GHA Discovery Loyalty Program and Benefits in Middle East

Discovery by Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is one of the most unique hotel loyalty programs out there. There are no points, only status tiers. Therefore, you cannot earn or redeem.

Instead, the focus in on the destination itself. The elite tiers of the loyalty program offer tailored experiences that are unique to the destination you are staying in. In this post, I will explain the program with focus on experiences in Middle East.

Introduction to GHA Discovery Program

Discovery Program covers 550+ hotels in 75 countries.

More than 30 hotel brands are part of GHA. Each of these brands have a unique positioning. I have stayed at a few without realizing they were a part of GHA.

This is the complete list:

• Alila
• Anantara
• Atura
• Avani
• Corinthia
• Discovery
• Doyle Collection
• Elewana
• GLO
• JA Resorts & Hotels
• Kempniski
• Leela
• Lungarno
• Marco Polo
• Meritage
• Meydan
• Mysk
• Niccolo
• Nuo
• Oaks
• Omni
• Outrigger
• Pan Pacific
• ParkRoyal
• QT
• Ridges
• Shaza
• The Residence
• Thon
• Tivoli
• Viceroy

Discovery – Tier Status & Benefits

There are four membership tiers.

• Gold membership is the base level and is free to enroll. You receive:
  • Complimentary bottle of water
  • Complimentary internet access
  • Exclusive member-only offers

• Platinum status is offered with 10+ nights. You will receive the following:
  • Local amenity upon check-in
  • One local experience per calendar year
  • One local experience when staying at a new DISCOVERY brand for the first time
  • Guaranteed room availability at least 48 hours prior to arrival (subject to availability)
  • Upgrade to the next room category at check-in (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out privileges until 3pm (subject to availability)

• Black status is offered if you stay 30+ nights. You receive:
  • Local amenity upon check-in
  • One local experience per calendar year
  • One local experience when staying at a new DISCOVERY brand for the first time
  • Guaranteed room availability at least 24 hours prior to arrival
  • Double room upgrade at check-in (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out privileges until 6pm (subject to availability)
  • Early check-in privileges starting at 9am (subject to availability)
• Red – This is an invite-only tier and is not published on Discovery website

You can find the full comparison here.

Note that tier status is reviewed every 12 months. It is also worth noting that free breakfast is not offered even to the elite members. This could have saved you hundreds of dollars at resort properties.

The double room upgrade for Discovery Black members can be very lucrative as well. Difference between basic rooms and suits in some of these properties is huge. However, I have never tried it so I am not sure how easy it would be to receive an upgrade.

Explaining the Local Experiences

Local experiences the key selling point of Discovery. There are different local experiences for Platinum and Black members.

There are a lot of experiences to choose. It ranges from airport transfers to dinner in a palace. I have curated all the experiences and you will find the best ones in Middle East below.

United Arab Emirates

The Palm from Above

Provided by: Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai

Status required: Black

This is a helicopter-ride over the gorgeous Palm and the rest of Dubai. The views are magnificent.

Ski Dubai Tickets for Two

Provided by: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Status required: Black

Get 3-hours passes to Ski-Dubai, the largest of its kind in the whole world.

High Tea in the Savannah for Two

Provided by: All Anantara properties in Sir Bani Yas Island

Status required: Black

Sir Bani Yas Island is a wildlife sanctuary located in an island near Abu Dhabi. There are three Anantara resorts there. This one is high on my bucket list.

Bastien’s Gold Manicure

Provided by: Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

Status required: Platinum

A French manicure with a gold rejuvenating mask for the hands. Need I say more?

Oman

A World Above the Mountains

Provided by: Alila Jabal Akhdar

Status required: Black

Take an off-road drive (for two) to see the best Oman has to offer. From deep canyons to the walnut groves and pomegranate fields. Lunch is included.

Saudi Arabia

Fly with us

Provided by: Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski Riyadh

Status required: Black

Take a short flight over Riyadh in a micro-light or the ultra-light aircraft.

7 Pears of Madinah

Provided by: Shaza Al Madina

Status required: Black

Explore the 7 pearls of Al Madinah in a private limousine.

Egypt

Great Pyramids Tour

Provided by: Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski Cairo

Status required: Black

Take a tour to the Great Pyramids in a chauffeured car.

Explore the Depths of Soma Bay

Provided by: Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay

Status required: Black

Dive into the Read Sea and see colorful corals and reefs while swimming alongside fishes.

Bottomline

Discovery program is one of a kind. The Black status in particular, is associated with some great local experiences. Further, you are eligible for a double room upgrade. In some properties, this could mean a suite or a villa stay.

If you are based in UAE, Citi Prestige is offering complimentary Black membership to the Discovery program. I received my upgrade within 3 days of applying and calling Citi Prestige Concierge. Moreover, Citi is offering 30,000 Thank You points and AED 1,250 of cash back on sign-up. You can apply through this link if you wish (link).