Marriott Bonvoy Puts Luxury Experiences up for Bid

Marriott Bonvoy, the loyalty program of Marriott Hotels & Resorts, has put two culinary luxury experiences up for bid as part of its Marriott Bonvoy Moments program. The site allows members to bid Marriott Bonvoy points on a variety of experiences ranging from spa and sports to music and dining. Among those are chef-led adventures with luxury home rentals.

To that end, October will see two new experiences up for grabs: an Austin City Limits event taking place between Oct. 11 and 13, and Palm Springs Modernism Week happening between Oct. 17 and 20. Each package includes a luxury home rental, VIP access to the respective events, and direct communication with popular chef Stephanie Izard, who can design menus for the winning bidder and his or her home rental guests.

Izard was Bravo Channel’s first female Top Chef and James Beard Foundation Award Winner.

The luxury home rentals are part of Homes & Villas by Marriott International, which is the Marriott’s newest venture into renting private residences around the world while earning or redeeming loyalty points. In light of ventures like Airbnb, Homes & Villas provides the hospitality know-how and backing of its parent brand while adding the loyalty program aspect that travelers often seek out when they travel. Bidding on these exclusive packages has gone for several hundred thousand points.

Another foodie-themed prize for those with Marriott Bonvoy points to burn is a new masterclass with Michelin-starred Chef David Bouley in Grand Cayman. This package is up for bid already with the event scheduled to take place in November.

While most travelers think about using their points and miles for free hotel stays and flights, there are plenty of creative alternatives for once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can be far more valuable. For those inspired by great cooking and pop culture (and have deep loyalty program pockets), these prizes are worth the ante.