JW Marriott’s latest campaign shines a light on value of being fully present, something most of us have forgotten; Aishwarya Rai Bachan, a celebrated Indian actor and one of the most popular Miss Worlds chosen to inspire…
It’s just a one-minute commercial, shot entirely at JW Marriott Juhu in Mumbai which showcases Aishwarya –the former Miss World (1994) with her elegant voice. Released recently, it concludes with an answer, an important one, we all need to understand: “a moment becomes a moment, when one stays in it.”
The moments shown are ordinary in different pockets of the hotel, from an engrossing meal time with family to being part of a wedding celebration. One can also feel her connection, her deep presence in every moment –a trait that the JW Marriott brand ever since it was first launched in 1984 has been reminding its guests, for ensuring enriched stays.
Founder of Marriott, late John Willard, to whom JW Marriott is dedicated, was known for his mindfulness –which reflected throughout his daily routine especially how he connected to the people around besides his sincere indulgence in an array of everyday moments that kept his enthusiasm high. This is what he also wished for his guests.
But with the rise of technology and the rush we have invited into our lives, we live our every single day absent-minded. We may be at a luxury hotel, along the lake during sunset, in a famous restaurant for dinner with family or friends but most of us remain engrossed on the screens of our mobile phones missing what we could have really enjoyed and later cherished. In the process, we also lose the essence of outings we do. The purpose is clearly defeated. Rushing through places and experiences that come our way also does the harm. But if we decide to remain fully present, free of any distractions, we can feel the richness of the experiences and magic behind the moments, even if ordinary. We shouldn’t forget that ordinary is extraordinary –something we realise when we spot everyday moments through photographs or paintings.
If we decide to take a pause, be it through a hotel stay, the pause can be made worth, if we are completely there, valuing every moment, observing deep and losing ourselves for a free contemplation. This is also how our mind stays refreshed and relaxed and energised us for the days ahead. When we are fully present with someone we accompany - it ups the health of our relationship. Most importantly, the moments we were part of make a strong registration in our mind. For the same reason, many parts of the world have introduced many hotels, resorts and home stays, where there’s no provision of internet or TV.
Aishwarya Rai Bachan as the global ambassador
For Aishwarya Rai Bachan, the association reflects a shared sensibility with the brand’s approach to holistic well-being and meaningful connections. “Travel has always been an important part of my life, both personally and professionally,” she said, who has featured in many Bollywood and Hollywood movies, other than many international talk shows and represented several international brands, from time to time. She is also a regular at the Cannes Film festival Paris Fashion Week for the last many years.
Regarded as very thoughtful and one of the most beautiful women in the world, she added, “The most meaningful experiences are often the quietest ones, when you are fully aware of where you are and who you are with. JW Marriott’s philosophy of being present and in the moment speaks to that awareness. I am honored to represent a brand that values presence and purpose in equal measure.”
“Aishwarya’s global stature, warmth, and authenticity make her a natural embodiment of JW Marriott and an ideal partner for the brand,” said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global leader, JW Marriott. “She brings a thoughtful, grounded presence that reflects the way our guests seek to travel – with intention and a sense of connection. As we continue to expand in India and across markets shaped by Indian travelers, this collaboration reinforces our commitment to celebrating presence as the ultimate in luxury experiences.”
Many may feel it’s another marketing campaign to promote the brand but it surely presses what we all desperately need to bring back to our lives: staying in the moment for the many rewards it offers. Maybe begin with a walk in the woods or along the lake, leaving the mobile or any other technology at home.
The famous book, “Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and healthy life” also inspires readers to value the present moment. If you really want to stay present and restore calm in yourself –it’s a must read as it can be the first step to help yourself. It personally inspired me a lot, like its many other readers from staying away from TV and mobile while having meals or even a cup of coffee to going for a walk without phone in hand. The result is that you remain present in the activity you are in and later you feel the magic of staying present.
The JW Marriott world
As noted in October 2026 and as per Marriott website, there are 125 JW Marriott hotels or resorts in nearly 40 countries. While JW Marriott Tokyo is the newest, the JW Marriott in Washington DC is the oldest and first one, which opened in February 1984. It was named JW by the son of J. Willard to honour his father, who passed away a year later. Thereafter, many more JW Marriott hotels followed. Asia has the largest number (61) of JW Marriott properties followed by North America (38). JW falls in the luxury segment and shares the bracket with other Marriott brands such as Edition, the Ritz Carlton, the Luxury Collection, St. Regis and W Hotels.
More on Heritage of JW Marriott: https://jw-marriott.marriott.com/heritage/
Follow Aishwarya Rai Bachan (Instagram): @aishwaryaraibachan_arb
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JW Marriott’s latest campaign shines a light on value of being fully present, something most of us have forgotten; Aishwarya Rai Bachan, a celebrated Indian actor and one of the most popular Miss Worlds chosen to inspire…