Marriott Bonvoy curates Australian experiences at Melbourne Park during Australian Open

As official hotel partner for the Australian Open, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program is gearing up to host members and guests at the Marriott Bonvoy Hospitality Suite at Melbourne Park, home of the world tennis Grand Slam event over the next two weeks.

Sean Hunt, Area Vice President Australia, New Zealand & Pacific of Marriott International notes “Marriott International will be turning on a showcase of carefully curated Australian experiences at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open… The Marriott team is very excited to be hosting Members and guests throughout the tournament, we’ll be cheering for our Marriott Ambassador, and world number one, Ash Barty along with all the world’s top players. We wish Ash all the very best in her quest to win the coveted title this year.

“The Marriott Bonvoy Hospitality Suite will celebrate a contemporary Australia that acknowledges the important heritage of our first nations and multicultural influences, inviting guests to explore the unique locations and experiences that reflect the rich fabric of Australian culture along with a taste of Marriott’s first-class service.”

First nations artist Gerard Black (pictured below) has created a 3 x 3 metre mural to connect viewers to the important ancestral stories of Australia’s living indigenous culture. The mural, hand painted by Black onsite in the hospitality suite will be donated to a selected indigenous charity post the tournament.

Black’s artwork will be the highlight feature and investigates language, land and culture told by the artist on a meta-level. Black will be presenting two artist talks throughout the tournament, to walk guests through his interdisciplinary creative expression ‘With Yawutung Wakulda Barrayga: A Journey of Connection.’

Australian touchpoints throughout the suite will celebrate a modern Australia that acknowledges the heritage of First Nations while highlighting the multi-cultural layers which are entrenched in the unique and authentic Australian way of living.

Marriott Bonvoy’s signature hospitality includes menus featuring native herbs and garnishes including salt bush, lemon myrtle, lemongrass, pepperberry and native mint will be served.

Over the summer of tennis, Marriott Bonvoy members will have access to more than 120 unique Marriott Bonvoy Moments which give them exclusive access to money-can’t-buy events and experiences, including iconic trophy photo opportunities and the potential to meet sporting legends including Todd Woodbridge and Sam Groth as they drop into the Marriott Bonvoy Hospitality Suite.

Hunt added “we are proud to be hosting the world’s top sporting talent and their extensive fan base this summer at our portfolio of Melbourne properties including the recently-opened Marriott Melbourne Hotel Docklands, W Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne, Sheraton Melbourne and Marriott Melbourne. We look forward to creating memorable moments for Marriott Bonvoy members as they experience our signature hospitality, both courtside and post-match.”

Image top: Ash Barty and Sean Hunt and image above:  Gerard Black. Credit Timothy Hillier and Agency Projects