Marriott Vacation Club International, the vacation ownership division of Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR), announced today the development of a new oceanfront resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - Marriott`s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes. Marriott began construction in January on the proposed 374-villa vacation ownership resort, which is targeted to open for initial occupancy in June 2004.
Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas is part of a prestigious 2,200-acre master planned community called Grande Dunes, which includes luxury residential homes, a Roger Rulewich Group-designed 18-hole golf course, a tennis center and a full-service Marriott hotel also under development.
Elegantly-appointed two-bedroom/two-bath vacation villas accommodate up to eight guests and offer private balconies with ocean or garden views, fully-equipped kitchens, separate living and dining areas, master bedrooms and baths with soaking tubs, and washers and dryers. Resort highlights include:
- Three outdoor pools
- Marriott Compass Kids’ Club
- Fitness center with indoor pool
- Treehouse play area
- Convenience store and deli
- Beachside bar and grille

“We are very pleased to add Myrtle Beach to our portfolio of vacation destinations,” said Stephen P. Weisz, president, Marriott Vacation Club International. “Together with owners at Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas, those families who own elsewhere with Marriott will be able to enjoy this resort’s choice location in Grande Dunes.”

Myrtle Beach hosts an estimated 14 million vacationers each year, of which nearly 80 percent return. Visitors can challenge their golf game on over 120 golf courses by such designers as Jack Nicklaus, Francis Duane and Arnold Palmer. Other recreation options include miniature golf, fishing and boating, as well as shopping at the popular Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing. Myrtle Beach also serves up an assortment of over 1,600 restaurants from acclaimed oceanfront dining to the Hard Rock Café and spectacular live music theaters such as the Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre and Spirit of the Dance.
Sales for Marriott`s OceanWatch Villas will begin next month. Pre-construction prices vary by season and view selected, ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 per week of deeded, fee simple ownership. Those who are interested in learning more about this new vacation ownership resort may qualify for an exceptionally discounted vacation package at the oceanfront Kingston Plantation or nearby Courtyard by Marriott. In return for attending a 90-minute sales presentation, eligible guests can take advantage of a four day/three night package for just $179 that includes standard guest room accommodations and eight passes to various local attractions such as the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park, Myrtle Waves Water Park and NASCAR? Speedpark?, as well as two greens fees at the Myrtlewood Golf Club or the Pine Lakes Country Club. To determine eligibility for this package, or to receive additional information on vacation ownership at Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas, please call toll free (866) 678-5224.
Based in Orlando, Fla., Marriott Vacation Club International is the recognized worldwide leader in the timeshare industry. More than 215,000 families in all 50 states and 143 countries own their vacations “the Marriott way” through a program that is well regarded for its quality management and unique flexibility. Options include priority exchanging to over 50 other Marriott Vacation Club resorts, trading week(s) for Marriott Rewards points redeemable for diverse travel awards, or exchanging within Interval International’s global system of nearly 1,900 resorts in more than 75 countries. Please visit www.marriottvacationclub.com for more information.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with nearly 2,600 lodging properties in the United States and 66 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 144,000 employees. In fiscal year 2002, Marriott International reported systemwide sales of $19 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit the web site at www.marriott.com.
——-