In July 2023, I applied for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card. The main reason was that up until then, we had mostly stayed at Hilton Hotels and wanted to explore the world of Marriott Bonvoy more thoroughly. With this card, you automatically receive Platinum Elite status, which comes with a wide range of benefits, including:
- 50% more bonus points on eligible spending
- The option to choose between free breakfast or additional points at many Marriott Bonvoy brands
- Access to the Executive Lounge (when available)
- Room upgrades, when available
- Late check-out, typically until 4 p.m.
Additionally, I was enticed by an attractive welcome bonus offer: Spend $6,000 within six months and earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Based on an estimated value of 0.85 cents per point, this equates to $1,275 in value. Applying for the card was easy—I completed the application online and was immediately approved.
The Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card
By November 2023, I had spent the required $6,000 and was rewarded with 150,000 bonus points, credited to my Marriott Bonvoy account along with points from stays and other expenses.
The card also offers:
- 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 3x points at restaurants worldwide and for flights booked directly with airlines
- 2x points on all other purchases
Other great benefits include:
- $300 Dining Credit: Up to $25 back each month for dining at restaurants worldwide
- A free night certificate annually, valid for a stay at a hotel up to 85,000 points
- Priority Pass membership with access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide
- Global Entry fee reimbursement (currently $120)
- 25 Elite Night Credits each year – perfect for reaching the next status level (Titanium)
Although the annual fee for the card is $650, the benefits far outweigh this cost.
Our Points Adventure: The Le Méridien Maldives Spa & Resort
In December 2023, we found a great opportunity to redeem our points at Le Méridien Maldives Spa & Resort. During the off-season, the points rate was under 40,000 points per night. However, due to the weather, we chose to visit during the peak season and booked 6 nights for the end of October and the beginning of November 2024 for a total of 223,400 points. Thanks to the “Pay 4, Stay 5” offer, we effectively paid only 37,233 points per night.
With a point value of 0.85 cents, this equates to a value of $316.50 per night – significantly cheaper than the regular room rates, which range between $800 and $1,000 per night.
Of course, the room rate isn’t the only cost. The resort is located on a remote island, and the only way to get there is by seaplane from Malé, which costs $515 round-trip. The island only has the resort, so we relied on the on-site restaurants for meals.
Thanks to our Platinum status, we received a free breakfast, saving us about $40 per person per day. For other meals, we ate flexibly at various restaurants, with a main dish typically costing $40 – $50. Free still water was always provided.
Depending on your preference, you can also opt for half-board to all-inclusive options, including alcoholic beverages.
Our unforgettable experience
Thanks to our Platinum status, we received a generous room upgrade from a Beach Villa to a Lagoon Villa with a massive terrace. At low tide, we had a small private beach in front of the villa, and at high tide, the villa felt like an overwater villa. We could snorkel directly in front of our door and explore the amazing underwater life.
The villa itself was stylishly furnished, with a large room, a luxurious bathroom featuring a rain shower and freestanding bathtub, and a terrace with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
The island is small, green, and about 1 km long, making it perfect for leisurely walks. The shaded forest kept things pleasantly cool. Although there was the option to call a buggy, we never used it. Just before sunset, the island truly came to life in its full beauty. We enjoyed walking to the opposite side to fully appreciate the sunset.
In addition to the fitness and dive centers, the resort offered a variety of activities, including free snorkeling gear and movie nights under the stars—an absolute highlight for us.
Conclusion
Our stay at Le Méridien Maldives was simply incredible. From the excellent service to the idyllic location, everything was perfect. The combination of Marriott Bonvoy points and Platinum benefits provided us with an unforgettable experience – while saving us a significant amount of money.
