9 Luxurious Beach Hotels to Book on Points This Winter
Waterfront villas with the waves lapping right at your door, tropical cocktails sipped under shaded cabanas — there's no end to the bliss you'll find at a truly great beach resort. There's also often no end to the bill you can rack up there. So we've tracked down some the most luxurious resorts where you can use rewards points to book, on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Caribbean

Park Hyatt St. Kitts
World of Hyatt Category 7 — 30,000 points per night
Just opened on November 1, this 126-room resort marks the Park Hyatt's first entry into the Caribbean. Stretched over a quiet expanse of Banana Bay, the rooms look right onto the sparkling waters of The Narrows, separating St. Kitts from the nearby volcanic island of Nevis. The elegant West Indies property houses three restaurants, private rooftop pools and, most notably, a Miraval Life in Balance Spa — also the first in the Caribbean— whose three couples' treatment rooms include outdoor showers and private plunge pools.
French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection
Marriott Rewards Category 9 — 45,000 points per night
The birthplace of the Bahamas, Eleuthera Island is as idyllic as they come — all pink sand beaches, azure waters, and colonial charm. It's a stunning backdrop to the French Leave Resort, designated an Autograph Collection property in December 2016, whose 12 villas each boast ocean views, shaded balconies, and golf cart service to traverse the resort's 260 acres. Snorkel, kayak, or try out a stand-up paddleboard right from the resort, or explore a bit farther afield with fishing or surfing excursions.
Hawaii
St. Regis Princeville Resort
SPG Category 7 — from 30,000 Starpoints per night
Kauai's beauty is legendary — the rugged green mountains, the quiet beach coves. With 251 guest rooms, including 51 premium suites, St. Regis Princeville Resort is the most luxurious resort at Hanalei Bay, on island's quiet northern coast. It's hard to say which is more appealing: the beach itself, with private cabanas and attentive service; or the 5,000-square-foot infinity pool, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Mexico

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Marriott Rewards Category 9 — from 45,000 points per night
Each of the recently renovated 448 hotel rooms and suites at this spacious property has its own oceanview balcony, while the resort itself boasts the largest spa in Cancun, a dive pool with an artificial reef and a stretch of the prettiest beach in Cancun's Hotel Zone. It's also ideally situated for the many attractions of the Riviera Maya, from the laid-back island of Isla Mujeres to the beachfront Mayan ruins of Tulum.
Costa Rica
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
World of Hyatt Category 4 — 15,000 points per night
An intriguing departure from Andaz's usual sleek, modern aesthetic, the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort is inspired by the surrounding jungle and is just the sort of place where monkeys might jump right onto your balcony. In keeping with the resort's laid-back feel, its two beaches, the quieter “Sombrero Claro” and the livelier “Sombrero Oscuro,” are more natural than manicured, with kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and waterskiing. The newest attraction is Andaz's Beach House, with lunch service, sunbed, and watersports; set on the stunning white-sand beach of Playa Nacascolo, it's just a 10-minute complementary shuttle from the resort.
Asia and the South Pacific

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Hilton Honors — 95,000 points per night
If clear waters, white sand and utter seclusion is what you're looking for, it's hard to improve on the Maldives. Set on two private islands connected by footbridge — accessible by seaplane or speedbeat only — the Conrad houses 150 villas: Beach Villas with private beach access, a small terrace and an open-air bathroom; Deluxe Beach Villas, with a private plunge pool; and Water Villas, built on stilts straight out over the lagoon itself. The property is situated on one of the world's premier coral reefs, so the snorkeling is as good as it gets.
Intercontinental Nha Trang, Vietnam
25,000 IHG Rewards Club points per night
If you're looking for scenic Vietnamese beaches with the convenience of a modern city, Nha Trang is your destination, with no shortage of restaurants, craft shops, and night markets. The Intercontinental Nha Trang is considered one of the country's most luxurious hotels; it's set on a prime stretch of shoreline, with 279 well-appointed guest rooms done up in shades that mimic the sand and sea. Beyond the property's three pools and four bars and restaurants, you can explore the temples, village, and uninhabited islands of the surrounding area.

Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, Malaysia
Ritz-Carlton Tier 2 — from 40,000 Ritz-Carlton Rewards points per night
While Thailand's islands tend to get all the attention, the Malaysian island of Langkawi is every bit as beautiful; it's also an ideal jumping-off point to Thailand's Ko Lipe, just an hour's boat ride away. Opened in September, the Ritz-Carlton Langkawi is among the finest resorts on the island, set on a private bay sheltered by verdant jungle. All rooms include large balconies with daybeds, while each of the villas sport private pools and a sundeck. While the entire property has a strong sense of design, the spa with overwater treatment rooms, styled after the woven fish traps used by local Malay fishermen, is particularly striking.
Le Méridien Bora Bora
SPG Category 7 — from 35,000 points per night
Thatched overwater bungalows on a private lagoon: imagine a heavenly retreat, and odds are it looks quite a bit like Le Méridien Bora Bora. Spend your days lazing on the white sand beaches near the pool bar, at more private stretches of sand around the inner lagoon, or at one of two infinity pools with Mount Otemanu as a backdrop. An onsite dive center is a scuba resource for both beginners and seasoned divers, while the resort's Ecological Center works to preserve the health of the coral reef.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
