By Last Updated on March 4, 2023
The carnival celebration is an important cultural touchstone across the Caribbean and Latin American region, and travelers can experience Caribbean carnival celebrations firsthand with the Marriott International portfolio. Each property takes inspiration from its local areas to inform its food and beverage and entertainment offerings, some even offer a Marriott Bonvoy Moment for members to bid on!
Central and Northern Southern America
Barranquilla Marriott Hotel
Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the newly-opened Barranquilla Marriott Hotel invites guests to explore the “Golden Gate of Colombia.” Known for hosting one of the most important festivals in the country, the Barranquilla Carnival is a culturally-immersive spectacle of rhythm, dancing and color that travelers won’t want to miss.
Marriott Bonvoy members may participate in the “Barranquilla Carnival VIP Parade and Coronation Experience + Suite Stay” and have exclusive views of the famous “Batalla de Flores” parade. Before joining the festivities, guests can take part in a coffee ritual at the onsite Meira Café or visit a rum-tasting session at the Rum Room.
Barranquilla is jam-packed with things to do: museums, tours and of course, some amazing restaurants to dine at!
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W Panama
Located in the business district of Panama City, W Panama is inspired by the surrounding vibrant colors and rich culture. Guests can stay at one of the 203 guest rooms and enjoy the festivals in Panama, such as the Burial of the Sardine, which is meant to celebrate the end of the Carnival season of Panama and symbolize the beginning of lent.
After a busy day, guests can enjoy stellar rooftop views of the Panama skyline while refreshing at the WET Deck’s pool. Guests can delight in an array of delicious dining options, such as emblematic cocktails at La Cajita or Spanish cuisine at the Moró Restaurant. Travelers looking to unwind and relax can indulge at the Away Spa, featuring luxurious facial and massage treatments.
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Panama Marriott Hotel
Close to many major attractions within the city, the Panama Marriott Hotel offers travelers the ideal location to experience carnival traditions. This year travelers will be able to witness the colorful and energetic fanfare of the Panama Carnavales. Kicking off the festivities is the coronation of a queen, dancing in the streets and music filling the air as a brass band-filled parade marches by.
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JW Marriott
Situated along the shores of Punta Pacifica, JW Marriott Panama offers guests a luxurious experience and is ideally located in the emblematic financial district featuring unique shops and restaurants. Travelers can experience the carnival festivities, such as dancing, music, and fireworks. After enjoying the festivities, travelers can dine at the celebrated MASI restaurant with authentic Panamanian cuisine, unwind at the infinity-style pool with striking views of the Panama City skyline or enjoy a tasty cocktail at the poolside bar. Guests can relax at the spacious accommodations adorned with plush bedding and lavish décor inspired by the sparkling coastline.
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Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown
Carnival in Georgetown, Guyana is a vibrant celebration of local culture and heritage that has grown to be a popular destination amongst travelers during the carnival season. Gathering influences from South America and the Caribbean, the celebration is set to be an action-packed week filled with masquerades, elaborate costumes, non-stop partying, Guyanese cuisine, entertainment, music and so much more.
For a break away from the festivities, travelers may stay at the centrally-located Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown. The hotel offers scenic luxury and top-level facilities, including a refreshing outdoor swimming pool just a few steps from the beach. In addition, guests can indulge in poolside relaxation with multiple lounge chairs and seating areas. Additionally, to celebrate the country’s Independence Day and Georgetown Carnival, the property will offer a special brunch on May 26.
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Southern South America
Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort
Experience Carnival in Uruguay at the Sheraton Colonia & Spa Resort. Located in Colonia del Sacramento, the resort is conveniently placed just six miles from the historic city center. Alongside a perfect location, the resort offers curated festive Carnival programming where guests can enjoy family-friendly activities, including a foam party, a DJ-equipped pool, live music, night golf and water activities.
It also features several dining options, including a casual fast-food truck and an eat around the world buffet at Restaurante Cava Real. For guests seeking more adult activities, there are winery and brewery tours and a 5-hole golf course.
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Mexico
The Westin Cozumel
The Westin Cozumel is a property that guests find energizing and rejuvenating. This February, adventurous travelers can visit historic areas, take unique tours and/or experience the renowned celebration within the Mexican Caribbean: Carnival.
Set in two stages, Pre-Carnival and Carnival, there is no shortage of fun activities to enjoy. Those looking for a reprieve from the high-energy celebration can try the resort’s unique spa offerings, including a Seawood ocean wrap in an air-conditioned cabin with ocean views at the Zazil Spa.
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Courtyard Mazatlán Beach Resort
Mazatlán Carnival’s theme this year is “Dejavu, Dreams of a Carnival.” Here, travelers will experience a celebration that promises to transport them to the world of fantasy and fairies. A 5-day celebration filled with parties, parades, concerts and more – the fun does not stop.
For some relaxation away from the festivities, the Courtyard Mazatlan Beach Resort in Zona Dorada offers fantastic beaches and a vibrant downtown to explore. Nearby, guests can enjoy a kayak tour, hit the beach or explore Mazatlán.
If you’re a parent looking to kick back and relax, don’t fret! The resort offers a Kids’ Club with its own children’s pools, offering plenty of fun for smaller travelers.
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Caribbean
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Located on the white sands of Palm Beach, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a captivating resort with adult-only amenities. Those visiting during the Carnaval celebration can visit the Last Lap Carnaval Brunch at La Vista on Carnaval Monday held at the resort. This all-you-can-eat brunch offers breakfast staples like pancakes & waffles, omelets, fresh fruit & smoothies, along with new stations such as poke bowls, BBQ smoker, raw bar & ceviche, a carving station and much more.
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Curacao Marriott Beach Resort
The newly-redesigned Curacao Marriott Beach Resort is the perfect outpost for travelers looking for a picturesque Caribbean vacation. Swim with sea turtles, take a catamaran trip or hop into an ATV for a tour of the island – there is something for every type of traveler at this luxe resort.
Travelers visiting the Dutch-Caribbean island during carnival may experience performances by local dancers in the traditional Karnaval attire, enjoy local light bites and experience the competition of “rei di Tumba,” where the performer’s winning song will become the main theme of next year’s carnival celebration.
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Brazil
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
For carnival this year, Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort will organize a traditional feijoada, a black bean and pork dish. This delicious meal will be complete with local delicacies and a lively presentation from the Bejia-Flor Samba School.
The hotel’s executive chef Valdir Ramos has curated the buffet offerings, which will have feijoada as the main dish, as well as several delicacies such as acarajé, tapioca, caipirinha, caipivodka, beer and a table of sweets. Travelers seeking to unwind after the buzzing parties of carnival can utilize the resort’s extensive recreational lush grounds, white-sand beaches and spa offerings at the Shine Spa.
The price is $520,00 +10%, and prepayment is required via credit card authorization. Reservations via emailriosireservas.festas@marriott.com
Renaissance São Paulo Hotel
Located in the Jardins neighborhood, the Renaissance São Paulo Hotel is centrally located in downtown Sao Paulo, one of the world’s largest cultural hotspots. For those visiting for Carnival, the hotel offers several festive packages for travelers.
For those who love gastronomy, the resort has the “Gastronomic Experience Package”, which offers accommodation with breakfast and dinner at the Terraço Jardins and discounted experiences at The Spa (from $329).
Theater lovers will enjoy the “Cultural Package,” which includes parking, dinner at Terraco Jardins, and two tickets to watch the plays at Renaissance Theater (from $343).
Soccer fans can take advantage of the “Soccer Museum Package,” which includes parking and breakfast at Terraco Jardins, alongside two tickets to the Football Museum at Paulo Machado de Carvalho Municipal Stadium (from $284).
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JW Marriott Hotel Rio
Nestled among white sandy beaches, guests can stay at the luxurious beachfront JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro and explore the property’s special carnival feijoada.
Here guests can enjoy delicious dining options such as salad and feijoada buffet, acarajé station, caipirinha bar, beer and tropical fruit shakes. Additionally, the festival will have live music by a samba trio. Guests can enjoy other delicious dining options, such as The Carioca, which offers international cuisine with beautiful views of the Copacabana beach, a refreshing cocktail; Moon Lounge Rooftop Bar for tapas; or the Café Illy Bar for a coffee . After a day of celebrating, guests may relax and recharge at the SPA by JW and indulge in luxurious and rejuvenating treatments.
The price per guest is $270, and reservations can be made by emailing eventos.jwrio@marriott.com.
JW Marriott Hotel São Paulo
Surrounded by a modern and luxurious ambiance, the JW Marriott Hotel São Paulo offers travelers the perfect oasis to unwind and relax from the bustling city center.
Guests who want to take a break from the busy Carnival celebrations can do so with the Rebalance Journey Package. However, it’s only valid for Premium Room, Executive, Griffin, and Luxury Suite stays and is available for the Carnival Holiday. This package includes early check-in at noon and late check-out at 4 pm, parking for one vehicle, a complimentary drink and breakfast for two.
The JW Marriott also offers a few relaxing itineraries on special days, such as 60-minute facial treatments on Saturday, yoga and meditation classes on Sunday, and different massage options on Monday.
The ‘Rebalance Journey Package’ is available for the Carnival holiday, starting from $440 for one night and $887 for two. Reservations can be made by phone at (11) 2526 0100 or via email at spa.saojw@marriott.com.
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