Luxury Getaways (For High-Value Redemptions)
If you’re looking to redeem your travel points for the most opulent experiences in 2025, luxury destinations like the Maldives, Bora Bora, Dubai, and Paris should be at the top of your list. These bucket-list locations are known for their world-class resorts, stunning scenery, and exclusive perks, making them ideal for travelers who want to maximize their reward points for high-end stays. Whether you’re dreaming of an overwater villa in the Indian Ocean, a lavish suite in Dubai, or a Parisian hotel overlooking the Eiffel Tower, here’s how to make the most of your points at these luxurious destinations.
1. Maldives – Overwater Bungalows with Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors
The Maldives is synonymous with luxury, and redeeming your points for an overwater bungalow can turn this once-in-a-lifetime experience into a reality. Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors offer some of the most exclusive resorts in the Maldives, where you can wake up to crystal-clear waters and direct access to the ocean.
- St. Regis Maldives Vommuli (Marriott Bonvoy) – Known for its private overwater villas, personal butlers, and exquisite dining, this resort offers the ultimate in luxury. Award nights start at 85,000+ Marriott Bonvoy points per night, making it one of the best high-end redemptions available.
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi (Hilton Honors) – This stunning resort boasts private infinity pools, white sand beaches, and Michelin-star dining. Award stays often start at 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night, but the experience is worth every point.
2. Bora Bora – Stay at Conrad Bora Bora (Hilton Honors) or St. Regis (Marriott Bonvoy)
For those seeking a tropical paradise with unparalleled beauty, Bora Bora is the perfect destination to splurge on a luxury stay using reward points.
- Conrad Bora Bora Nui (Hilton Honors) – This resort offers overwater villas with breathtaking lagoon views, plus a floating breakfast experience and exceptional spa treatments. You can book with 89,000+ Hilton Honors points per night, depending on availability.
- St. Regis Bora Bora (Marriott Bonvoy) – One of the most exclusive properties in French Polynesia, this resort is famous for its spacious overwater bungalows, private beach access, and personalized butler service. Expect to redeem 85,000+ Marriott Bonvoy points per night for a luxurious stay.
3. Dubai – Experience 5-Star Hotels Like Burj Al Arab (World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy)
Dubai is the epitome of modern luxury, offering some of the most extravagant hotels in the world. If you’re looking for sky-high opulence, you can redeem points at some of the city’s most exclusive properties.
- Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (Direct Booking or Partner Redemptions) – Often referred to as the world’s only seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab offers unmatched extravagance, including a private chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce and 24/7 personal butler service. While it doesn’t participate in major hotel loyalty programs, you can often use flexible reward points from travel portals to book your stay.
- Park Hyatt Dubai (World of Hyatt) – A more attainable but equally luxurious redemption, this waterfront resort features stunning views, a private marina, and an infinity lagoon. You can book with 25,000+ World of Hyatt points per night.
4. Paris, France – Luxury Stays with IHG, Hilton, or Marriott Near the Eiffel Tower
Paris is always a good idea—especially when you can redeem your points for a lavish stay near the Eiffel Tower. Some of the city’s finest hotels participate in IHG One Rewards, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy, allowing you to experience French luxury without the steep price tag.
- The Ritz Paris (American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts/Marriott) – While this iconic hotel isn’t bookable directly with points, Amex Platinum cardholders can use Amex Travel credits for exclusive benefits like room upgrades and late checkouts.
- Hotel Lutetia Paris (Hilton Honors) – A historic five-star hotel in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, offering elegant rooms, a world-class spa, and top-tier service. You can redeem 95,000+ Hilton Honors points per night.
- The Peninsula Paris (IHG One Rewards & Chase Ultimate Rewards) – One of the most prestigious hotels in Paris, located just steps from the Arc de Triomphe. You can book through IHG or use Chase Ultimate Rewards for high-end stays.
Budget-Friendly Trips: Stretching Your Points
If you want to travel more while spending less, choosing budget-friendly destinations can help you make the most of your reward points. By picking places where hotels, food, and activities are affordable, you can extend your trips, enjoy luxury at a lower cost, and experience more for fewer points. The following destinations—Bangkok, Mexico City, Lisbon, and Bali—are perfect for travelers looking to stretch their points without sacrificing quality.
🛕 Bangkok, Thailand – Cheap Hotels and Food with Chase Ultimate Rewards
Bangkok is one of the most affordable cities in the world, where your points can get you multiple nights at top hotels, cheap transportation, and amazing food.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit (World of Hyatt) – Redeem 5,000–8,000 Hyatt points per night for a centrally located stay.
- Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park (Marriott Bonvoy) – Enjoy luxury for 12,000–17,000 points per night in downtown Bangkok.
🍜 Budget-Friendly Food & Activities:
- Street food meals for $1–$3 – Try pad thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled satay skewers at food stalls.
- Attractions for under $15 – Visit the Grand Palace ($15) or take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River ($1).
🌆 Mexico City, Mexico – Affordable Stays with Hyatt and Marriott
Mexico City offers rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food—all at a fraction of the cost of many U.S. and European cities.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- Hyatt Regency Mexico City (World of Hyatt) – A high-end stay in Polanco for just 9,000–12,000 Hyatt points per night.
- Four Points by Sheraton Mexico City (Marriott Bonvoy) – A budget-friendly stay for 8,000 points per night.
🌮 Budget-Friendly Food & Activities:
- Authentic tacos, tamales, and tortas for $2–$5 per meal.
- Low-cost attractions like Chapultepec Castle ($5) and the Frida Kahlo Museum ($15).
🌊 Lisbon, Portugal – Great Value with Hilton and American Express Points
Lisbon is an affordable yet stunning European city, offering beaches, historical sites, and delicious food at a great value for points travelers.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon (Hilton Honors) – Stay near top attractions for 20,000–30,000 Hilton points per night.
- Holiday Inn Express Lisbon – Av. Liberdade (IHG One Rewards) – A central stay starting at 10,000–15,000 IHG points per night.
🥘 Budget-Friendly Food & Activities:
- Pastéis de nata (custard tarts) for $1.50 each and grilled sardines for $5–$7.
- Low-cost transportation and many free attractions, like the Belém Tower and Alfama District.
🏝️ Bali, Indonesia – Affordable Luxury with World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy
Bali is one of the best places to experience luxury on a budget, offering stunning beaches, jungle resorts, and affordable five-star accommodations.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- Hyatt Regency Bali (World of Hyatt) – A beachfront resort for just 5,000–8,000 Hyatt points per night.
- Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort (Marriott Bonvoy) – A luxury stay starting at 12,000–15,000 points per night.
🌿 Budget-Friendly Food & Activities:
- Local meals for $3–$5 at warungs (small family-run restaurants).
- Affordable attractions like waterfall visits ($5), rice terrace tours ($10), and temple visits ($7–$10).
🏕️ Adventure & Nature Destinations for Outdoor Enthusiasts
For travelers who love hiking, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor adventures, reward points can unlock once-in-a-lifetime experiences in some of the world’s most stunning natural destinations. Whether you want to explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, take in the majestic peaks of Banff, ski the Swiss Alps, or trek through the wild beauty of New Zealand, your points can help you travel in style while staying close to nature.
🏔️ Machu Picchu, Peru – Flights with AAdvantage, Hotels via Marriott Bonvoy
A trip to Machu Picchu is on many travelers’ bucket lists, and with the right points strategy, you can experience this UNESCO World Heritage site without spending a fortune.
✈️ Best Flight Redemptions:
- American Airlines AAdvantage miles – Use miles to fly into Cusco (CUZ) from the U.S. for as little as 25,000 miles round-trip in economy.
- LATAM Airlines (Oneworld partner) – Redeem points through Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards for flights from Lima to Cusco.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- JW Marriott El Convento Cusco (Marriott Bonvoy) – A beautiful 5-star hotel built in a 16th-century convent, available for 30,000–40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (Chase Ultimate Rewards) – A luxurious eco-lodge near the base of Machu Picchu, bookable through travel portals with points.
🏞️ Budget-Friendly Adventures:
- Machu Picchu entry fee ($40–$60 USD) – No points needed, but the experience is priceless.
- Inca Trail trek ($500–$700 per person) – Consider splurging for a guided experience.
🏞️ Banff, Canada – Luxury Stays with Fairmont (Accor) or Marriott
Banff National Park is one of the most stunning destinations in North America, with turquoise lakes, rugged mountain peaks, and endless hiking trails. Whether you’re visiting in summer for hiking or winter for skiing, redeeming points can help you experience the best of Banff.
✈️ Best Flight Redemptions:
- Aeroplan (Air Canada) – Fly into Calgary (YYC) using Aeroplan miles from 15,000 points one-way from major U.S. hubs.
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan – Book flights to Calgary with partner redemptions.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- Fairmont Banff Springs (Accor Live Limitless Points) – A legendary castle-like hotel in the Rockies, bookable with Accor points or Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Moose Hotel & Suites (Marriott Bonvoy) – A great mid-range redemption in downtown Banff, available for 25,000–35,000 Marriott points per night.
🏔️ Budget-Friendly Adventures:
- Banff National Park entry fee ($10/day per person) – Experience the best of nature without spending much.
- Hiking to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake (Free) – Enjoy world-famous alpine scenery without spending a dime.
⛷️ Swiss Alps, Switzerland – Chase or Amex Points for Ski Resorts
The Swiss Alps are a paradise for outdoor lovers, offering world-class skiing in winter and epic hiking in summer. With the right points strategy, you can stay in top ski resorts and enjoy luxurious accommodations without paying sky-high prices.
✈️ Best Flight Redemptions:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards (United Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss Air) – Redeem points to fly into Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) with partner airlines.
- Amex Membership Rewards (Air France, Swiss Air) – Business class redemptions start at 50,000–60,000 miles one-way.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- The Chedi Andermatt (Chase Ultimate Rewards) – A 5-star luxury ski resort bookable through Chase Travel.
- W Verbier (Marriott Bonvoy) – A stylish ski-in/ski-out resort available for 50,000–70,000 points per night.
🎿 Budget-Friendly Adventures:
- Ski passes (from $50/day if booked in advance) – Enjoy world-famous slopes like Zermatt and St. Moritz.
- Hiking Matterhorn Glacier Trail (Free) – Take in some of the most spectacular views in Europe.
🌿 New Zealand – Flights via Air New Zealand Rewards, Hotels with Hyatt & Marriott
New Zealand is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning fjords, mountains, and pristine beaches. Whether you’re trekking through Milford Sound or exploring Hobbiton, you can use points to make this adventure more affordable.
✈️ Best Flight Redemptions:
- Air New Zealand Airpoints (United, Singapore Airlines, ANA partnerships) – Redeem Airpoints or Star Alliance partner miles for flights into Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Queenstown (ZQN).
- American Airlines AAdvantage miles – Economy flights start at 40,000 miles one-way.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- Park Hyatt Auckland (World of Hyatt) – A luxurious waterfront hotel for 20,000–25,000 Hyatt points per night.
- Marriott Christchurch (Marriott Bonvoy) – A modern city stay available for 15,000–25,000 points per night.
🏕️ Budget-Friendly Adventures:
- Milford Sound cruise ($70–$100 USD) – A must-do activity in New Zealand.
- Hiking Roy’s Peak (Free) – One of the most Instagrammable hikes in the world.
🏞️ U.S. Domestic Escapes: Best Domestic Redemptions
For travelers who prefer to stay within the U.S. but still want to maximize their reward points, several destinations offer high-value redemptions on flights, hotels, and experiences. Whether you’re craving a Hawaiian beach getaway, a lively Las Vegas experience, a cultural deep dive in New York City, or a family-friendly theme park adventure in Orlando, these domestic escapes offer fantastic travel opportunities using points.
🌺 Hawaii – Beachfront Luxury with Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt, and Hilton
Hawaii is a dream destination for sun-seekers, surfers, and nature lovers alike, and thanks to multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs, you can enjoy a slice of paradise without paying sky-high prices.
✈️ Best Flight Redemptions:
- American Airlines AAdvantage Miles – One-way economy flights to Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), or Kauai (LIH) start at 22,500 miles.
- Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles – Redeem miles for direct flights to the islands, especially from West Coast cities.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards – Southwest offers low-point redemptions for inter-island flights, making it a great way to island-hop for free.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- Hyatt Regency Maui (World of Hyatt) – A beachfront resort with award nights starting at 25,000 Hyatt points.
- Hilton Hawaiian Village (Hilton Honors) – A family-friendly resort on Waikiki Beach starting at 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
- Marriott’s Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott Bonvoy) – A stunning luxury resort in Maui available for 50,000+ Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
🏝️ Budget-Friendly Adventures:
- Free hikes like Diamond Head & the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail.
- Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay ($7.50 entry fee).
- Explore the Road to Hana in Maui (free, aside from gas & food stops).
🎰 Las Vegas – Resort Stays on the Strip with MGM Rewards and Caesars
Las Vegas is one of the easiest places to redeem hotel points, offering everything from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious accommodations. With the right strategy, you can stay at top-tier resorts on the Strip without spending a dime.
✈️ Best Flight Redemptions:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards – Frequent flights to Las Vegas (LAS) with low-point redemptions.
- American Express Membership Rewards (Delta & American Airlines Transfers) – Use Amex points to book Delta SkyMiles or AAdvantage flights.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- Bellagio Las Vegas (MGM Rewards & Chase Ultimate Rewards) – Luxury stays for as little as 50,000 Chase points per night.
- Caesars Palace (Caesars Rewards & Wyndham) – Redeem Wyndham Rewards points for free stays at Caesars properties.
- The Venetian & The Palazzo (IHG One Rewards) – High-end accommodations available through IHG redemptions.
🎲 Budget-Friendly Adventures:
- Fremont Street Experience (Free) – A light and music show with live entertainment.
- The Fountains of Bellagio (Free) – One of the best free attractions on the Strip.
- Happy hour deals & buffets ($20–$30 per person) – Great for budget-conscious foodies.
🗽 New York City – Iconic Landmarks with Hyatt, Hilton, and IHG Points
New York City can be an expensive place to visit, but using points for flights and hotels can make a Big Apple trip much more affordable.
✈️ Best Flight Redemptions:
- JetBlue TrueBlue Points – One-way flights to JFK or LGA start at 7,500 points.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards (United, Delta, or American Airlines transfers) – Redeem points for direct flights to NYC.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- Park Hyatt New York (World of Hyatt) – A luxury five-star stay available for 40,000+ Hyatt points per night.
- Conrad New York Downtown (Hilton Honors) – A high-end option near the Financial District, starting at 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
- InterContinental New York Times Square (IHG One Rewards) – A prime location for exploring the city, starting at 45,000 IHG points per night.
🎭 Budget-Friendly Adventures:
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge & explore Central Park (Free).
- Take the Staten Island Ferry (Free) for views of the Statue of Liberty.
- Visit The Met Museum (Pay-what-you-wish entry for NY residents, $30 for visitors).
🎢 Orlando, Florida – Redeem Points for Disney & Universal Resorts
Orlando is the ultimate destination for theme park lovers, and using points can make a trip to Disney or Universal Studios significantly more affordable.
✈️ Best Flight Redemptions:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards – Southwest offers frequent flights to Orlando (MCO) with points-friendly options.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards (United, Delta, and American Airlines transfers) – Great for booking direct flights from major U.S. cities.
🏨 Best Hotel Redemptions:
- Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin (Marriott Bonvoy) – Located on Disney property, starting at 50,000 Marriott points per night.
- Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (World of Hyatt) – A fantastic family-friendly resort, starting at 20,000 Hyatt points per night.
- Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (Hilton Honors) – A great option near Disney, redeemable for 50,000–70,000 Hilton points per night.
🎡 Budget-Friendly Adventures:
- Disney Springs (Free entry, pay only for food & shopping).
- Universal’s CityWalk (Free after 6 PM, great for dining & entertainment).
- Day trips to nearby beaches (Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, both free to visit).
