Marriott Maldives news: W refurbishes, new JW Marriott opens, Sheraton points deal

If you’ve been thinking of a trip to the Maldives and / or you have a lot of Marriott Bonvoy points to burn, it’s worth knowing about a couple of pieces of news.

There is a new JW Marriott resort, and the existing W resort has had a full refurbishment.

W Maldives unveils a new look

We did a full review of W Maldives back in June 2023 when Sinead drew the short of straw of going down to take a look.

(To be fair, staying at three resorts in a week – W Maldives, Westin Maldives (review) and JW Marriott Maldives (review) is less fun than you think, especially when travelling between them involves going back to Male and then out again.)

The hotel calls it:

“

a stunning renovation that blends contemporary luxury with the island’s untamed beauty. Designed for the modern traveler, this evolution amplifies the brand’s signature energy, offering a distinctive blend of authentic cultural experiences, creative design, and a deep connection to the enchanting spirit of the Maldives.

All 77 villas have been redesigned:

Overwater villas take cues from the patterns of majestic whale sharks, while beach villas channel the intricate textures of mangroves, each space designed to balance tranquility and adventure. For larger groups, the first-ever Supreme Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas and Oasis Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas offer expansive living spaces and private pools, perfect for creating unforgettable moments. A highlight of the transformation is the addition of two new Oasis Two-Bedroom Beach Villas, each featuring exhilarating water slides that seamlessly connect the second floor to an impressive private pool, effortlessly merging refined luxury with playful indulgence.

The food and drink concepts have also had a full makeover:

At FISH, the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant, guests can indulge in a sustainable ocean-to-table concept set above the serene Indian Ocean. FIRE presents a relaxed beachside smokehouse, serving expertly grilled dishes framed by the tranquil coastal surroundings, while KITCHEN, the all-day dining venue, fuels guests with a daily breakfast spread and hearty international favorites. Throughout the year, W Maldives will host exclusive pop-ups, featuring world-renowned chefs, each adding a bold new twist to the dining scene.

As the sky ignites in hues of gold and amber, SIP — W Maldives’ overwater Latin American-inspired bar — invites guests to unwind with signature cocktails, savor an array of Nikkei dishes, while taking in the island’s most spectacular sunset views. At WET Deck, sun-drenched days flow into electric nights, where signature cocktails, light bites, and vibrant beats set the scene. Shifting shades of green mosaic tiles ripple like the tide, while state-of-the-art lighting pulses to the rhythm of live music.

At the heart of it all, the Splinterworks Vertex water slide — a sculptural masterpiece and the first of its kind in the Maldives — redefines poolside fun with its sleek, mirror-polished steel reflecting the island’s serenity. Built-in water jets keep it cool under the Maldivian sun, inviting guests to take the plunge into a world where relaxation and high-energy revelry collide.

Yes, you read that right – it’s got a cool water slide!

And there’s the spa:

The brand’s signature AWAY Spa reinvents the traditional rituals of a zen-like spa, offering a modern and social immersion into health and wellness. The sanctuary offers a collection of thoughtfully curated treatments in four overwater couples’ treatment rooms, each equipped with its own steam facility. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating experiences while soaking in soothing ocean views.

You can find out more on the W Maldives website here.

Remember that Marriott Bonvoy offers ‘5-4-4’ on reward stays, with the cheapest night being free, which works out well on resort stays like this.

A new JW Marriott resort has opened

Sinead reviewed the original JW Marriott Maldives resort back in 2023.

It has now been joined by a sister resort, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island. The website is here and there are images above and below.

There are a lot of nights with reward stays at around 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, albeit during the rainy months of June and July. There is a lot of availability for under 100,000 points per night for the rest of 2025 if you want to avoid the rain.

Here’s an example of reward pricing for October 2025 (click to enlarge):

It seems that all room categories are available for rewards, with the premium rooms available for a cash surcharge when booking.

One benefit of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll is that it is reached by speedboat from Male airport, taking just 15 minutes. Whilst the boat ride isn’t cheap ($300 return) it is a lot cheaper than a seaplane transfer, and should require less hanging around too.

The resort has 80 villas with a mix of beach and overwater accommodation. There is a kids club and a teenagers club, so it is clearly looking at the family market.

To quote:

With 80 thoughtfully designed private pool villas, including 47 overwater pool villas, the resort blends traditional island aesthetics with contemporary luxury to create a harmonious connection with nature. A haven for relaxation, each villa boasts expansive terraces, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, and access to pristine lagoons. Perched above the turquoise waters, the Three-Bedroom Ocean Residence offers an unparalleled sanctuary, blending luxury with breathtaking views for a truly exceptional experience. Tailored for families or groups of friends, this elegant residence provides a refined space to connect and create lasting memories, all while enjoying uninterrupted panoramic ocean views.

In terms of design:

Envisioned by acclaimed architect Cuneyt Bukulmez of Turkey-based Atolye4N, the resort’s villa design artfully blends local Maldivian touches with sleek, modern elements drawing inspiration from the enchanting island. The arrival jetty, inspired by the graceful flight of the Maakana heron, sets the tone for the resort’s design. The villas echo traditional Maldivian ‘Gedhoru’ huts, with kajan roofs and vibrant turquoise doors, complemented by a calming palette of neutral tones.

Thoughtful nods to Maldivian lacquerware crafts and contrasting elements are seamlessly woven throughout, creating a serene and harmonious retreat. The resort fosters a deep connection with nature, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to opalescent ocean views, while open-air showers and private pools create an intimate oasis. Crafted with natural materials such as timber and stone, the resort’s design pays homage to the raw beauty of the island nation, offering an elevated experience of luxury, tranquility, and mindful relaxation.

There are seven restaurants and bars:

Veyo, with its international menu, celebrates the resort’s innate flair for catering to a wide range of discerning tastes where fresh and inspiring ingredients paired with panoramic views awaken the senses.

Meanwhile, Wahoo, the infinity pool bar, provides a laid-back yet refined atmosphere where guests can enjoy refreshing beverages and aromatic dishes.

At Athiri, the resort’s signature steakhouse, guests will be captivated by its stunning two-story design, featuring a dramatic curved roof inspired by the rise and fall of ocean waves. Here, premium cuts of meat are expertly prepared, complemented by panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Perched above, Nikkei offers a vibrant bar experience with craft cocktails and light bites inspired by the fusion of Peruvian cuisine and global influences, blending both Japanese and European traditions.

At Riva, guests can indulge in a sophisticated reinterpretation of Indian Ocean heritage. This fine dining destination elevates traditional Indian dishes, Sri Lankan elements, and local Maldivian flavors, served in an elegant and contemporary setting.

For those seeking an intentional dining experience, Pure showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients crafted into exquisite dishes that honor the island’s natural bounty. Many ingredients such as Rosemary, Mint, Basil, Thyme and Sage are harvested directly from the JW Garden, offering an authentic farm-to-table experience.

Tito’s, a charming deli and patisserie, offers a captivating convergence of visual artistry and exquisite flavors. Its carefully curated collection of handcrafted delights features decadent chocolates, delicate macarons, rich truffles, luxurious cakes, and flaky pastries — each one designed to indulge and enchant the senses.

You can find out more, and book, on the resort website here.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon available as a PointSavers redemption

Finally, it is worth flagging that Sheraton Maldives is currently bookable as a PointSavers redemption.

This means that redemption rooms are available at a 20% discount, albeit because of the way Marriott’s dynamic pricing works its hard to know if there has been a reduction or not!

You need to book by 30th March and stay between 1st May and 30th September. There is a minimum stay of four nights.

The deal is available on an overwater villa, with or without pool, or an ocean pool villa.

You can find out more on the resort website here. An image is above.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 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.

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 American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

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

and for small business owners:

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

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.