So apparently we're able to book it now for dates post August and then call Marriott to change the cost to the new one, without the need to cancel&rebook and thus ensuring availability before everyone else jumps on the deal. Did anyone try it yet?

TMA have a standard of 20kg but some luxury resorts have negotiated an extra 5kg on checked luggage in addition to the 5kg handluggage. AFAIK the excess luggage charge is return.

I have just booked the hotel for 5 nights for valentines day 2019 for 405k Starpoints. The agent I spoke to has mentioned that the price will go down in August and confirmed what William said, that they will be able to modify the reservation to reduce the price without having to cancel&rebook which'd result in new availability search.

I have also asked if the availability is going to change in August and the agent said that the availability is already very limited, for most of the dates I asked about in Jan-Feb 2019 there were no more than 4 award villas available right now.

Shouldn't 5 nights be 90k*4 (with 5th night free) = 360k points? What are the extra 45k points for? Upgrade to sunset?

Peak dates (valentines day), they apparently come with higher price per night.

So looks like they only take res. 12 months out?

50 weeks, like every other hotel and resort in the Marriott brand portfolio.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC

[email protected]

Can I book the reward stay at this hotel online? Or do I have to call in to book?
Ican't see any link for the reward booking online.

This is what it says when you click on the Limited Participation link:

SPG Participation Disclaimer

All accommodations are villas and suites; therefore, Starpoint Award reservations must be booked at a higher Starpoint rate through your local customer contact center. Also, since all accommodations are either suites or villas, upgrades for Starwood Preferred Guest members do not apply.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC

[email protected]

Just called for December dates (I know I'm late in the game...)
90k SPG points / night since it's in "blackout/peak" season.

But, on 1 August, that 90k SPG room magically becomes 60k Marriott / night - is that really the case? (or is it difference since I'm booking during peak period?)

It is indeed return.

That price has yet to be verified. I asked the person who posted that (brand new FT account, looks to be a secondary account of a member here....it's pretty obvious who it is) to provide a C+P of the email he / she supposedly got from the Whale Shark Inn with that quote but he / she hasn't provided it. My advice is to contact the Whale Shark Inn yourself if you want to be 100% sure of any prices. I also asked for info on the type of boat but again, no answer. Could be a small, open speedboat for all we know.....take your chances with weather and safety for that price.