Timeshare Information

This spring Marriott hosted its 16th Annual Caring Classic corporate charity golf tournament, raising a net donation of more than $170,000 for Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

This represents a cumulative total of nearly $1.8 million in funds raised since the tournament’s inception that directly benefit the young patients of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies and Shands Hospital for Children at the University of Florida.

“Each Marriott associate is committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work,” said Stephen P. Weisz, president and chief executive officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide.

“Since our company’s inception in 1984, we have been passionate supporters of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The commitment of our associates and valued partners continue to help make a difference in the lives of so many of Central Florida’s children,” Weisz said.

This year’s tournament took place at Marriott’s Grande Pines Golf Club, part of the Marriott Vacations Club timeshare resort Marriott’s Grande Vista, where representatives of 84 Marriott partner companies contributed to the tournament’s success.

Over 80 Marriott associate volunteers and golf staff provided an exceptional on-course hospitality and golf experience for the participants.

“As the newest member of the Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals team I was overwhelmed by the commitment of the Marriott associates,” said Molly Piveral, manager Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“Every dollar raised plays a role in helping the families we serve. Without the unselfish dedication of Marriott, we would not be successful. It is with deep heartfelt gratitude I say thank you.”

This year’s tournament was part of Marriott’s overall commitment to the expansion of The Alexander Center for Neonatology at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.

Over the next four years, the company has committed to raise more than $1 million through existing and new CMN Hospitals fundraising activities benefiting the tiniest lives in Central Florida.

In recognition for reaching this goal, a portion of the neonatology unit expansion will be recognized as the “Marriott Vacations Worldwide NICU-POD” which will memorialize the company’s long-standing commitment to children, especially the very tiniest newborns.

The American Resort Development Association of Hawaii (ARDA-Hawaii) has announced the recipients of its first annual "Timeshare with Aloha" Awards.

One outstanding employee each from Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Island of Hawaii was recognized and received a two-night stay at a Hawaii timeshare resort and $1,000 to spend during their vacation.

The nominations, which included submissions from supervisors and peers, were reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of leaders in government and in the travel and hospitality community. The judges evaluated the submissions based on the candidates' dedication at the workplace, relationship with coworkers, customer service and community stewardship.

ARDA-Hawaii's leadership was pleased to establish the Timeshare with Aloha Awards to showcase and reward committed industry professionals who make Hawaii a special place to visit. Though many vacation destinations offer sun, sand, and surf, Hawaii's warm and unique culture is what sets it apart.

"It was a significant challenge for our panel of judges to single out just four individuals among the many worthy nominees," said ARDA-Hawaii Chair Daniel Dinell, who is also the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Vice President for Oahu.

"The fact that these four timeshare professionals are recognized among their peers as consistently going above and beyond when it comes to sharing the spirit of aloha is truly a testament to how exceptional they are."

The vacation stays were donated by ARDA-Hawaii members Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacation Club, Starwood Vacation Ownership and Wyndham Vacation Resorts.

Recipients of the Timeshare with Aloha Awards included Julie Pavao, Executive Assistant, Starwood Vacation Ownership - Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Kauai (see photo).

Marriott Vacation Club is hard at work on construction of the third tower at Marriott’s Grand Chateau, located at 75 East Harmon Avenue just off the world famous Las Vegas Strip.

Maintaining the design inspiration of Southern France from the existing two towers, the 37-story, third tower will add 223 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas for a total of 643 villas at the property with occupancy beginning in mid-2014.

The third tower villas incorporate a spacious and contemporary design ranging in size from approximately 820 to 2,095 square feet. Each villa will typically feature mahogany stained furniture and armoires with backlit, frosted glass paneled doors and cabinetry and granite surfaces. Neutral beige walls provide the perfect backdrop to display bold colors of blue, gold, red and brown in fabrics, tapestries, tile, and bedding accents.

Villas also have fully equipped kitchens, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom cabinets; generous living and dining areas; luxurious bedding; multiple flat-panel LED televisions with Blu-ray DVD players; washer/dryer and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Three-bedroom villas can accommodate 10 guests.

“We’re excited about our construction on the third tower at this spectacular property in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip,” said Lee Cunningham, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation.

 “Our Owners and guests around the world will enjoy these new villas and high-end amenities further enhancing their vacation experiences at Marriott’s Grand Chateau,” said Cunningham.

Adding to the existing amenities in the first two towers, the third tower brings on a lobby lounge that will offer top shelf cocktails and tapas, a billiards area with electronic game tables and a cafe that will serve up gourmet Panini’s, pastries, gelato and coffees.

The fifth floor provides access to the property’s second and larger pool with a built-in sun shelf and chaise lounges for relaxing in the water, a pool deck with two whirlpool spas and a pool bar and grill.

With panoramic views of The Strip, the property overlooks the spectacular CityCenter Las Vegas and is within walking distance to many of the finest casinos, shows, shopping and dining on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Marriott's Grande Vista in Orlando, FL, and Marriott's Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert, CA (see photo right), are the first resorts to be designated as Green Resorts by Audubon International, an international conservation and environmental education organization.

The Green Resorts designation recognizes properties that have been eco-rated by Audubon International's Green Lodging Program and have achieved certification in at least one other Audubon International program, such as the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

Designation as a Green Resort is the culmination of Marriott Vacation Club's larger Green Initiative which began at its corporate headquarters with continued roll-out to its resorts worldwide. In addition to these most recent steps, each Marriott Vacation Club resort has established its own "green team" which manages its environmental efforts.

In 2009, the brand demonstrated its continued commitment to green operations by eliminating more waste from landfills through implementing recycled key cards, pens and Forest Stewardship Council certified paper for guest arrival packets worldwide and most recently announced a soap recycling partnership with Clean the World at its resorts in North America.

In 2011, Marriott Vacation Club committed to enroll all of its properties in Audubon International's Green Lodging Program and will achieve full enrollment of its North American properties by the end of this year. 

"We're pleased to welcome these two Marriott Vacation Club properties as the first Green Resorts," said Fredrik Realbuto, Director of the Audubon International Green Lodging Program.

"Building on our long standing cooperative agreement, we are excited to continue working together to better protect and sustain our land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources," said Realbuto.

"These two Green Resort designations affirm our long term commitment to green operations at our resorts and we're thrilled to be recognized as the first recipients," said Lee Cunningham, executive vice president and chief operating officer - North America and the Caribbean, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation. 

Marriott's Grande Vista (see photo right) is a member of the Green Lodging Program, and the Faldo Golf Institute and Marriott's Grande Pines Golf Club are members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. Marriott's Shadow Ridge is a member of the Green Lodging Program and Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.

"As an extension of Marriott Golf's unwavering commitment to the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, we are very pleased that Marriott's Shadow Ridge and Marriott's Grande Vista resorts, under the leadership of the Marriott Vacation Club brand, have become the first members of the Green Resorts Program," said Bill Nault, vice president of golf operations, Marriott International/The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., LLC.

"Taking sustainability and wildlife preservation beyond the golf course and extending our eco-practices across the landscape of an entire resort facility further validates Marriott Vacation Club's dedication to environmental stewardship, and we hope this program becomes a model for all resorts worldwide," said Nault.

Leading hotel and timeshare holiday brand Marriott Vacation Club is partnering with Clean the World Foundation, an organization that recycles partially used bars of soap from resorts, and re-distributes them to global communities that need them.

While other hotel brands have been participating in the Clean the World drive, Marriott Vacation Club is the first timeshare brand to get involved with the Foundation. The number of children who die from diseases and infections due to lack of proper hygiene is shocking – approximately 9,000 children die every day.

Because illnesses such as pneumonia and severe diarrhea-related diseases (e.g. cholera) can be prevented by washing with soap, Clean the World is on a mission to give these communities the soap they need, to help promote better hygiene and living conditions in deprived areas.

“This is a great program that helps so many and we’re excited to be involved. To be able to repurpose an item that previously had been discarded to make such a difference to those in need is very rewarding,” said Lee Cunningham, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer-North American and the Caribbean, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation.

So far, 31 of 43 Marriott Vacation Club resorts in the US have contributed over 9,800 pounds of soap and 6,100 pounds of bottled amenities which have been recycled at Clean the World’s three recycling facilities in North America. As a result, more than 52,500 clean bars of soap and hygiene kits have been distributed to 55 countries, diverting eight tons of waste from landfills across the country.

“Marriott Vacation Club, our first timeshare partner, is a prime example of the true commitment we witness among our partners with regards to sustainability and social responsibility,” said Shawn Seipler, CEO and co-founder of Clean the World.

“The owners and guests who vacation in the timeshare villas can feel good knowing that their partially used amenities, which previously would have been discarded into landfills, are now being recycled and given to children and families in desperate need of hygiene products in the U.S. and worldwide,” said Seipler.

The Clean the World charity hasn't just recycled soap, it has been helping ease landfill as well, In three years the Foundation has recycled and distributed over 10 million bars of soap to families in the U.S. and 55 other countries, while diverting over 1.4 million pounds of landfill waste.

Clean the World Foundation, Inc, executes its mission of saving millions of lives around the globe by leading a global hygiene revolution to distribute recycled soap and hygiene products to children and families suffering from high death rates due to the top two killers of children worldwide – acute respiratory infection and diarrheal diseases. For more information visit: www.cleantheworld.org.

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club, located on a secluded lagoon within the upscale Ko Olina Resort, recently completed its fifth development phase, delivering 132 new two- and three-bedroom villas to Marriott Vacation Club's largest resort in the Hawaiian Islands.

Just a 30 minute drive from Honolulu, the resort is on Oahu's western shore. The spacious and luxurious two- and three-bedroom villa interiors are designed with Hawaiian inspired furnishings and fixtures, fabrics and paint in a pallet of yellows, greens and reds contrasting the deep mahogany finish on furniture and cabinetry. 

Fully-equipped kitchens feature stainless steel appliances and large living and dining areas lead to private balconies with glass paneled railings ensuring incredible views that will thrill every Owner and guest. Villas also include flat panel televisions and DVD players in the living area and bedrooms in addition to a washer/dryer. 


Three-bedroom villas accommodate 10 guests and complimentary high-speed internet access is available resort-wide. The resort has a fitness center featuring Life Fitness equipment and guests can also enjoy championship golf at the Ko Olina Golf Club and the Spa by the Sea at Ko Olina. 


"Ko Olina Beach Club is a magnificent resort set in one of Oahu's prime beachfront locations," said Edgar Gum, Regional Vice President Hawaii Operations, Marriott Vacation Club. 

"The availability of these beautiful villas comes at just the right time when our occupancy will reach nearly 100% through the summer months and the attention to detail and relaxing views will make for many memorable vacation experiences for our Owners and guests," said Gum. 


Each week, guests can also enjoy the Fia Fia Polynesian Dinner Show featuring Hawaiian cuisine, drums, fire knife dancing and more. 

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club offers the ideal Hawaiian vacation from its perfect beachfront location and private lagoon to multiple swimming pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens and unobstructed ocean views that together create an atmosphere of relaxation.

For the seventh year in a row Marriott International has been recognized by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the “40 Best Companies for Diversity.” The July feature article highlighted Marriott for its employee base, board of directors and supplier diversity efforts.

“We are honored to be recognized for our diversity and inclusion initiatives. We strive to create an inclusive environment where the talents and unique experiences of our employees worldwide can flourish." said Jimmie Paschall, global diversity officer and senior vice president, external affairs.

“When our employees feel respected and valued, we know that they’ll make our guests, suppliers, owners and franchisees feel the same way too. We want to build on the success of our longstanding commitment to diversity in the U.S. while striving to reach our vision of embedding diversity and inclusion so deeply into our organization that it is integral to how we do business in the global community.”

In 2003, Marriott’s Board of Directors established the Committee for Excellence, chaired today by board member Debra L. Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks, to monitor the progress of the company’s diversity initiatives.

To date, Marriott has spent $2.6 billion with diverse-owned businesses, more than doubling its 2005 goal, and has more than 586 diverse-owned hotels that are open for business.

The company continues to be recognized for its diversity and inclusion achievements. This year, Marriott was ranked first in supplier diversity on DiversityInc’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list and named Company of the Year by LatinaStyle.

Known throughout the industry for his hands-on management style, J.W. Marriott, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Inc., has built a highly regarded culture that recognizes the value of Marriott employees. Today, approximately 300,000 employees are serving guests in Marriott managed and franchised properties throughout the world.

From Boston to Palm Beach, from Hilton Head to Park City, from Aruba to Thailand you can literally follow Marriott's rising star around the globe. Timeshare rentals, timeshare exchanges and timeshare resales are all here to give you the distinctive excellence of a Marriott vacation experience.

Bluegreen Corporation, "A leading provider of Colorful Places to Live and Play," has announced that it was awarded 3 Gold awards and 15 Silver awards during the 2011 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Awards, in Orlando Florida.

This annual competition honors organizations and businesses in the timeshare and resort industry that have achieved the highest level of excellence in a variety of different categories. The ARDA Awards Program recognizes nominees based on outstanding sales and staff accomplishments, product design and advertising.

Bluegreen Corporation won Gold medals for its print edition of Colorful Places Magazine in the Magazine category, the Owner Upgrade Kit in the Brochure (More than Eight Pages category), and the interior design of Building 3000 at Bluegreen Wilderness Club at Big Cedar in the Resort Architecture category.

Silver medals were awarded to Bluegreen Corporation within the following categories:

• ACE Innovator Award: Fee-based service business model


• ACE Employer: Bluegreen Corporation


• ACE Project of Excellence: Wilderness Club at Big Cedar


• ACE Women on their Way Award: Angela Ward


• Homeowner Association Board Member: William Mosconi


• Administrative Manager/Team: Susan Saturday


• Administrative Team Member: Julie Clawson


• Owner/Customer Relations Manager/Team: Owner Relations Manager Angela Blevins


• Food and Beverage Program Manager/Team: Miguel Soto


• Assistant General Manager: Erna Barton


• Maintenance Manager: Tony Liga


• Green Sustainable Program


• Special Event: One Hot Night Je t’aime Paris


• Video Production: Shenandoah Crossing Resort Story


• Website: Colorfulplaces.com


• Amenities – Water Features: Wilderness Club, pool and water feature


• Amenities – Other: Wilderness Club Building 3000, BBQ area/pavilion/council circle


• Interior Design – New Resort Unit: Wilderness Club Building 3000

“We are not only proud, but honored to be recipients of 18 Gold and Silver ARDA awards,” says Ahmad Wardak, Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing with Bluegreen. “To have been selected as a finalist in several categories of the 2011 ARDA Awards, and later awarded three Gold and 15 Silver medals, is a significant honor for Bluegreen and its associates who work hard every day to provide Bluegreen owners with unique, comfortable and cutting-edge resorts.”

Each category entered by Bluegreen included competition from other organizations and business in the timeshare and resort industry, including Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Disney, RCI and more.

Since 1996, Bluegreen has managed, marketed and sold a flexible, real estate-based vacation ownership plan with more than 222,600 owners, over 54 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 4,000 resorts worldwide.

Marriott International, Inc., was recently recognized by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) as one of the Top 50 Companies For Women in 2011. Marriott was ranked in the top 10, and was selected for offering the policies and practices that encourage women’s advancement.

Today, women hold many powerful jobs at Marriott from president of a major operating division to global leader of sales and revenue management, as well as responsibility for some of the most profitable hotels. In addition, two of Marriott’s board members are women.

Eileen MacElroy, Marriott’s area vice president for the Eastern Region, said, “I have had profit & loss responsibility throughout my career with Marriott, ranging from single property to multi-property levels. This experience gave me a solid grounding in how to run a business and how to create financial value for various stakeholders. Proven ability to drive results in a variety of diverse roles with the company has helped me grow my career.”

Marriott was applauded for senior leadership commitment through forums such as the Global Diversity and Inclusion Council, which ensure women development and advancement in revenue generating and global leadership roles, and Women's Leadership Development Initiative, which was launched 11 years ago with the goal to focus on three pillars: Leadership and Development, Networking and Mentoring, and Workforce Effectiveness.

The National Association for Female Executives was founded in 1972 and serves 20,000 members nationwide. It is a division of Working Mother Media and Bonnier Corp.

Marriott International, Inc., is a leading lodging company with more than 3,500 lodging properties in 70 countries and territories, and develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by Fortune Magazine.

(Photo credit - news.marriott.com. Marriott Chairman and CEO Bill Marriott with members of NAFE)

Marriott Vacation Club was recently presented with two prestigious Stevie Awards in recognition of its outstanding sales and customer service teams at the fifth annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Marriott Vacation Club’s Global Owner Services was named winner of the People’s Choice Stevie Award for “Favorite Customer Service” in the Leisure and Tourism category, with over 177,000 votes cast by the general public, while the brand’s sales team was named “Sales Department of the Year” in the Hospitality and Tourism category.

“Being recognized for our outstanding customer service and our industry leading sales force is a great honor and a wonderful testament to the passion, hard work and commitment our teams put forth every day to serve our Owners and guests,” said Brian Miller, senior vice president of sales, marketing and service operations for Marriott Vacation Club International.

Marriott Vacation Club was also a finalist in five additional categories including:
Customer Service Department of the Year – Leisure & Tourism, Contact Center of the Year (Over 100 Seats), Global Sales Team of the Year, National Sales Team of the Year, and Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year.

In previous years, Marriott Vacation Club has received Stevie Awards for Best Sales Organization, Best Customer Service Organization, and Contact Center of the Year.

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.

For the fourth time, Marriott International, Inc., has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the 2011 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Ethisphere said Marriott was selected for engaging in business practices and initiatives that are instrumental to the company’s success, benefit the community, and raise the bar for ethical standards within the industry.

Ethical business practices are deeply embedded in the Marriott tradition and Spirit to Serve culture. These ethical standards start with Marriott’s top leadership, who reinforce the company's tradition of integrity, honesty, trust, and fairness. The company shares its philosophy with associates and all stakeholders through a variety of information channels, including Marriott's Business Conduct Guide.

"This significant recognition is a testament to Marriott’s commitment to doing business with integrity," said Ed Ryan, executive vice president and general counsel for Marriott International. “Upholding high ethical standards is important to our competitive advantage and to maintaining strong relationships with our shareholders, owners and guests and attracting and retaining the best associates in the business.”

“As companies strive to maintain a competitive advantage, good ethics translate into better business, and better business means better bottom lines. Marriott recognizes the important role that principled practices play in brand reputation, which ultimately is the most valuable asset for a corporation,” said Alex Brigham, Executive Director of the Ethisphere Institute.

“Each year, the competition gets more intense for the World’s Most Ethical Companies and this year was no exception with a record number of organizations vying for this distinguished honor. Ethisphere congratulates Marriott on being one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2011.”

A methodology committee of leading attorneys, professors, government officials and organization leaders, assisted Ethisphere in creating the scoring methodology for the World’s Most Ethical Companies awards.

Marriott International, Inc., is a leading lodging company with more than 3,500 lodging properties in 70 countries and territories, and develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by Fortune Magazine.

Marriott International, Inc., placed 7th in The London Sunday Times 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in the United Kingdom list. This is the fourth year in a row that Marriott International, Inc., has been named to this prestigious list, placing 12th last year.

The Sunday Times Best 100 Companies to Work For and its sister award the 25 Best Big Companies to Work For celebrate the best employers in all of Britain. This year almost 1000 companies entered the process, and the judges received questionnaire responses from a record number of more than 275,000 employees of these companies.

“We could not be more proud of this recognition to be named as one of The Sunday Times Best Big Companies to Work For,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe. “The Marriott philosophy is if you take care of your associates, they will take care of the customer, and the customer will keep coming back. Our company’s enduring ‘spirit to serve’ culture provides associates an environment of teamwork, trust, and cooperation where we value the contributions of our diverse workforce.”

Marriott International employs almost 10,000 associates in the United Kingdom, Nearly 85% of associates were quoted as saying they felt that Marriott provides a great service to customers and additionally 78% said they are proud to work for the organization.

Associate development and training is critical to Marriott Hotels and each associate receives a personal development plan and required discipline-specific training programs each year. Marriott also believes that being a good corporate citizen and member of the community is key to associate engagement, and associates voluntarily participate in annual company sponsored activities.

Marriott has long been recognized as a great place to work by several prominent publications including Fortune, Working Mother, DiversityInc, and Latina Style magazines.

In 1984, Marriott International became the first branded hospitality company to enter the timeshare industry, adding its signature quality, service and hospitality expertise. Marriott Vacation Club is a worldwide leader in vacation ownership.

For the 12th consecutive year Marriott International, Inc., has been ranked as the Most Admired Company in the Lodging Industry worldwide by Fortune Magazine. Marriott International, Inc., is also among the top 50 companies of 350 companies globally, as cited by Fortune, at number 37, and was the most admired company in its headquarters region that includes the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

“We are tremendously appreciative of being recognized again by business leaders as the most admired company in our industry," said Marriott International’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, J.W. Marriott, Jr. "I am also proud of how we ranked among the top 25 companies worldwide across several of Fortune’s key categories, including deployment of corporate assets, managing our people, and social responsibility. These are significant achievements and a true testament to how hard we work to open doors to a world of opportunity for our associates, customers, owners, investors, communities and other stakeholders in our company."

The Most Admired list is made up of companies ranked by 4,100 executives, directors, and securities analysts, based on nine key attributes of reputation, including: innovation; people management; use of corporate assets; social responsibility; quality of management; financial soundness; long-term investment, and quality of products/services and global competiveness.

Marriott International, Inc., is a leading lodging company with more than 3,500 lodging properties in 70 countries and territories, and develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands.

Marriott Vacation Club, the premier timeshare brand of Marriott International, has appointed Mark Harney to general manager of Marriott's Harbour Point and Marriott's Sunset Pointe (see photo right) in Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Harney began his career with Marriott International in 1996 at the Residence Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista and served in a variety of supervisor roles over the next four years at various Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Courtyard by Marriott hotels. In 2000, Harney became assistant general manager at the Courtyard Alexandria in Virginia and was soon after appointed to general manager of the SpringHill Suites Centreville Chantilly in Centreville, VA.

In his most recent role, Harney served as assistant general manager at the SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village and was responsible for the overall operations of the largest SpringHill Suites hotel within the brand.

"We are delighted to have Mark join our Marriott Vacation Club team," said Cliff Delorey, regional vice president of customer experience for Marriott Vacation Club's East region. "I am certain that his experience, along with his strong leadership skills, will be a tremendous asset to our associates and help create great vacation experiences for our Owners and guests at Marriott's Harbour Point and Marriott's Sunset Pointe."

Located in one of South Carolina's premier resort destinations, Marriott's Harbour Point (see photo at left) & Marriott's Sunset Pointe overlook the peaceful waterways of Broad Creek in Shelter Cove. Less than two miles from Hilton Head's beautiful beaches, the 111-villa resort welcomes Owners and nightly rental guests with one- and two-bedroom villas equipped with all the amenities of home.

A native of Hampton, Va. and a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, VA., Harney has recently relocated to South Carolina along with his wife Alison and two sons to assume his new role.

Marriott Vacation Club is a worldwide leader in vacation ownership. In 1984, Marriott became the first branded hospitality company to enter the timeshare industry, adding its signature quality, service and hospitality expertise.

Marriott International, Inc. has announced a plan to split the company’s businesses into two separate, publicly traded companies. Marriott International expects to spin off its timeshare operations and development business as a new independent company through a special tax-free dividend to Marriott International shareholders in late 2011.

Under the plan, the new company will focus on the timeshare business as the exclusive developer and operator of timeshare, fractional and related products under the Marriott brand and the exclusive developer of fractional and related products under the Ritz-Carlton brand. After the split, Marriott International will concentrate on the lodging management and franchise business. Marriott will also receive franchise fees from the timeshare company’s use of the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton brands.

Marriott International chairman and chief executive officer, J.W. Marriott, Jr., said, “Marriott took a bold step when we introduced our Marriott brand to the timeshare industry in 1984. In this transaction, we take another innovative step forward as we combine the power of the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton brands with the flexibility and focus of a new independent timeshare company.

“Marriott Vacation Club owners and guests and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club members should see no change in the branding or quality of their properties, services, usage options, use of Marriott Rewards points, or access to Marriott International’s hotels," continued Marriott.

"The companies will continue to work together to provide outstanding vacation experiences, similar to the relationship between Marriott International and the franchisees of its hotel properties. After the split, both companies will remain dedicated to the highest standards of quality and value and the brand promise for which Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are well known and widely respected. Day-to-day operations at both companies should not be affected by this transaction."

As two separate public companies, both Marriott International and the new company will have separate boards of directors. J.W. Marriott, Jr. will remain chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Marriott International. Stephen P. Weisz, president of Marriott’s timeshare business since 1997 and a 39-year Marriott veteran, will become chief executive officer of the new company.

“Our new company will be independent and the largest pure-play timeshare firm in the world," said Weisz. "We believe our outstanding brands, unparalleled operating skill, prime resort locations and world-class sales expertise will continue to provide us with a significant competitive advantage.

“With the launch of the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations timeshare program, our points-based product, in 2010, we are confident in our ability to fulfill the dreams and meet the growing expectations of our customers."

LatinaStyle officially recognized Marriott International as the 2010 "Company of the Year" at its annual awards and diversity leadership conference held Friday, February 4th, 2011.

Bill Marriott was the keynote speaker during the luncheon. "Our company’s early success has an interesting connection to Latinas," he shared. "My mother, Alice S. Marriott, majored in Spanish while in college. Maybe it was my mother’s love of the Spanish language and heritage that influenced us. But my family has always loved Latin America.

"Just over a year ago, I traveled to Colombia for the first time to attend the grand opening of our first hotel in Bogota. While I was there, I had the opportunity to meet President Uribe, who has done wonders for the reputation and business environment in Colombia, making it a prime travel destination in South America. He attended our grand opening and welcomed us officially to his country. It was a wonderful trip to a great country."

In July, 2011, Marriott was also recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives for the sixth consecutive year by Black Enterprise Magazine, which named Marriott International as one of the “40 Best Companies for Diversity.”

"Our business is all about people,” Jimmie Paschall, global diversity officer and senior vice president, external affairs for Marriott International, Inc., said at that time. “As our company grows globally, it is imperative that we expand our diversity and inclusion strategy to encompass cultural competencies, building upon our success in the United States.”

Further recognition in 2010 for the company's diversity and inclusion achievements included being ranked seventh on DiversityInc's “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list, and among the “Top 50 Companies for Executive Women” by the National Association for Female Executives.

In 2003, Marriott’s Board of Directors established the Committee for Excellence, chaired today by board member Debra L. Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks, to monitor the progress of the company’s diversity initiatives.

Marriott International, Inc., is a leading lodging company with more than 3,500 lodging properties in 70 countries and territories, and develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by Fortune Magazine.

(Photo credit - news.marriott.com)

Pictured: Accepting the award from Robert Bard, LatinaStyle’s president and CEO are Bill Marriott, chairman and CEO, and Brenda Durham, vice president and assistant general counsel for Marriott.

Just in time for Valentine's Day! Marriott’s Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert is bringing a sweet experience to its owners and guests with the opening of its very own Dylan’s Candy Bar, "the world’s sweetest candy emporium," modeled after the innovative New York flagship store.

“The Marriott Vacation Club experience is about creating memorable moments for our owners and guests,” said Daniel Slaughter, general manager of Marriott’s Shadow Ridge. “We’re excited to offer the first Dylan’s Candy Bar at a Marriott resort and see this as the perfect complement to our amenities at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge.”

The shop’s bright turquoise walls with a candy-coated ceiling, custom candy-themed light fixtures and shelves full of tantalizing treats is guaranteed to indulge the inner child in everyone. Guests can enjoy a delicious adventure discovering their favorite candy and chocolates, including scrumptious gummy bears and jelly beans, a vast variety of nostalgic treats and various flavors of Dylan’s Candy Bar’s exclusive line of chocolate bars. Other eye catchers include the famous Whirly Pop Tree with its branches of lickable lollipops and candy-inspired apparel and accessories that look good enough to eat.

The iconic Dylan’s Candy Bar was founded by Dylan Lauren, daughter of the legendary fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Dylan’s dream of combining a love of candy and a passion for art became a reality when the first Dylan's Candy Bar, located in New York City, opened in 2001. Since then, Dylan has expanded her stores to include locations in East Hampton and Roosevelt Field, N.Y.; Orlando, Fla.; Houston, Texas and prestigious wholesale venues around the globe.

“As a great explorer (of candy, that is) I love traveling and discovering new treats from around the world,” said Dylan Lauren, CEO & Founder of Dylan’s Candy Bar. “By partnering with Marriott’s Shadow Ridge, we have combined the delight of luxury vacationing with the deliciousness of candy to create a mouthwatering duo that will ensure the sweetest of escapes.”

Renown for merging the worlds of art, fashion and pop culture with candy, Dylan's Candy Bar is not your average "candy store." Besides over 7,000 different kinds of candy from around the world, it features candy-inspired fashion and a café serving delicious baked treats and gourmet ice cream, as well as a party room and candy-cocktail bar.

Located in the heart of Palm Desert, Marriott’s Shadow Ridge currently has timeshare rentals available for your Valentine getaway. And when you visit the candy store you can pick up something sweet for your sweetheart with Dylan’s Candy Bar Valentine’s Day special edition chocolate bars including a premium Belgian milk chocolate “Bleeding Heart Bar” filled with sweet red caramel, sure to get your Valentine's heart beating.

(Candy Store Photo Credit - news.marriott.com)

Marriott International, Inc. has announced several moves on its board of directors.

William J. Shaw, Marriott’s vice chairman of the company, has resigned from the board effective upon adjournment of the board’s meeting February 11, in conjunction with his retirement from the company, which is effective March 31.

Arne M. Sorenson (see photo), Marriott’s president and chief operating officer, will join the board upon Mr. Shaw’s resignation. In addition, W. Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusettes, has resigned from the board effective January 12. Governor Romney served as a director from 1993 to 2002 and rejoined the board in January 2009. Following his resignation, the board voted to reduce its membership from 11 to 10 directors.

J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman of the board and chief executive officer, said, “I have deep gratitude and tremendous admiration for both Mitt Romney and Bill Shaw. Both have served our company at the highest level through their board membership and their contributions have been invaluable. The company’s management and the entire board wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

“At the same time, I am delighted that Arne Sorenson will join our board. As demonstrated for the past 14 years including the last year and a half as president and chief operating officer of the company, Arne brings keen intelligence and judgment as well as deep financial and operations expertise to this new role and I look forward to his counsel and insights as our company continues its global growth.”

(Photo credit - news.marriott.com)

Marriott Vacation Club has appointed Donald “Case” Spencer to general manager of Marriott’s SurfWatch on Hilton Head Island, S.C this week.

Marriott’s SurfWatch is a 185-villa resort located on the popular shores of South Carolina’s East Coast. The property is a beachfront masterpiece, offering the same quality service and amenities that have been Marriott's hallmark for over 75 years. The resort offers many scenic footbridges throughout the grounds, leading to the beach and their ocean-front pool. There are two- and three-bedroom villas equipped with kitchens as well as spacious living and dining areas.

“We are thrilled to welcome Case to Marriott’s SurfWatch. His unbridled enthusiasm, depth of knowledge and ability to lead and relate our associates, Owners and guests will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to the resort,” said Cliff Delorey, regional vice president of customer experience for Marriott Vacation Club’s East region.

Spencer began his career as front desk clerk at the Nashville Airport Marriott in 1998 moving on to various hotel management positions through the years. Spencer joined Marriott Vacation Club in 2007 and was appointed to general manager of both Marriott’s Harbour Pointe and Marriott’s Sunset Point in Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island.

A recognized and respected leader in the Marriott Corporation, Spencer was honored as a “World Class Leader” by Marriott Vacation Club in 2008 and was selected as the brand’s “General Manager of the Year” in 2009.

(Photo credit - marriottvacationclub.com)