Rewards program allows you to bid on exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments
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Imagine getting to attend a soccer school hosted by one of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United.
Now, imagine doing it while rubbing shoulders with a club legend over the course of a weekend.
Finally, imagine doing it by the beach at an all-inclusive resort in the tropical paradise of Cancun, Mexico.
Well, that’s just the kind of experience that the Marriott Bonvoy Moments program is hoping to provide for some lucky members.
Recently, members were given the opportunity to attend Manchester United Soccer School at the Marriott Cancun, a newly renovated property in the beautiful resort town.
The school was hosted by Quinton Fortune, who spent seven years with the Red Devils, winning three Premier League titles during his time with the club, and played in two World Cups for his native South Africa – not too shabby.
And the camp, which Fortune and his fellow coaches ran for groups of all ages, is just one of several different Moments available to be won, bid on or bought through the program.
In the sports world alone, Marriott Bonvoy also has teamed up with the likes of MLB’s Chicago Cubs, the NCAA and Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team – which held an exclusive meet-and-greet with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at this year’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal — to give fans truly unique Moments.
Fortune himself has even been involved in other unique Moments where fans can have VIP experiences that money can’t buy.
“I’ve been involved on match days with Marriott Bonvoy and the ‘Sports Seat of Dreams’ and there’s basically a sofa in the stadium, which is crazy because everyone’s sitting a normal seat and you’re sitting in a sofa and you got like a little mini bar next to you and it’s a little bit strange because people are looking at you,” Fortune said with a laugh.
The program isn’t only for sports fans, with concert packages – anyone want to see Taylor Swift? – dinners and kitchen tours at Michelin Star restaurants and trips to festivals of all of sorts available to be bid on.
Having recently reopened after a year-long renovation, the Marriott Cancun boasts 450 rooms, two Presidential Suites and is the first in the hotel chain to become an all-inclusive resort – and it doesn’t undersell the inclusivity with its aim of providing multi-generational fun.
Marriott Cancun more than makes sure that it has something for every guest that stays there.
For those interested in eating healthy and keeping up their beach bod, there is Botanika – which features healthy choices and a variety of freshly made smoothies by the pool – and a brand-new state-of-the-art gym.
For the kids, there is a new Camp Club, which features indoor and outdoor play areas, a zip line and rock-climbing wall. There are plenty of activities to keep the little ones busy throughout the day and make the trip even more memorable.
Any foodies staying at the resort are in for a treat with an incredible variety of eatery options to tickle every guest’s fancy.
Hana Polynesian Grill is a standout that features authentic dishes from the Pacific, cultivated by a Polynesian chef brought in to ensure authenticity. The restaurant also features a private table in its wine cellar, for any couple looking to have a romantic, private dinner.
For traditional Mexican food authentic to the Yucatan peninsula, there’s a Sacbe — located right on the beach — and Casa Madre, which is the go-to spot for bites at any time of the day.
Press+Start features a sports bar/arcade theme for those seeking a little more fun after their day in the sun.
Ono and Izakaya serve Asian dishes, with the former providing some Teppanyaki-style entertainment.
Finally, there’s Mo’s, a throwback American-style diner towards Marriott’s roots. The name comes from the famous Mighty Mo burger and, boy, are they delicious.
And on top of those fine-dining options, guests can get into the mood themselves with cooking classes available – including tutorials on how to make your own ceviche with fresh ingredients, or creating your own cocktail and margaritas.
There’s plenty of fun for all ages to be had the main pool, with activities and shows throughout the day. There’s also a new water park, complete with a lazy river and a huge twisting waterslide – for those thrill-seekers.
And, of course, for those most interested in relaxing and enjoying a cocktail or two, there’s no shortage of beautiful views from the beach and an adults-only infinity pool that was added during the renovation.
With seemingly everything thought of for its guests, it’s incredibly easy to have a moment for yourself at the Marriott Cancun.
As for Fortune’s favourite moment during his time at Manchester United, it was something that money can’t buy.
“I made my full debut, my parents were in the stadium and they’d never seen me play. Not because they didn’t want to, they were working every time.
“I flew my mom and dad over from South Africa to Old Trafford to Manchester and (manager) Sir Alex (Ferguson) decided to give me my debut and my mom and dad were there to see me play for the first time.”
Twitter: @danbilicki