Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado Beach (Source)

Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a brand that often confuses consumers, especially Marriott Bonvoy members. What exactly are Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties? How do they differ from other Ritz-Carlton resorts? Do they participate in Marriott Bonvoy?

What is Ritz-Carlton Reserve, anyway?

Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a small collection of intimate luxury resorts. According to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand:

“Time stands still as the joy of discovery is anticipated, embraced and savored. An exploration of an unusual place, the excitement of an unexpected adventure, an indulgence in uncommon luxury. It is Ritz-Carlton Reserve – a rare place set aside for those who appreciate an exotic sanctuary tucked away in the most exquisite corners of the world.

Remote locations handpicked for their lush, unspoiled landscapes. Deeply personal experiences guided by true human connection. An abundance of the world’s greatest luxury: time. These are marks of Ritz-Carlton Reserve.”

From my perspective, several things stand out.

First of all, while I don’t know the financial relationship between Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Marriott, I assume that Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s connection to Marriott is more about marketing and distribution than anything else.

This is a good thing, as it means Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties won’t feel like typical Marriott hotels (or even standard Ritz-Carlton resorts). The connection to Marriott gives these small luxury hotels access to Marriott’s global reach.

How are Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties different from standard Ritz-Carlton resorts?

Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties have 50 to 115 rooms, making them truly intimate with personalized service. In contrast, many Ritz-Carlton resorts are larger, with some having over 300 rooms. Thus, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are in a completely different league, and this branding helps differentiate them from standard Ritz-Carlton resorts like the Ritz-Carlton Aruba.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve Niseko Higashiyama (Source)

Ritz-Carlton Reserve locations

Currently, Ritz-Carlton Reserve has six locations:

Dorado Beach: a 115-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Dorado, Puerto Rico
Higashiyama: a 50-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Niseko, Japan
Mandapa: a 60-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Bali, Indonesia
Phulay Bay: a 54-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Krabi, Thailand
Rissai Valley: an 87-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Jiuzhaigou, China
Zadun: a 115-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Los Cabos, Mexico

There are also a couple more Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the pipeline, including in the Bahamas and Costa Rica. Additionally, two Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are coming to Saudi Arabia, one in the Red Sea Project expected to open in mid-2024, and another in NEOM expected to open in late 2026.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve & Marriott Bonvoy

Historically, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties didn’t participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program, similar to the BVLGARI brand. Fortunately, that changed in early 2022. Now, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties do participate in Marriott Bonvoy. When staying at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties:

You earn Marriott Bonvoy points — 10x points per eligible dollar spent, with elite members earning 10-75% bonus points. Paying with a Marriott co-branded credit card makes you eligible for bonus points based on Marriott spending (cards offer up to 6x points per dollar spent).
You can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points — with dynamic award pricing, expect these properties to be expensive, generally around 80,000 to 240,000 Bonvoy points per night (I value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each).
You receive elite perks, though they differ from other Marriott brands and are more limited. For example, elite members don’t receive complimentary breakfast, and there’s no room upgrade perk, even for Platinum and Titanium members. However, Ambassador members receive a $150 resort credit at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties.

The best way to book a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

The best way to book a stay at a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property is through a travel advisor affiliated with the Marriott STARS program. Booking through a Marriott STARS travel advisor offers additional perks:

Complimentary full or continental breakfast daily for up to two people per room
Hotel credit valued at $100 once per stay
Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
In-person welcome
Personalized welcome amenity and note

To be eligible for Marriott STARS perks, you generally have to book the flexible or standard rate, which should be among the lowest rates available. Marriott STARS benefits are not available when redeeming points.

You can still earn Marriott Bonvoy points and take advantage of any Bonvoy elite benefits when booking through the Marriott STARS program.

Generally, you’re better off booking through the Marriott STARS program than through programs like Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts or Virtuoso because upgrades are prioritized for Marriott STARS guests. This is Marriott’s own proprietary program.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve Rissai Valley (Source)

Bottom line

Ritz-Carlton Reserve represents the pinnacle of what Marriott offers. Currently, there are six properties, each with 50-115 rooms in stunning locations. These hotels offer a much more personalized experience than typical Ritz-Carlton resorts but are priced accordingly.

Nowadays, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties participate in Marriott Bonvoy, allowing you to earn and redeem points for stays at these resorts. While there are some elite perks, they are limited and do not include complimentary breakfast or room upgrades.

The best way to book Ritz-Carlton Reserve stays is through Marriott STARS to take advantage of complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, a property credit, and more.