Ritz Carlton Reserve joins Marriott Bonvoy, finally

Regular readers will remember that Rhys reviewed the Phulay Bay resort in Krabi, Thailand, earlier this month. Two images are below.

Phulay Bay is part of the ‘Ritz Carlton Reserve’ brand, which is one that most of you probably don’t even know exists.

It consists of just five resorts – see here – comprising:

• Phulay Bay, Krabi, Thailand
• Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico
• Mandapa, Bali
• Los Cabos, Mexico
• Higashiama Niseko Village, Hokkaido, Japan

If you want to know what these properties have in common, it is effectively linked to size (75 rooms average) and a level of remoteness in the location.

With immediate effect, the five Ritz Carlton Reserve hotels have joined Marriott Bonvoy. It was always a weird quirk that they were not already in.

Some things are standard – you earn 10 points per $1 spend plus one elite night credit per night towards status.

Some things are not standard – redemptions will cost up to 240,000 Bonvoy points per night, and Ambassador members of Bonvoy receive a $150 resort credit per stay.

This won’t have a major impact on Marriott Bonvoy but does represent a bit more tidying up of the odd loose ends within the programme.

The home page for Ritz Carlton Reserve is here.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (August 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

20,000 points and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed The Platinum Card from American Express in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £10,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is doubled to 40,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £5,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. Click here to apply.

and for small business owners:

• The American Express Business Gold Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Business Platinum Card (50,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The American Express Business Gold Card is TRIPLED to 60,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £6,000 within three months of approval. The card remains free for the first year. T&C apply. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £10,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. Click here to apply.

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.