Last Updated on June 14, 2025
In 2023, I reviewed several Marriott Vacation Clubs as an owner, and since then, I’ve been able to spend time at other locations I’d like to add to the list. The addition of Westin and Sheraton resorts to the Marriott Vacation Club family has provided travelers with even more options when they vacation.
Despite the sometimes-bad publicity vacation club programs get, I can only say that my family and I have truly enjoyed some incredibly memorable vacations throughout the world. This fall, we’re excited to be adding Marriott’s Bali Nusa Gardens to the list.
In the meantime, let’s look at more Marriott Vacation clubs we have enjoyed in our escapades around the globe. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be a Marriott Vacation club owner to book these resorts. If there’s availability, you can make that reservation.
Marriott Mai Khao Resort Phuket
When my family planned a trip to Thailand, we decided to add an additional day to our itinerary and as a result, booked this property located right next to Marriott Phuket Beach Club which was completely full.
Thoughtfully designed and ideally situated, the resort offers only 133 two-bedroom spacious apartments as they’re called in Thailand, that can sleep up to six guests with balconies, giving it a true boutique feel. Guests also have a living area, fully equipped kitchen and a washer/dryer.
The charming resort is located right on the beach and onsite amenities include a fusion restaurant, pool bar, sandwich shop, two outdoor pools and a fitness center. If you’re visiting in a slower season as we were, all amenities were not available, but guests are welcome to use any of the facilities at the neighboring Phuket Beach Club.
Marriott Phuket Beach Club
I can’t rave enough about this incredibly stunning resort that also provides access to all the luxurious facilities at the adjacent JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa. To say we were in awe on our arrival here is an understatement.
Located on Mai Khao Beach, the resort is a tribute to its magnificent natural surroundings. The beach club was designed to capture Phuket’s treasures, featuring lily-laden ponds, palm trees, wetlands, and meticulously landscaped gardens.
Marriott Phuket Beach Club features 144 two-bedroom vacation apartments with balconies that can sleep up to six guests. One bedroom has a king, the other two doubles and the living room area has a sofa bed. Two outdoor pools offer stunning ocean views, and the resort has a fully-equipped fitness center and luxurious spa next door at the JW Marriott facility along with numerous on-site restaurants.
One of our favorite aspects of staying here is the beach – one of the longest and most peaceful on the island with golden sand. Also, we can’t rave enough about the service and friendly staff, some of the best we’ve ever encountered in our Marriott Vacation Club experiences.
Marriott Waiohai Beach Club, Koloa, Hawaii
Moving on to another exotic location, this vacation resort is situated on the sunny southern shore of Kauai in an area known as Poipu Beach.
The vacation club is extremely popular with families offering 238 hotel-rooms along with one and two-bedroom villas with spacious layouts, a fitness center, two swimming pools, an arcade and game room, a pool bar and grill and marketplace. The vacation club grounds are filled with palm trees and tropical plants, and the beach is known for its calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddling.
Marriott’s Shadow Ridge, Palm Desert, California
Guests visiting the Palm Springs area have their choice of three Marriott vacation clubs and a Westin vacation club in the area. Marriott’s Shadow Ridge I- The Villages and Shadow Ridge II- The Enclaves are located in the Palm Desert community in a shared complex known as the Shadow Ridge Resort.
The Villages, located on the golf course, are generally considered more family-friendly with a relaxed vibe, offering spacious guest rooms and one and two-bedroom villas. They offer two pools, one with a water slide, pool movies, and a very popular water play area for the kids. A sports court, tennis courts, and fitness center round out the amenities here and the golf course is quite impressive.
Shadow Ridge The Enclaves, also situated on a golf course, are a bit more luxurious and upscale offering guest rooms along with one and two-bedroom villas that include all the amenities of The Villages.
Though there is no formal full-service restaurant at Shadow Ridge Resort, guests can dine at the two-pool bar and grill or pick up fresh items and quick pick-ups at The Marketplace.
Marriott’s Timber Lodge, Lake Tahoe
Marriott Vacation Club guests or even non-owners have access to two beautiful resorts in South Lake Tahoe.
We’ve covered the Grand Residence Club in a previous Marriott Vacation Club review, but we later had the chance to stay at its sister property, Timber Lodge. I would recommend this resort during ski season if for no other reason than you rest at the base of the Heavenly Ski Gondola with easy access to the slopes.
The vacation club property features hotel rooms along with one and two-bedroom villas with fireplaces. The swimming pool is gorgeous, the whirlpools spas are spacious and you have access to a fully-equipped fitness center. Though the resort doesn’t offer a full-service restaurant, guests are mere steps to Heavenly Village with its myriad of great dining options.
Marriott’s MountainSide, Park City
Another great location for ski-in, ski-out access to the Park City Mountain Resort, one of the largest ski areas in the U.S., MountainSide offers guest rooms along with one and two-bedroom villas. The Deer Valley ski area is within a mile of the hotel.
Accommodations are spacious and include guest rooms, along with one and two-bedroom villas. The décor is well-themed and villas include a fireplace. Many rooms offer mountain views or overlook the ski runs. The resort offers an outdoor heated pool and hot tubs with stunning views of the Wasatch Mountain along with a fitness center and steam room. The property also boasts a game room and movie theater and is within walkable distance to historic Main Street, a benefit, given the property has no on-site restaurant.
Marriott’s other vacation club, Summit Watch, just off downtown Main Street was highlighted in a previous roundup of Marriott Vacation Club properties.
Marriott’s Grande Ocean, Hilton Head
This premium vacation resort represents one of Marriott Vacation Club’s most picturesque oceanfront properties, blending Lowcountry charm with resort-style luxury and beachy ambiance.
Grande Ocean sits directly on the beachfront in the South Forest area and offers only two-bedroom villas, a great choice for family or friends traveling together. Views include ocean front or ocean side.
The resort has several outdoor pools, including oceanfront, an indoor pool and kiddie pool with multiple hot tubs across the property. Guests have access to a fitness center, tennis courts, biking paths, shuffleboard, a putting green and the Loggerhead Landing Pool Bar & Grill. Of note is that we covered another Marriott Hilton Head property, SurfWatch in a previous article.
The Westin St. John Resort Villas, USVI
Our family couldn’t have been happier when Westin integrated into the Marriott family, if for no other reason than Westin St. John would become part of the portfolio.
The resort is a luxurious, family-friendly property located on the scenic island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Renowned for its clear turquoise water, stunning beach, lush tropical landscapes and peaceful low-key vibe, Westin St. John sits only a few minutes from the main town of Cruz Bay.
Accommodations include one, two, and three-bedroom well-appointed villas with outdoor pools including a large main pool with a poolside bar and cabanas. Snorkel and water sports rentals include paddleboards and kayaks. The resort also offers a 24-hour fitness studio, tennis courts and basketball courts. Snorkels Bar & Grill is a casual poolside eatery.
