JW Marriott Maldives Now Accepting Points Bookings!

The Maldives Until Now

It’s been an amazing time in miles and points for redemptions in the Maldives. I had an amazing time reviewing the W Maldives in March (we paid 240,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and it would cost 340,000 with today’s prices). And I’m looking forward to a 6 night reservation we have for next March at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives, using 480,00 Hilton Honors points + a free night certificate earned by spending $15,000 on the American Express Hilton Business card (the close-to-identical personal version of this card – the Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card, has the same feature.

I opened the Business version for a new bonus as I hadn’t had that card yet and the bonus put me over the threshold for the 5th night free (120,000 points a night is the current maximum rate so 480,000 points buys 5 nights). If you don’t know, the 5th night is free on all award bookings with Marriott and Hilton points.

The Park Hyatt Maldives has also long been a favorite for points bookings.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa

But now there’s a new kid in town. One that people have been anticipating for quite a while, especially as award availability for the W Maldives and the St Regis Maldives has been scarce.

The JW Marriott Maldives (link to hotel website) is a brand new resort and looks absolutely stunning. If I didn’t feel like I need to experience the Waldorf, I’d probably be booking this for early next year.

It’s officially opening its doors this August but what is new as of today is the ability to book using Marriott Bonvoy points.

You can book from September on, though there seems to be a blackout between Dec 24 and Jan 1 (where it just says coming soon when you try).

It’s a Category 8, meaning that until high season pricing comes online, it’s 85,000 points a night.

What’s more, there is currently plenty of availability and both the beach villa and the overwater villa for the same price of 85,000 Bonvoy points a night. Meaning that 340,000 Bonvoy points will get you 5 nights in either room category.

If you need more Bonvoy points, you can open a Marriott Bonvoy credit card or, of course, get in some stays at Marriott.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the overwater villa becomes an upgraded room type later. If this is what interests you, book now.

JW Maldives Resort Fee / Seaplane Fee / Cancellation Rules

It does not appear there is a resort fee but there’s $12 a night in local tax showing on my checkout page.

There’s also $600 per person in extra fees which is most certainly the seaplane (or boat) transfer cost per person (roundtrip).

My test booking shows just a 2 night cancellation period. I would expect that will expand to 14 or 30 days shortly as well (and without warning).

JW Maldives Executive Lounge

There was a lot of talk about how the executive lounge would mean Marriott Elites (Platinum and up) would have both free breakfast and  free lounge snacks. I do not see any mention at all of a lounge and suspect they do not, in fact, have one.

Points Advance

You can do points advance if you don’t have the points now. You’ll need them in your account 15 days before your stay.

(HT: I discovered this via this thread on Flyertalk)

Are you booking the JW Maldives Resort with your Bonvoy points?

Let me know here, on Twitter, or in the private MilesTalk Facebook group.

You can find credit cards that best match your spending habits and bonus categories at Your Best Credit Cards. 

New to all of this? My “introduction to miles and points” book, MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points is available on Amazon and at major booksellers.