MARRIOTT BONVOY’S FIVE UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEYS BY RAIL IN EUROPE AND AFRICA

For many, pivoting to travelling by train is increasingly seen as a smarter choice and one that is set to continue to rise in popularity; easier than buses, more relaxing than driving, and more sustainable than flying. Marriott Bonvoy has chosen five epic train routes in Europe and Africa paired with an outstanding hotel from their portfolio that every traveller should add to their bucket list. Journeys include the Adria InterCity train connecting Budapest to Split and Croatia, giving travellers the perfect reason to experience one of this year's hottest openings, W Budapest, set to open this summer. In Western Europe, the Eurostar runs daily from London’s St. Pancras International station, speeding beneath the English Channel to reach Brussels, Paris, and Amsterdam in just a few hours. Guests can start their journey at the historic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London in the heart of neighbouring King’s Cross station offering direct access to the Eurostar. For those looking to visit Scotland, the West Highland Line sets off from Glasgow Central Station, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct — the 21-arch railway bridge that starred in the iconic Harry Potter movies. Adventure seekers can start their trip at the stylish Moxy Glasgow Merchant City which is ideally located within walking distance from the train station and the city’s must-see galleries. For those keen to explore northern Italy, the Bernina Express runs between Chur, Switzerland and Tirano. Before leaving from Geneva Train Station, travellers can enjoy a stay at the Geneva Marriott Hotel, which celebrates the country’s heritage with its interiors inspired by the motor and aeronautic industries, first explored by Swiss entrepreneurs. Over in Africa, the spectacular train line between Aswan and Cairo traces the route of the River Nile in Egypt. The St. Regis Cairo, is the perfect place to stop off in Cairo, located in the heart of Egypt’s bustling metropolis, providing easy access to the magnificent monuments of a city steeped in history. Travellers can also take advantage of the legendary St. Regis Butler Service to start their journey in style.

WESTIN HOTELS & RESORTS LAUNCHES A REFUELED GEAR LENDING PROGRAMME

Rooted in its mission of providing signature wellness programmes that empower guests to regain control and enhance their well-being while travelling, Westin Hotels & Resorts has rolled out its next generation WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending programme across over 230 properties globally. Westin has evolved and enhanced its Gear Lending program to meet consumers where they are today. The acclaimed on-demand programme focuses on helping guests maintain their workout routines, wherever they go, without the added bulk of packing fitness gear. Active guests can borrow the latest high-tech recovery and total body strength training equipment whenever they want, choosing from a library of kits powered by Westin’s partners Hyperice and Bala. The kits include the Hyperice ‘Recover & Recharge Kit’, featuring the brand’s most sought-after gear such as the Hypervolt Go 2 and Hypersphere Mini, as well as Bala’s beautifully designed ‘Sculpt & Flow Kit’ with full body workout essentials, including bangle weights, resistance bands and a Westin branded yoga mat.

CELEBRITY CHEF JASON ATHERTON OPENS THREE VENUES AT GROSVENOR HOUSE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, DUBAI

Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai has opened three new dining and drinking venues spread across the top three levels of the hotel curated by Celebrity Chef and owner of two Michelin-starred restaurants in London, Jason Atherton. City Social Dubai and 7 Tales are now welcoming guests, and the third venue will be revealed in the coming weeks. City Social Dubai promises uncomplicated luxury modern-European cuisine featuring some of Jason Atherton’s signature dishes, such as roasted sea bass with shellfish ragout and seaweed butter, alongside exciting new creations including Scottish salmon with king crab, cucumber, dill and trout eggs. Completing the gastronomic magic are cocktails shaken up behind the seven-metre marble bar and a menu of fine wines set against a stunning floor-to-ceiling wine cellar. A sweeping staircase - a striking feature of City Social - takes guests to 7 Tales, an Izakaya-styled speakeasy bar inspired by the Golden Age in Japan in the early 1960s. 7 Tales’ resident DJs bring the vibes on the decks while guests sip on an array of Japanese gin, whisky, sake, and cocktails handcrafted by the bar team.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, ABAMA UNVEILS PLANT-FORWARD RESTAURANT, VERDE MAR

A holiday haven for families and foodies alike, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama has taken a plant-forward approach for its latest restaurant opening. Verde Mar combines the freshest produce with a relaxed and cozy atmosphere including an outdoor terrace surrounded by natural plants. The menu is thoughtfully crafted to include mainly locally sourced ingredients, spotlighting seasonal vegetables harvested on the island. Main dishes include the “Bimi” broccoli made with crunchy rye crumbles and a roasted cauliflower with black truffle. Non-vegetarian diners can dine on daily catches from the Atlantic Ocean and organic locally sourced meat dishes. To end their meal diners will be served creative desserts featuring the island’s best fruits, Canarian bananas, coconuts, and guavas. Guests can also enjoy the restaurant's extensive drinks menu ranging from classic cocktails and local beer to homemade kombuchas and masterfully brewed coffees.

SANCTUARY CAP CANA DEBUTS AS THE WORLD’s FIRST LUXURY COLLECTION ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT

Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-inclusive Resort, Dominican Republic has debuted as the first luxury all-inclusive resort for Marriott International and The Luxury Collection, joining the celebrated ensemble of experiential hotels by this iconic brand. Located just 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport and nearby the Punta Espada Golf Club, the Caribbean’s number one golf course, Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort combines beautiful architecture and design with luxurious accommodation and exquisite service. Resembling a colonial Spanish castle town perched on a cliff by the ocean, the resort boasts 324 Mediterranean-inspired design guest suites and oceanfront villas, including the grand 510 sqm two-level Castle Island Suite set on a private island. The storied adults-only resort opens with an elevated all-inclusive guest experience after a four-month renovation following the effects of Hurricane Fiona, with the launch of a brand-new restaurant, beach bar, nightclub, and a library for guests to borrow and read books on the Dominican culture whilst relaxing on the beach. The resort offers curated epicurean experiences across five restaurants offering Asian cuisine, a signature Italian and steakhouse, fresh seafood, buffet, in addition to eight bars including the new beach bar serving up creative cocktails and healthy smoothies. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to settings for relaxation, with the resort featuring six pools, cabanas, sun loungers and the Sanctuary Spa - a tranquil oasis highlighting ayurvedic treatments, hydro and innovative therapies.

DISCOVER FILM FESTIVALS TAKING PLACE ACROSS EUROPE AND THE MIDDLE EAST THIS YEAR WITH MARRIOTT BONVOY

Lights, Camera, Action! 2023 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for film fanatics, with an incredible array of film festivals to match. From prestigious industry classics to those putting a spotlight on diversity, Marriott Bonvoy has selected six of this year’s most exciting film festivals alongside the perfect hotel stay, for the ultimate getaway. Highlights include the iconic Venice International Film Festival, set to take the floating city by storm again this late summer which can be perfectly paired with a luxurious stay at The St. Regis Venice. Over in the UK, The BFI London Film Festival will screen over 300 films from 50 countries this October. In the heart of Leicester Square, home to London’s iconic film premieres, W London is the perfect place to soak up London’s film culture, with the hotel even boasting its own Screening Room. The lesser known yet equally exciting festival that should be on every film fanatic’s radar is The Jerusalem Film Festival happening this July, highlighting the finest work from both Israeli and international filmmakers. Head to The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tel Aviv, located just over an hour’s drive away to complete a cultural summer getaway in a striking 19^th century haven set against the Mediterranean Sea and the historic port of Jaffa. Last but not least, the 12^th edition of the Champs-Élysées Film Festival will spotlight the best French and American independent cinema and is perfectly located near the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel. The property offers a retreat within the bustling city with many of its guestrooms offering views of the city’s sparkling skyline and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower.

MARRIOTT BONVOY LAUNCHES LATEST POINTS PURCHASE PROMOTION

Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel programme which gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe, has launched its latest points purchase promotion. From now until April 3^rd, 2023, members can get a 40% bonus with the purchase of 2,000 or more points. Members may purchase or receive a combined maximum of 100,000 points per calendar year if they booked accommodations through the Marriott website, Marriott Mobile Apps, or the Customer Engagement Centres. Members can also gift points to another Marriott Bonvoy account and the recipient will receive the base and bonus points. Points can be redeemed for endless experiences within the Marriott Bonvoy travel programme - from spontaneous hotel stays and once-in-a-lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Moments, to bringing the hotel experience home with exclusive products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.

CARDIFF MARRIOTT HOTEL UNVEILS NEW INTERIORS AND WELCOMES WALES’ FIRST BROWNS BRASSERIE & BAR

Cardiff Marriott Hotel has unveiled its new chic interiors following an extensive refurbishment. Located in the vibrant heart of the Welsh capital, just steps from the Principality Stadium and within walking distance of Cardiff Castle, the hotel’s newly refurbished 205 guestrooms feature neutral colours complemented by pops of yellow and blue, inspired by the Castle’s spectacular baroque interiors. The hotel features a brand-new M Club, Marriott Hotels’ answer to an Executive Lounge, for select guests and Marriott Bonvoy members to enjoy during their stay. This month, the hotel also welcomed the opening of Browns Brasserie & Bar, Cardiff, a quintessential British brasserie and bar, serving classic seasonal dishes and signature cocktails with a large outdoor terrace for warmer days. The opening marks the debut of Browns Brasserie & Bar in Wales and will be open from breakfast through to dinner, where guests can indulge in classic comforts and fresh seasonal creations, traditional afternoon teas, and Champagne bottomless brunches. Other spaces that have undergone a renovation include the lobby, fitness suite and meeting and event spaces. Cardiff Marriott Hotel is now home to 10 stylish and versatile meeting rooms that offer state-of-the-art technology to suit all types of events.