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JW Marriott, part of Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR), recently announced the launch of the Family by JW program in the Asia-Pacific region. Inspired by the legacy of JW Marriott founders, J. Willard and Alice Marriott, Family by JW is a global initiative for children aged 5 – 12 years old. Through vibrant partnerships and non-profit collaborations, and with exclusive on-property experiences, Family by JW is an innovative program designed for multigenerational families travelling together, whether they are exploring a bustling city or seeking relaxation on a tranquil beach.

Families travelling on holidays appreciate a combination of convenience, balance, discoveries and delightful experiences. Family by JW addresses these needs with a variety of meaningful and unforgettable experiences that will benefit all the family, long after the holiday ends. Each of the almost 83 JW Marriott hotels and resorts around the world offer authentic opportunities for families to spend quality time together through engaging programming, brought to life by the brand’s three core pillars: Be Mindful and Present, Come Together and Nourish the Soul.

“Family by JW has been created specifically to cater to families travelling together, adding an extra dimension of fun and enriching experiences during their stay with us,” said Bruce Ryde, Vice President, Luxury Brands and Brand Marketing Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “Across our luxury portfolio of 43 beautiful properties across Asia-Pacific, we have seen an increased interest in family-oriented travel, and JW Marriott hotels are responding to this trend with a great series of curated experiences unique to each destination. By engaging children and parents through meaningful activities that are interesting and enjoyable for everyone, Family by JW lets every family create their own wonderful holiday memories that will last a lifetime.”

Mindful and Present
With JW Marriott, the journey is simplified so families can do less and enjoy more. Great holidays begin with thoughtful touches such as In-Room Check-in at JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata and JW Marriott Phuket Hotel & Spa (upon request), Prioritised Check-in at JW Marriott Hotel Medan and VIP kids check-in with mini steps at JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Changfeng Park. Kids’ Clubs at selected JW Marriott hotels offer babysitting services while parents get to be mindful and present in the moment with some well-deserved ‘me’ time at the spa. JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai Sahar gives kids fun and educational behind-the-scenes hotel tours, and JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Changfeng Park arranges kids-only weekend stays with LEGOLAND Discovery Center. The fun continues for kids and parents with in-room tents at JW Marriott hotels in Macau, Surabaya and the soon to be opened JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong, where playtime spent together creates precious childhood memories.

Come Together
At JW Marriott, spending quality time together becomes interesting and engaging, with fun activities designed to appeal to the whole family. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa offers easy cycling tours for all ages. JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai Sahar and JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata organise informative city tours and heritage walks. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa offers Family Shibori tie-dying, fish feeding, an on-site turtle shelter and educational centre and beach clean-up activities.

Nourish the Soul 
Healthy bodies and healthy minds go together with JW Marriott’s deliciously nourishing menus. Kids are encouraged to take an interest in healthy food choices with cooking classes with the whole family and discover new taste sensations with local flavours. At JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata, JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai Sahar, JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul and JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa, kids get to make their own cupcakes and pizzas. Delightful hotel-specific programs also include a ‘Picnic on the lawn’ at JW Marriott Macau, an intriguing costumed ‘Travel Through Time’ family high tea at JW Marriott Hotel Qufu, and a memorable ‘Kukas ki Chaupar’ evening high tea with entertainment and elephant rides at JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa.

Family by JW Asia-Pacific Launch
The Asia-Pacific launch of the Family by JW program was held at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa from 18 to 20 July 2019. The launch was celebrated with an outstanding array of activities over the weekend, which included a VIP Insider’s Tour of the resort, a ‘Come Together’ dinner featuring  200 year old ancient family recipes, ‘Mindfulness Mornings’ featuring mindful bike rides and meditative walks, a live cooking demonstration at the Andaman Grill, learning about local produce and planting in the JW Garden, and visits to some of Phuket’s most iconic natural wonders. Guests had the opportunity to visit the enchanting Bang Pae waterfall, go on a Mangrove Forest kayaking trip and visit Phuket’s Gibbon Rehabilitation Center. Parents and kids also met Australian Swimmer and triple Olympic Gold medalist Stephanie Rice for exclusive masterclasses at the South Pool, where she also shared her inspirational tips on how to live a healthy, positive life. As a closing feast, a Farm-to-Table dinner was held by the Lotus Pond, featuring sustainable, locally sourced fresh ingredients for an unforgettable meal under the stars.

As part of the launch celebrations, JW Marriott hotels across Asia-Pacific will offer over 25 dedicated packages and activities for the entire family with Olympic swimming gold medalist and world record holder Stephanie Rice touring eight JW Marriott hotels and resorts in Asia to conduct swimming, fitness and stretching classes including exclusive experiences for Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program members, from now until late August.

“It’s a dream come true to be working with JW Marriott and I’m very excited to be sharing my knowledge and experiences with a new generation of travellers and their families. I hope to be able to inspire others to live a healthy, happy and fulfilling life and encourage people to step outside their comfort zones and try new things, because I know personally how rewarding it can be,” said Stephanie Rice.

The masterclasses will take place at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya, Jakarta, JW Marriott Phu Quoc, JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square, JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Changfeng Park, JW Marriott Mussourie and JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity.