Audrey Hepburn once said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” If that’s true, JW Marriott obviously has great faith in the future.
JW Garden, the brand’s initiative to plant a garden in every one of its more than 100 properties around the world, is thriving. Inspired by Alice Marriott’s (wife of Marriott founder, J. Willard Marriott) passion for gardening, each garden is designed to fit naturally into the specific setting and grow fresh produce and herbs to be used by the hotel’s chefs.
Since 2022, Studio Lily Kwong has partnered with JW Marriott to create sustainable and purposeful JW Garden projects designed to provide a thoughtful, multi-sensory experience while also supporting the hotels’ culinary programs.
April is National Garden Month and a great time to plan a stay at one of these properties that’s home to a beautiful JW Garden.
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
The luxurious JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa in Italy is located on its own private island, Isola delle Rose, not far from St. Marks Square and its soil is so rich in minerals and nutrients, it’s able to grow a bounty of herbs and fruits that are a delight for the senses. In fact, there are 100 olive trees on property that produce the exquisite olive oil you’ll find in the fine dining restaurant, Foila at Dopolavoro Venezia, and at the resort’s immersive olive oil tastings.
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
Located by the outdoor terrace of Beach Road Kitchen, the JW Garden at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach pays tribute to Singapore’s ecological and cultural diversity. Two sculptural blue trellises support native climbing plants and edible vines. Seating is incorporated into the garden’s design so you can take a few minutes to relax and be mindful of the beauty around you.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
An oasis in the iconic Palm Springs desert, JW Marriott Desert Springs features a JW Garden filled with California-native plants and edible herbs, including the signature sage plant. Mindfulness and reflection are encouraged with hidden seating and peaceful walking paths. Strolling through the olive grove is a lovely way to connect with nature.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
The star of the JW Garden at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek is rosemary – the resort’s signature ingredient, which you can enjoy in special dishes at Sear + Sea Woodfire Grill and in craft cocktails at UnReserved and Sear + Sea Lobby Bar. The lush garden invites you to sit among the herbs and citrus offerings and enjoy the greenery, the sweet scents and the busy, local pollinators.
JW Marriott Essex House New York
Offering some much-welcome nature in the middle of Manhattan, the JW Garden at JW Marriott Essex House is the brand’s first indoor edible garden. Part garden, part art installation, it features herbs, including chives, tarragon and oregano, housed in a millinery cabinet that pays homage to the hotel’s façade and interiors. It’s stunning – and a breath of air in the city.