The major hotel and airline loyalty programs generally allow travelers to use their points to book a hotel room or a flight for themselves or for someone else.
What many do not know is the number of exclusive properties and travel experiences that can be also booked with points.
Here we have gathered 8 of the most impressive:
Gold-decorated Suites and In-flight Showers and Bars
Despite the fact that Emirates no longer releases first-class award space to most partner programs, travelers can still buy these awards directly through Emirates Skywards or Qantas Frequent Flyer.
Transfer points from all six major transferable points programs to Emirates to enjoy gold-decorated suites, in-flight showers, and bars: Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One, Marriott Bonvoy, and Bilt Rewards.
Stay at the North Island resort in Seychelles
Marriott Bonvoy points can be used to book a stay at the stunning North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort in Seychelles.
Guests will stay in a two-bedroom villa with nearly 5,000 square feet of space. Breakfast is included, as is the use of an island buggy, morning yoga, and activities for children.
The hotel has a four-night minimum stay, and award nights cost more than 340,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
This price does not include the 814 euros for the helicopter transfer ( round-trip).
All-inclusive, private Calala Island resort
World of Hyatt members can redeem 35,000 to 45,000 points each night for a stay at the opulent Calala Island Resort.
Calala Island is an all-inclusive resort on a private island off the coast of Nicaragua. It is so exclusive that it has only four beachfront suites and can only accommodate eight guests at a time.
Air France’s La Premiere first class
Travelers with Air France-KLM Flying Blue Gold or Platinum elite status can book La Premiere rewards with miles. Furthermore, qualifying elite members can only redeem at the “flex” level (not saver), implying that a one-way flight between the United States and Europe will cost at least 220,000 miles.
Transfer points from Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Bilt Rewards to Flying Blue to book these rewards.
Single and double beds in Singapore’s first-class Suites
Singapore Airlines’ newest A380 suites are ideal for couples flying together. Each suite is 50 square meters and features not only an adjustable armchair but also a separate bed that can be connected to another.
Singapore does not make the first-class reward space accessible to partner programs, but it does make them available to its KrisFlyer frequent flyer club.
Luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties
With only five locations globally, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve is one of Marriott’s most premium brands. The properties are luxurious and situated in remote locations.
Award stays typically range from 80,000 to 240,000 points per night. The regular price for these properties is $800 per night.
Virgin Galactic flight to space
The cost is substantial, but it is worth it. 2,000,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles. Thankfully, the points are only deducted from your account if you win.
Commercial flights are expected to begin in 2023. The trip will last three days and include flight preparation and a two-hour spaceflight with at least five minutes of zero gravity.
Tickets for Virgin Galactic space flights start at $450,000, a remarkable 22.5 cents per point. TPG values Flying Club points at 1.5 cents per point.
A week at Virgin Galactic owner’s private island
A seven-night stay for two on Richard Branson’s Necker Island may be purchased for 1.5 million Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points.
Those interested in taking advantage of this deal will have to wait until at least next year. Redemption is on hold while the resort works through a backlog of earlier bookings that were canceled owing to the pandemic.
Bookings are exclusively available to Virgin Atlantic Silver and Gold members. However, you may be able to status match to Virgin Atlantic from another airline or hotel program.