With the long-awaited arrival of the summer holiday, it’s the perfect time for travelers to book a fun-filled break. Asia Pacific boasts a full array of bucket list adventures, whether travelers are looking to mingle in the bustling crowd of mega cities or venture to off-the-beaten-track destinations, travelers โ no matter solo, group, or families traveling will children โ will be able to explore the region in a way that fits their preferences.
Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands boasts hotels with various scenic backdrops, ranging from the turquoise waters of the Maldives to the steep ravines of Ubud and the energetic atmosphere of Bangkok, travelers are welcome to select the perfect summer destination to add to their bucket list in 2023.
SEASIDE RESORTS
Nothing says “summer holiday” more than images of sunny afternoons on the shore, salty swims in bright blue waters, and swanky sunset cocktails. Asia Pacific has no shortage of Instagram-worthy beaches, presenting as idyllic corners of the globe for travelers to discover. Here, Marriott Bonvoy details some of the best ways to visit and stay at Asia Pacific’s best seaside destinations.
Where to stay?
Maldives:ย Le Mรฉridien Maldives Resort & Spa
Situated on the southern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll, a 35-minute seaplane journey away from Malรฉ International Airport,ย Le Mรฉridien Maldives Resort & Spaย is enveloped by a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs with vibrant marine life. Curious travelers are invited to unlock the heart of the destination through the resort’s Marine Master program, part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy, where guests can plant their own coral frame with the guidance of the resident marine biologist and learn about the environmental effects of climate change. True to the brand’s spirit of savouring the good life, the resort offers “Chase Endless Summer” package for travelers to enjoy complimentary offerings including buffet breakfast and dinner at Turquoise, daily water sports activity, and discounted spa treatments at Explore Spa.
Beihai:ย Sheraton Beihai Resort
A quaint twist to the usual seaside getaways โ recently opened in May this year,ย Sheraton Beihai Resortย is situated in Guantouling National Forest Park at the western end of downtown Beihai with commanding views over both mountain and sea. Once a departure port on the Maritime Silk Road, Beihai’s natural seaside setting and unique cultures of the Tanka fishing villages make it an up-and-coming holiday destination. The resort features Sheraton’s reimagined design, setting to be a community hub for travelers and local guests alike through brand signatures such as the Community Table, a space where travelers can connect with each other and be energized, and elevated dining outlets such as &More that offers an invigorating coffee program.
CITY EXPLORATION
For travelers looking for a summer vacation outside of the well-traversed seaside getaways, Asia boasts an impressive array of vibrant metropolitan areas with exciting experiences, including traditional summer festivals in Tokyo, rich historical sites in Xi’an, and endless culinary offerings in Bangkok for travelers to indulge to the fullest extent. Here, Marriott Bonvoy presents the best places to stay when exploring some of the most alluring cities in the region.
Where to Stay?
Bangkok:ย Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection
Bangkok, a city of gleaming monasteries, soaring skyscrapers and clusters of village-style houses, is the gateway to modern Thailand, as well as one of the most coveted destinations for travelers of all ages to explore. Thong Lor district is one of the city’s best spots to experience an eclectic mix of cuisine, culture, and entertainment, andย Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, Autograph Collection Hotels’ upcoming entry and brand debut in Thailand, is nestled just moments away in a tree-lined avenue. Set to open in early September, through the hotel’s exterior as well as 56 guestrooms and suites, guests can experience the rich contrasts of the designs: Elegant, timber-clad exterior juxtaposes with the natural surroundings of this leafy avenue, while the interiors feature designs of classic meet contemporary.
Melbourne:ย Le Mรฉridien Melbourne
A recent addition to Australia’s dynamic metropolis,ย Le Mรฉridien Melbourneย opened its doors in March this year, marking the brand’s debut to the region. Located on a prime location overlooking Parliament House, the hotel invites travelers to savour the moment and connect with Melbourne’s famed art, culture, and culinary scene. Travelers will be delighted at the hotel’s Art Deco faรงade with chic mid-century interiors, and marvel at the large-scale sculptural installation in the lobby that is part of Le Mรฉridien’s global Unlock Art programme, which includes a self-guided walking tour and complimentary art gallery access. From July onwards, the hotel also celebrates the return of its signature Au Soleil programme with the debut of its Rosรฉ Sorbet, offering travelers the opportunity to soak up the sun and enjoy the moment with this delectable summer treat.
NATURE RETREATS
For those seeking to trade the glare of the streetlights for the glow of the moon or the chatter of commuters for the sounds of the wild, nature retreats will be ideal for providing refuge and total rejuvenation. Below are some of the best places to experience nature’s splendor with Marriott Bonvoy.
Where to Stay?
Bali:ย The Westin Ubud Resort & Spa
Earning its title as Bali’s art and culture center, Ubud is the ultimate place to enjoy rich Balinese culture, local craft scene, and calming lush forests or rice terraces. True to the destination’s devotion to wellness and restoration, The Westin Ubud Resort & Spa invites guests and their families to experience a sense of well-being through the resort’s signature touchpoints โ from the delights of Heavenly Spa, lifestyle programs such as on-site Balinese Praying Ritual and Tri Mandala Meditation at the riverside Wellness Pavilion, and the 24-hour WestinWORKOUTยฎ Fitness Studio. Local Balinese recipes are also elevated into healthy cuisine to reflect the brand’s Eat Well pillar, available in the all-day dining restaurant Tabia and Mediterranean restaurant Tall Trees.
Japan:ย Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Hotels
As one looks beyond Japan’s bustling metropolis of Tokyo and Osaka, they will find sprawling countryside with hidden cultural and historical gems waiting to be discovered. First announced in 2018, Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki aims to connect curious travelers with adventure far beyond the city’s bustling rhythms, while still being in accessible reach with proximity to roadside stations nationwide. From the cool summers and brilliant winters of Hokkaido to the traditional mountainous villages of Gifu and the subtropical climate of Kagoshima prefecture, Fairfield by Marriott welcomes travelers in with warm hospitality and all the modern comforts one might need for a good night’s sleep, serving as the perfect bases for travelers to explore Japan’s breathtaking World Heritage sites and culinary delights.