Fan Club
Preferred Hotels & Resorts boosts I Prefer loyalty programme

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, is celebrating the highly anticipated return of travel by making a series of valuable updates to its I Prefer Hotel Rewards loyalty programme
From a new flexible member rate and an Elite Platinum offer to the brand’s first-ever I Prefer e-gift cards and more than 25 new participating hotels worldwide, these programme enhancements demonstrate Preferred’s unwavering commitment to offer best-in-class independent hotel experiences to its loyal and discerning I Prefer members as they ask, “Where Next?” following an extended period at home.
“Listening to and engaging with our loyal I Prefer members throughout this pandemic has been a top priority, and through these candid dialogues, we have learned that they want greater flexibility and more diverse offers as travel restrictions are lifted,” Jeri Salazar, Vice President of Loyalty for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“We are confident that the decisions we’ve made to enhance the programme will provide travellers with a less restrictive, more valuable way to book authentic, one-of-a-kind independent hotel experiences whenever they decide to travel next.”
Flexible member rate
Recognising the importance of member-only value and flexibility, Preferred Hotels & Resorts is doubling down through a new flexible member rate that offers access to savings of 10 per cent or higher on top of the best available rate when they book stays at more than 300 participating hotels.
The new flexible rate is also fully cancellable up through day of arrival, providing travellers with the peace of mind needed if travel plans get disrupted.
Bookings must contain a valid I Prefer member number and be made through PreferredHotels.com, IPrefer.com, the I Prefer app, the GDS, participating hotels’ websites, or the Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ global reservations team.
The new rate is available now for travel through December 31.
Elite Platinum offer
In addition to everyday Elite member benefits – which include complimentary room category upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, VIP welcome amenities, free internet, and 50 per cent bonus points earning per eligible stay – the newly launched Elite Platinum offer features daily breakfast for two and a resort credit of $100 per stay that can be used toward on-property expenditures.
Available for travel now through December 31, this unique benefit is valid exclusively to I Prefer Elite members for stays at more than 170 participating properties worldwide such as JA Manafaru (Maldives); The Upper House (Hong Kong); Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Lake Como, Italy); Finca Cortesin (Casares, Spain); Shutters on the Beach (Santa Monica, California); and Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Mexico).
Members can access this benefit by visiting PreferredHotels.com/eliteplatinum or contacting I Prefer member services at +1 636 736 4397.
I Prefer e-gift cards
For the first time ever, Preferred Hotels & Resorts is offering I Prefer e-gift cards, which are available for a limited period now through June 27 as part of the company’s International Pineapple Week celebrations.
The I Prefer e-gift cards may be purchased exclusively online now in denominations of $100 and $250 with no expiration date, which can be used towards future stays at participating hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
As an additional gesture of hospitality, every purchase comes with 20 per cent more value in the form of a $20 or $50 bonus card, respectively. To purchase I Prefer e-gift cards, see participating hotels, and read terms and conditions, visit shop.preferredhotels.com/giftcards through June 27.
Newest hotel options for I Prefer travels
With a portfolio of more than 700 distinctive hotels and resorts worldwide, I Prefer offers the benefits of a robust points-based loyalty programme with access to authentic hotel experiences to suit every travel need.
More than 25 new properties have recently joined Preferred’s prestigious loyalty programme, including Biltmore Hotel (Coral Gables, Florida); Montage Healdsburg (Sonoma County, California); The Social House (Nairobi, Kenya); Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay (Fnideq, Morocco); La Villa Haussmann (Paris, France); Brenton Hotel (Newport, Rhode Island); Palmaia, The House of AiA (Riviera Maya, Mexico); Bluedoors York Luxury Suites (Medellin, Colombia); Rancho Santana (Rancho Santana, Nicaragua); Middle Eight (London, United Kingdom); Hayfield Manor (Cork, Ireland); Deltapark Vitalresort (Gwatt, Switzerland); JA Oasis Beach Tower (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), and Noku Maldives (Noonu Atoll, Maldives).
Protecting loyalty status, points
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is also extending the points expiration date for all I Prefer members globally through December 31.
In March, Preferred was among the first travel companies globally to announce its plan to protect the hard-earned benefits of its loyalty members by announcing that all I Prefer Elite members globally will maintain their status through June 30, regardless of their travel activity this year.
With more than 3.5 million travellers currently enrolled in membership, I Prefer is complimentary to join. Travellers who would like to take advantage of these exclusive promotions are invited to enrol in the program via IPrefer.com/enroll.
Entertainment
JOALI BEING presents ‘A Lot Like Holiday’: Celebration of joy, family and wellbeing

JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ exclusive Well-Living island, will embrace the timeless spirit of a Traditional Christmas this festive season, guided by its core ethos of joy, connection, wellbeing, and family. From 20 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, the island will transform into a sanctuary of festive wonder, where cherished traditions harmoniously blend with transformative wellbeing journeys.
Centred around the theme ‘A Lot Like Holiday,’ the festive celebrations combine beloved seasonal rituals with meaningful travel experiences inspired by JOALI BEING’s Four Pillars of Wellbeing — Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy. Guests will be invited to take part in uplifting activities designed to encourage togetherness, discovery, and personal renewal.
Highlights of the festive programme include:
- Holiday Tree Lighting: A serene celebration beneath a canopy of lights where palm fronds replace fir trees and the sea breeze carries the spirit of the season.
- Gingerbread House Making: A joyful, hands-on tradition for guests of all ages.
- Christmas Picnic: A fresh reimagining of the classic celebration, featuring curated hampers, indulgent flavours, and oceanfront views.
- Christmas Eve Dinner: A refined feast of traditional holiday favourites and JOALI BEING classics, celebrating love, connection, and unity.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration: A night of sparkle, music, and culinary excellence to welcome 2026 in style.

As part of its festive line-up, JOALI BEING will also host a selection of Visiting Experts and global icons offering transformative, purpose-driven experiences:
- Football Workshops with Dimitar Berbatov: The former Manchester United striker, two-time Premier League Champion, and captain of the Bulgarian national team will lead two exclusive sessions (30 December and 2 January), inspiring players of all ages through mentorship and skill development.
- The Quantum Journey with Carlos Aparicio: Through his Biocuántica Original method, Aparicio will guide guests in achieving coherence between heart and mind, fostering resilience and clarity.
- Power of Breathwork with Javier de Prado: Guests will explore the connection between breath and emotion through mindful movement and meditation to restore balance and vitality.
- Awaken Balance and Longevity with Dr Igor Roganin: Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern diagnostics, Dr Roganin will offer therapies supporting graceful ageing, energy flow, and long-term wellbeing.
The festive calendar extends beyond celebration, inviting guests to experience the Joy of Well-Living through transformative rituals such as cacao ceremonies, Qi Gong, sound baths, and stress management workshops. Culinary highlights will include Japanese dinners, seafood feasts, and interactive masterclasses, while outdoor adventures will offer dolphin cruises, semi-submarine explorations, coral conservation, and Muay Thai sessions — all designed to deepen connection with self, others, and nature.
Family experiences will take centre stage through B’Kidult, JOALI BEING’s signature concept that blends play and purpose. The programme will feature engaging activities for all ages, including the Laughing Boocha Mixology Class, Beach Boot Camp for Teens, Healthy Nice Cream Kitchen, and Family Pilates sessions — all aimed at nurturing learning, joy, and togetherness.
A stay at JOALI BEING promises a journey of renewal and self-discovery, allowing guests to return home with a sense of lightness in body, mind, and spirit. Rates begin at USD 5,706 per night for two guests sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Featured
Sun, sea, and serenity: Villa Nautica’s Winter Escape awaits

Villa Nautica is inviting travellers to escape the winter chill and embrace the warmth of the Maldives with its Winter Escape Offer, providing up to 20% off stays. Conveniently located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé, the resort combines contemporary design with authentic Maldivian hospitality, creating an ideal island retreat for the season.
Nestled among pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, Villa Nautica features beach pool villas, overwater villas, and ocean suites, each designed for comfort and offering sweeping ocean views. Guests can explore the lagoon with the resort’s PADI Five-Star Dive Centre, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the Araamu Spa, or unwind by the island’s signature infinity pool—recently named the Best Pool in the Maldives at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025.
Culinary experiences at Villa Nautica span global flavours, from Japanese and Italian to fresh seafood and international cuisine. Evenings are marked by live music and cocktails beneath the stars. Families are catered for with engaging activities at the Wavy Navy Kids Club, while couples can enjoy tranquil moments along the shoreline.
Committed to sustainability, Villa Nautica proudly holds Green Key certification, underscoring its dedication to responsible tourism. The resort utilises solar power, has eliminated single-use plastics, and supports coral restoration projects to protect marine biodiversity.
Guests booking directly through villaresorts.com can enjoy exclusive benefits, flexible booking options, and the best available rates.
Celebration
Siyam World unveils ten days of sports, music, dining, and Halloween spectacle

Siyam World Maldives, part of the Sun Siyam Resorts Lifestyle Collection, is preparing to host ten days of activities and entertainment from 20 to 31 October 2025. The programme will combine sports, culinary showcases, music events, and a large-scale Halloween experience.
The line-up begins with a three-day Rugby Camp from 20 to 22 October, led by England rugby player Danny Care. This will be followed by a Football Camp from 23 to 27 October, with former professionals Marco Negri, Marco Materazzi, and Ciru Caruso guiding young participants through drills, games, and training sessions.
Culinary highlights will feature Chef Junichi Tanaka and sake sommelier Yasuyuki Suzuki at the resort’s Japanese fine-dining venue, Arigato. Chef Tanaka, co-founder of Bincho Tanaka in Ito, Japan, is recognised for his approach combining charcoal cooking, fermentation, and cultural storytelling. Together with Suzuki, they will present a set menu paired with Japanese sake.
On 28 October, the resort will mark its fourth anniversary with a beachside celebration featuring DJ performances by LOVRA and Tom Zanetti. The event will create a festival-style atmosphere with live music and dancing.
For Halloween on 31 October, Siyam World will introduce a themed haunted walkthrough inspired by The Conjuring Universe. Characters including Annabelle, The Nun, La Llorona, and the Crooked Man will be featured. Guests who complete the walkthrough will be able to attend a dance performance inspired by one of the franchise’s stories, followed by a Halloween party with DJs and live acts.
Sara Siyam, Director of Marketing at Siyam World, commented: “At Siyam World, we don’t just host events, we create legendary experiences. Our fourth birthday and Halloween takeover are more than celebrations – they are experiences that continue to redefine events in the Maldives.”
Alongside the scheduled events, guests will have access to Siyam World’s wider facilities and activities, including spa treatments, watersports, horse riding, the island’s go-kart track, and the resort’s 24-hour WOW! All-Inclusive package.
The October programme reinforces Siyam World’s positioning as a resort designed for large-scale experiences, combining sports, entertainment, and dining with its ‘no-rules, just vibes’ philosophy.
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