolled out exclusive member benefits in Asia Pacific. Marriott Bonvoy, the new brand name replacing the legacy loyalty programs – Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) – was unveiled earlier this year. 

W Hotels Worldwide has this week opened W Dubai – The Palm, located on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. W Dubai – The Palm is the newest W Escape, the W brand’s playful spin on the traditional resort experience and is set to add a new beat to the already dynamic and pulsating city. With its electrifying style, evocative design and eclectic destination restaurants led by world-class chefs including Massimo Bottura and Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm will shine bright in the City of Gold.

The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International, Inc., has opened the 58-room IRAPH SUI, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Miyako Okinawa, marking the third Luxury Collection property in Japan.

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts has opened ITC Grand Goa, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, on Arossim beach in Cansaulim, South Goa. The resort’s village-styled architecture draws inspiration from the region’s Indo-Portuguese heritage, blending classical elegance with a distinctive regional allure. The Luxury Collection’s hotels across India are renowned for their award-winning dining options, and ITC Grand Goa is no exception, offering six signature dining experiences that bring to life the colours and flavours of the destination.

Westin Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of the brand’s first hotel in the Republic of Maldives with the opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Developed by Belluna Co. Ltd, Japan and Asia Capital PLC, Sri Lanka, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort heralds the Westin brand’s wellness positioning in the Maldivian oasis.

In celebration of its partnership with chic French dining phenomenon Diner en Blanc, Marriott International has introduced a new cocktail and dining series across its Sydney properties, inspired by the event’s French heritage and exclusive all-white theme.

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts has expanded its portfolio to the Kingdom of Jordan for the first time, with the the highly anticipated opening of Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba. The 207-room hotel is located in the heart of Aqaba’s newest beachside destination, Saraya Aqaba, offering guests a contemporary luxury experience in a setting that merges Jordan’s rich heritage and history through traditional architecture, sumptuous décor and magnificent surroundings.

The highly anticipated The Westin Brisbane, part of Marriott International, will open its doors on 8 November 2018, revealing a unique urban retreat for the river city. The hotel is the first for the Westin brand in Queensland and will bring a superior level of health and wellness offerings, four superb dining outlets and resort-style facilities to the Brisbane CBD.

Marriott International has confirmed the date for the merger of its loyalty programs as 18 August 2018. The joining of Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards & Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) will create “one powerful program”, the hotelier is telling program members.

Marriott International has announced that it has signed an agreement with luxury hospitality development firm Flag Luxury Group to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to New York City’s vibrant NoMad neighbourhood, also known as North of Madison Square Park. Flag Luxury Group will develop the hotel and residences tower, which will represent a more than $500 million investment.

St Regis Zhuhai is the 10th masterpiece of Marriott International’s luxury brand in Greater China, and will welcome guests from September 2018 in the coastal city known as “Chinese Riviera”.