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Destination + card

The best credit card for honeymoon resorts.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for honeymoon resorts.

The classic honeymoon shortlist (Maldives, Bora Bora, Bali, Santorini, Amalfi, Seychelles) spans every major hotel program. Maldives is a Marriott and Hilton battle. Bora Bora is dominated by independents and the InterContinental Le Moana. Bali leans Hyatt. The strongest single card depends on where you land, but Marriott Brilliant covers the broadest mix.

Annual fee

$650

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Currently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offer

The 85K free night cert covers a peak-season night at St Regis Maldives Vommuli, W Maldives, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc, or several Luxury Collection properties on Santorini and Amalfi. Platinum upgrades at these properties routinely move you from a beach villa to a water villa or from a sea view to a private pool suite, which is a several-hundred dollar per night value. A single honeymoon trip clears the annual fee with room to spare.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Hilton Honors Aspire.

Conrad Maldives Rangali, Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, and Conrad Bali are Diamond playgrounds with breakfast and lounge access included. The Aspire's free weekend night cert covers one of these stays outright. Better pick if you are Maldives or Bali focused rather than mixing destinations.

American ExpressAnnual fee $550

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy BrilliantHilton Honors Aspire
Annual fee$650$550
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Most honeymoon resorts run a peak season around Christmas, New Year, and Valentine's Day with rates 30 to 50 percent above shoulder season. April, May, and September often have the same weather at half the price. Honeymoon registration with the hotel (just email the reservation team) usually unlocks champagne on arrival and turndown rose petals at no charge.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for honeymoon resorts?

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant from American Express. The 85K free night cert covers a peak-season night at St Regis Maldives Vommuli, W Maldives, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc, or several Luxury Collection propertie... Annual fee is $650.

How many points do you need for a free night in Honeymoon Destinations?

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Roughly 85,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Honeymoon Destinations. Cash rate is around $1200 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the Hilton Honors Aspire a better choice for honeymoon resorts?

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Conrad Maldives Rangali, Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, and Conrad Bali are Diamond playgrounds with breakfast and lounge access included. The Aspire's free weekend night cert covers one of these stays outright. Better pick if you are Maldives or Bali focused rather than mixing destinations. Annual fee is $550.